Valle de Oro National Wildlife Refuge

A ‘Bridge’ to the Natural World

The Valle de Oro National Wildlife Refuge in Albuquerque, NM, aims to preserve and restore 570 acres of riparian habitat located on a former dairy farm along the Rio Grande. As part of this effort to conserve urban green space and reconnect the community to the natural world, our team envisioned a new visitor center to house exhibit spaces, classrooms, and offices for the community partners involved in the conservation effort. The facility allows the public direct access to a vast network of nature trails and provides flexible interior and exterior space for a variety of public and private events, including school field trips. The transformative project is a role model for sustainable design strategies such as rainwater harvesting, renewable energy systems, dark sky compliance, and bird-friendly design.