Dry impoundments are disced or burned, then reflooded, to allow natural marsh plants to grow. When mature marsh conditions are reached, the cycle is repeated. Wildlife foods grown this way include smartweed, millets, chufa, bulrush, and sedges. Many cottonwood and willow bosques that once lined the Rio Grande have been lost to human developments. Salt cedar is being cleared and areas planted with cottonwood, black willow, and understory plants to restore native bosques that have higher value for wildlife.
Irrigation canals ensure critical water flow.
Daily monitoring, mowing, and clearing keeps them functioning. Controlling the water enables refuge staff to manage the habitat. Bosque del Apache NWR offers unique wildlife viewing opportunities. Most visit the refuge in winter when cranes, eagles, and snow geese are present. During the spring and fall, visitors can see migrant warblers, flycatchers and shorebirds.