In August 2025, ECORP biologists Mari Quillman and Taylor Dee met with United States Fish and Wildlife (USFWS) biologists at three National Wildlife Refuges (NWR) in northeastern New Mexico. The goal was to tour the NWRs with USFWS, conduct an assessment, and provide USFWS with recommendations for improving native wildlife habitat on the NWRs. The effort was coordinated by the Friends of the Northern New Mexico National Wildlife Refuges, a non-profit and non-government organization that serves the three NWRs: Las Vegas NWR, Rio Mora NWR and Conservation Area, and Maxwell NWR. Each refuge is unique and supports a variety of wildlife by providing habitat, and supports the surrounding communities with opportunities for education, awareness, and recreation.
Mari Quillman at Rio Mara NWRIn coordination with the Friends Group and USFWS, ECORP assessed the NWRs to initiate a barn owl box project at Las Vegas NWR and Maxwell NWR and to enhance riparian habitat at Rio Mora in support of riparian birds such as yellow-billed cuckoo and willow flycatcher. Based on ECORP’s experience with barn owl boxes and riparian restoration, and knowledge of riparian bird species, ECORP provided NWR-specific recommendations to USFWS. Plans to install barn owl boxes at Las Vegas NWR and Maxwell NWR are underway based on ECORP’s assessment. Additionally, ECORP’s recommendations for Rio Mora will be used for future restoration efforts.
For more information, please contact Mari Quillman.
