Juvenile Swainson

Bird and Plant Lists

Here are pdf format files of most recent bird and plant lists

Accomplishments at Whitfield for 2010


  1. Three moist soil units were brought into production for feeding wintering birds

  2. Restoration plantings including visitor center landscaping -1,980 individual wildflowers, cacti, shrubs and trees were planted

  3. Pollinators project: 36 species, 669 plants

  4. Boy Scout projects including kestrel boxes, wood duck boxes, orchard bee houses, bat boxes, compost bin, cold frame, and kiosk

  5. Comprehensive Management Plan completed for Whitfield

  6. Richard Becker Library established

  7. Desert Willow Festival held in August including a native plant sale

  8. Speakers Series: four very engaging presentations

  9. Visitors: over 2,000 visitors to Whitfield from 25 different states, one visitor from England, and 30 cities, towns and tribal areas in New Mexico

  10. Audubon Thursday Birders visiting and documenting birds each season at Whitfield

  11. 30 soil scientists from around the country/NRCS came to look at arid soils.

  12. Visit from the Undersecretary of Agriculture for Natural Resources, Sherman Harris

  13. SOS – 60 students over 5 weeks in June and July

  14. High School Class – fall 2009/spring 2010

  15. Education program: Including school visits, 880 adults and 3,030 students were served by the program

  16. Volunteer hours: volunteers contributed 3,443 hours worth $70,581.50



FAQs

Frequently Asked Questions (A Short guide for Friends of Whitfield volunteers)

  1. What is Whitfield Wildlife Conservation Area? See Project Background section in Friends brochure  or the "About Whitfield" tab on this website

  2. Where is Whitfield? See map in Friends brochure.

  3. What is Friends of Whitfield? See Purpose and Goals in Friends brochure  or the interactive map with directions on this website.

  4. Who "owns" Whitfield? The Valencia Soil & Water Conservation District.

  5. What is the Valencia Soil and Water Conservation District? VSWCD was originally organized May 1st 1947 and is one of 47 Districts in NM. The VSWCD consists of a Board of Supervisors and one employee who carries out their directives. The District is minimally funded through the NMDA and must seek grants to carry out projects that address local natural resources concerns. Valencia  SWCD’s Board currently consists of 5 elected ‘Supervisors’  who are landowners within the District boundaries and serve 4 year terms. Also currently, two appointed supervisors as well as three associate supervisors serve through the VSWCD.  The District area includes all of Valencia County, and some small adjoining portions of 5 counties including Torrance, Bernalillo, Sandoval, Cibola and Socorro as well as Laguna & Isleta Pueblos by tribal resolutions.  

  6. What kind of native plants have been planted at Whitfield? Cottonwood, Black Willow, Screwbean Mesquite, New Mexico Olive, False Willow, Wolfberry, Skunkbush (Sumac), Golden currant, False Indigo, Apache plume, Desert Willow, some Oaks, and a mix of native flowers & grasses.
  7. When were the plantings done? 2005 is the first year of restoration planting.
            1)    February 2005 - north 'Buffer Zone' (does not include back west field)
            2)    March 2006 - additional plantings North Buffer Zone area.
            3)    November 2006 - borders along south access road around north to along west border and north border of back west field.
            4)    March 2007 - northwest field throughout mostly southern half before wildlife food crop area.
            5)    October 2007 - Variety of Oak species planted on west border of southwest 'native meadow' area.
            6)    March 2008 - additional riparian area plantings north buffer/riparian zone.
            7)    Dec. 2008 - wildlife habitat strip meanders from alfalfa valve outlet just south of the East Pond to pond and north of pond to Buffer Zone/riparian area.
            8)    March 2009  - Arboretum planting and native grass/forbs meadow -  east half of East Pond between the East Pond and access road.
  8. What gets planted in the food plot? Alternates each year between milo and corn
  9. When is Whitfield open? 365 days a year, dawn to dusk. Education Center open 8-2 Friday and Saturday after December 5, 2009.
  10. Is Whitfield handicap accessible? Currently access is limited, and available only when the gates are open.
  11. How can we visit Whitfield when the gates are closed? Through the green gates along Highway 47 or around the fence on the north side and then through the pass through east of the pond
  12. Is there a fee? No entrance fee for visitors. There will be a $150 fee for groups whose activities are compatible with WWCA mission. 
  13. What is the phone number to call for information? 865-5807

  14. How can I get involved? Join the Friends!! See the brochure.

  15. Can school groups or other groups come for a tour? By appointment.

  16. Can we bring our dogs to walk around Whitfield? Sorry, but no dogs or other pets are allowed.

  17. What kinds of things do volunteers do?  There are many opportunities including:

    • Ambassador: (greet public, clerical/general office, open and close facility, etc.) 
    • Educator: (community programs, school visits, on-site presentations, tours, etc.)
    • Displays: (graphic design, construction, carpentry, photography, etc.) 
    • Outreach Events: (public relations, festivals, fairs, special events, etc.)
    • Writing: (newsletter, editing, articles, grants, etc.) 
    • Dr. Richard Becker Library: (developing, cataloging, maintaining, etc.)
    • Outdoor Tasks: (weeding, planting, trails, etc.)

  18. If I become a volunteer how many hours a week/month would I have to give? The hours vary depending on the job

  19. Can you access the Rio Grande from WWCA? Not yet. In the future, we hope to have a bridge over the drain to connect WWCA with the bosque and river.

  20. Is hunting allowed at Whitfield?  No.