As we reflect on Thanksgiving, Audubon New Mexico (ANM) would like to express our deepest gratitude for our Audubon family. A united family from Southern to Northern New Mexico, across the Central Flyway, and throughout the country. An Audubon family dedicated to the conservation of our birds and our sacred water. A family that consists of chapter members, western rivers stewards, conservation partners, supporters, donors, volunteers, staff and educators. We are proud to be a part of a family that is truly steadfast in our commitment to protect New Mexico’s ribbons of life—our rivers.   

At Audubon New Mexico, we are thankful for the water that flows in our rivers. Water is life-saving as it is life-giving.

Rio Grande – The Ribbon of Life
Our work along the Middle Rio Grande has laid a vital foundation for environmental water transactions, river restoration, and continues to create paths for conservation work in New Mexico. These precedent-setting water transactions demonstrate how environmental water can be managed and allocated in New Mexico and other states which is especially important in the face of climate change and water scarcity. We are extremely grateful for our partnerships with the sovereign pueblo nations, the Club at Las Campanas, municipalities, the Bureau of Reclamation, and the Middle Rio Grande Conservancy District, and the generous support from The Bonneville Environmental Foundation, National Fish and Wildlife Foundation, Turner Foundation, Thornburg Foundation and The Coca-Cola Foundation because with these partnerships, we are able to have additional water flowing in the river when it’s needed most. 

Gila River
For the past six years, ANM, the Southwestern New Mexico Audubon Society, volunteers, supporters and partners, and have remained loyal in their commitment, to defend the Gila River from a dangerous proposed diversion. Currently, a draft environmental impact statement is being prepared by regulatory agencies to be released in the coming months. ANM is appreciative for the Gila River family, for their fight to preserve that last free-flowing river in the Southwest. A free-flowing Gila River that is a crown jewel and destination that is vital to the region’s recreational economy, wildlife and New Mexican traditions and culture.

As you can see, Audubon’s family legacy not only provides New Mexico but other states with conservation and education standards for bird and biodiversity protection, it unifies us with a shared vision, a bond—a bond of conservation leadership, responsibility and diligence of which we are so appreciative.

In the spirit of Thanksgiving, and on behalf of the hundreds of communities, thousands of children, hundreds of thousands of birds, and millions of acres of sacred water and land, our heartfelt thanks for supporting Audubon New Mexico and working alongside us!