According to Forbes Magazine, New Mexico features one of the country's more "pristinely diverse" landscapes. Many prime examples are found around Bernalillo County at these stunning locations, where our real estate agents love to get some peace and tranquility.

• Whitfield Wildlife Conservation Area - 2424 Hwy. 47, Belen, NM 87002
  Not far from Belen homes for sale sits a large cottonwood-willow riparian forest, also known as a bosque, that provides water for irrigation and a sanctuary for wildlife. In 2003, 97 acres were established as the Whitfield Wildlife Conservation Area to protect the land from the effects of agriculture and urbanization. A Visitors' and Education Center, opened in 2009, was added to promote awareness and knowledge of wetlands ecology.  Highlights of the area include a one-mile hiking trail and the Rio Abajo Botanical Garden. Hours are 8 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday.
  
  
• Rio Grande Nature Center State Park - 2901 Candelaria NW, Albuquerque, NM 87107
  Rio Grande Nature Center State Park serves as a 38-acre living classroom where visitors can explore this valuable ecosystem. Each year, approximately 40,000 people come to the park to participate in festivals, educational programs, and guided tours. With roughly 250 species of birds inhabiting the grounds, the park is known as a popular spot for bird-watching. Don't miss the colorful Native Plant Garden and the Mariposaville Pollinator Garden. Park hours are 8 a.m. - 5 p.m. daily and admission is $3 per vehicle. 
  
  
• Open Space Visitor Center - 6500 Coors NW, Albuquerque, NM 87120
  Art meets nature at the Open Space Visitor Center, located just minutes from Albuquerque homes for sale. As part of their mission to preserve natural resources, Open Space manages 18 acres of farmland that rotates crops of corn, sorghum, millet, and alfalfa. The visitor center provides indoor and pet-friendly outdoor areas to view Sandhill cranes and other migratory birds that make their way through the farm. There is also an art gallery and outdoor installations that offer fascinating interpretations of the lands protected by Open Space. Hours are 9 a.m. - 5 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday.
  
  
• Willow Creek Bosque - Willow Creek Rd. NE, Rio Rancho, NM 87144
  Willow Creek Bosque, another Open Space project, is a hidden gem right down the street from Rio Rancho homes for sale. At 3.1 acres, this dog-friendly spot is much smaller than many of the other natural areas, but it has enough charm and beauty for an extended visit. Two trails, one measuring 0.75 miles and the other at 1.75 miles, are well-suited to a family outing. A bird blind and benches scattered along the trails provide unobtrusive places to view birds and wildlife. Willow Creek Bosque is open daily from 6 a.m. - 8 p.m.
  
  
• ABQ BioPark - 903 10th St. SW, Albuquerque, NM 87102
  Think of ABQ BioPark as an amusement park for nature lovers. Located along the Rio Grande River, conveniently close to downtown Albuquerque, the BioPark consists of a zoo, aquarium, botanic garden, and beach. Not surprisingly, this impressive facility is the top tourist destination in New Mexico, attracting upwards of 1.5 million visitors each year. The zoo, aquarium, and garden are open 9 a.m. - 5 p.m. daily, while Tingley Beach is open from sunrise to sunset. Admission to the zoo and aquarium/garden can be purchased separately or as a combo. Tickets range from $6-$22, with free admission for ages 2 and under.

These spectacular attractions are only part of the reason why New Mexico is known as the Land of Enchantment. Contact us at Coldwell Banker Legacy for all your local real estate needs.