Bosque del Apache National Wildlife Refuge
| Bosque del Apache National Wildlife Refuge | |
|---|---|
IUCN category IV (habitat/species management area) | |
Snow geese at Bosque del Apache | |
| Location | Socorro County, New Mexico, United States |
| Nearest city | San Antonio, NM |
| Coordinates | 33°52′9″N 106°50′35″W / 33.86917°N 106.84306°W |
| Area | 57,331 acres (232.01 km2) |
| Established | 1939 |
| Visitors | 160,000 (in 2006) |
| Governing body | U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service |
| Website | Bosque del Apache National Wildlife Refuge |
The Bosque del Apache National Wildlife Refuge (/ˈboʊskeɪ dɛl əˈpætʃi/ BOH-skay del ə-PATCH-ee, Spanish: [ˈboske ðel aˈpatʃe]; "Woodland of the Apache") is a National Wildlife Refuge located in southern New Mexico. It was founded in 1939 and is administered by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. It is a favorite spot to observe sandhill cranes, which spend the fall and winter in the area. The reserve is open year-round and provides safe harbor for its varied wildlife. Visitors to the refuge also enjoy partaking in activities such as hiking, cycling, driving tours on the 12-mile scenic auto route, and participating in educational programs offered on site.