Red Canyon Reserve

In 2002, Quivira Coalition received a 320-acre tract of land in the eastern foothills of the San Mateo Mountains, south of Socorro, New Mexico. It was a surprise gift from the estate of Michael Belshaw, a former economics professor who had retired to the property.

Mike’s hope for Red Canyon Reserve was that it be “devoted to activities directed toward the preservation of the land and the wildlife, including, but not limited to, a wildlife refuge, research station, study retreat, or a demonstration ranch.”

Here’s what Quivira’s founder, Courtney White, had to say on the 10th anniversary of our stewardship of Red Canyon Reserve …

January 2012

“We were honored – but what exactly were we getting? Our initial reconnaissance revealed two things: first, the property is truly impressive. The majestic Red Canyon bisects the property as it runs eastward from the flanks of the San Mateo Mountains toward the Rio Grande. Sierra Blanca Peak is visible through Mockingbird Gap in the Oscura Range. We saw right away that large mammals and many species of birds were using the property. There was also evidence of use by Native communities, including several archaeological sites, historic campsites and structures, and rock art along canyon walls.

Second, we saw that the land was in poor health generally. Its ailments were typical of many small parcels of land in the arid Southwest. The problems included: sparse grass cover and low plant diversity; numerous deep gullies and erosion channels; poorly designed and constructed dirt roads; and poorly maintained fences and other infrastructure.

This presented us with a challenge: how do we go about restoring this small parcel to ecological health. Leave it alone? Or roll up our sleeves and get to work? We chose the latter option.”