Our Volunteer Experience at Bosque del Apache National Wildlife Refuge

San Antonio, NM (weather is improving high 70 low 40 degrees, blue skies)

Bosque del Apache Visitor Center

We have spent the past four months at a beautiful Fish and Wildlife Refuge in central New Mexico called Bosque del Apache. It's a gem and a birders paradise. Sandhill Cranes and Snow Geese spend the winter here plus lots of duck, eagles, hawks, and other birds. We got here just before the Festival of the Cranes which draws in lots of birders, photographers, and nature lovers. So what has it been like to volunteer here?  This post will give you a glimpse into our experience.

John and I at the Visitor Center desk

We volunteer three days a week in exchange for our campsite. My responsibilities have included working at the visitor center and roving out on the refuge. This refuge has about 200,000 visitors annually and most come during the time we have been here. 

Bird feeders are visited frequently by our feathered friends.

Part of my responsibility include greeting visitors and talking to them about the refuge and where they may be able to see the "fly in and/or fly out".  This emotional and exhilarating experience occurs around sunset and sunrise each day when the cranes and geese leave the ponds and return each evening. It's an amazing wildlife moment. The geese actually lift off or return in huge flocks all at one time. Thousands of them often times swirl around you in a snow globe fashion.

Snow Geese coming in for the night to roost on the pond

Part of the visitor center responsibilities include opening and closing the center. There is some small housekeeping tasks and money is balanced for the passes and entry fees sold. Bird feeders need to be filled often and weather information is recorded along with how many visitors came into the center. The American Flag is raised and lowered each day and some of the displays need to be turned on or off. We all help with these tasks and there is a very detailed check list which explains how to do everything. We have been very impressed with how well everything is thought out and explained. A ranger is always available if you need assistance with a visitors question.  We also go to the Post Office to pick up mail and packages. Our orientation at the beginning was very well done and the best we have received.

There is a nice Nature Store in the center. We do not work in this area but sure like shopping here. We get a small discount off of merchandise and a gift certificate to use at the end of obligation. Nice!

Danielle demonstrates one her favorite puppets. 

Roving involves taking out one of the federal vehicles and driving around the auto loops.  We talk to visitors and monitor  restricted areas to be sure they are not entered. If there are violations we contact refuge staff. We also set up spotting scopes for the visitors to see the birds up close. Many of the visitor have phenomenal camera equipment and have been here numerous times.  We also stop at the bathrooms to be sure they are well stocked and clean. In addition, we refill trail maps at the trail head. Roving also helps us be able to know where and what birds are being seen so this information can be conveyed at the visitor center.

Sandhill Canes

John has volunteered at the fee booth. He collects entry fees or checks passes and also distributes maps of the auto loop. He also roves each day. We are in good communication with the visitor center when we are roving so the most up to date information can be given out to visitors. 

Our site

Volunteer Loung

Our site is a 50 amp full hook up site. It's gravel and the sites are well spaced. There are 16 sites here. A great benefit is the volunteer lounge with a big TV and comfy couches. There is also a huge kitchen we have all utilized. Laundry facilities and a shower are available if needed. Lots of pot lucks have been organized and oftentimes we meet to play board or card games. This lounge really helps volunteers interact and we have had some fun times together and made some really great friends. Now that's definitely a great perk. 

Lending library

Kitchen and eating area

One of many potlucks

The weather can be quite chilly especially in December and January. We added heater tape to our water hose and oftentimes need to use our propane to heat. We also bought an oscillating electric heater to supplement. Average temperatures during this time can be in the low 20's and high 40's. We wore a warm coat, mittens, hat, and long underwear most of the time. The refuge does replenish your propane which is very nice. There is WYFI but very poor. I needed to use my own Verizon hotspot most of the time. Verizon phone signal is great. 

The closest grocery store is about 20 minutes away in Socorro. There are some nice restaurants here too. Post office is only 8 miles away in San Antonio with limited hours and friendly staff. There is also a Walmart in Socorro and a good auto service shop. There is no movie theatre .  The closest one is in Albuquerque about 80 miles away. We do go there often to shop for groceries at the military base and all the conveniences such as  Costco/Sams Club, and Traders Joe for three buck Chuck!  

Refrigerator for use by volunteers 

Laundry

New Mexico is a beautiful state and the refuge being centrally located has enabled us to make lots of fun day and weekend trips.  For the first time we have stayed in B&B's and inns rather than moving the motorhome. We traveled often with Bob and Amy a volunteer couple here at the refuge. We have had some great time together exploring, hiking, and have shared lots and lots of laughs.  

Our recent visit to Santa Fe and Tent Rock National Monument was beautiful. Snow fell while we were there  and it was so pretty. 

Amy and Bob and Tent Rocks

Tent Rock National Monument overlook

John and Bob at Lorenzo Caverns

Audobon Nature Center Santa Fe with Bob and Amy

We have met many interesting visitors and have made some lasting friendships here. It's been an awesome experience and although we are ready to be on the road again it's difficult to leave. This is a special place.  If you are interested in volunteering here be sure to watch for their opportunities on www.volunteer.gov website.  They use volunteers year round and we'd highly recommend this refuge. We'd like to thank all the staff for making this such a great experience. We will miss the call of the Sandhill Crane and will certainly be back again soon.