GOVERNMENT SHUTDOWN

We have some difficult news to share. As of October 1, we are in a government shutdown. This means that all buildings and bathrooms at Bosque del Apache National Wildlife Refuge are closed until the shutdown lifts. It also means that our talented federal employees are on furlough and that no volunteer activities or tours can occur on the refuge grounds until the shutdown is over. 

While the refuge hiking trails and auto tour loops continue to be open from one hour before sunrise until one hour after sunset each day, we would like to remind the public that we all share a responsibility to be good and respectful stewards of this fragile habitat during a time when staff will not be present to assist with maintenance. If you do visit the refuge during the shutdown, please plan to pack out any trash that you might accumulate during your visit and understand that there will be no access to restrooms anywhere on site, including the tour loops. For more tips and information about how best to plan, please see this helpful article by the Leave No Trace Foundation.

Although our Nature Store in the Bosque del Apache Visitor Center will be closed, you can still place orders via our online store by clicking here. Please allow extra time for us to fulfill your order, in light of the shutdown. 

There is much we still do not know in this time of government shutdown, but as we learn new details about this changing situation, we will continue to share more information with you!

If you would like to make a donation to further the support Friends of Bosque del Apache can offer the refuge during this difficult time, please click here.