Over several weeks photographing the Bosque del Apache, I fell deeply in love with its wondrous landscapes and the enchanting creatures who call it home. Although they call this place a wildlife refuge, it has become a destination of deep healing, creativity, and solace.

If only I could bottle up the ancient echoes of the sandhill cranes gurgling as they swoop over rusting fields of sunflowers, or somehow capture the way my heart leaps right through my chest, ascending with a joyful chorus of snow geese on winter mornings! One must awaken early to bear witness to the dawn glimmering through the clouds and see how the light is kissed back by the desert's listening ponds. The sights, the smells of mesquite and dust carried on the desert wind – how could this not be a wetland refuge for this artist's heart? 

I know I'm not alone in the wonder ignited by this sacred and scarce resource – over 300,000 of us flocked to the refuge last year alone! Truly, the Bosque del Apache National Wildlife Refuge is a well that overflows with wonder for all beings – including the most baffling species of all, us. 

“the world offers itself to your imagination”

MARY OLIVER

The River That Runs Through is Dry^*

This spring, the Rio Grande, the river whose water supply is key to the survival of this fragile oasis, ran dry north of the refuge – a water crisis which has persisted for a staggering six months, marking the worst drought since the 1950's. As a result, there is no way all the refuge wetlands can be filled this season – there simply isn't enough water to fill them! 

To make matters worse, New Mexico has entered a La Niña weather pattern which will continue to bring hotter and drier conditions over the coming year, further placing the refuge at serious risk. The Bosque del Apache needs our help repairing and replacing failing wells - many were installed 70 years ago. 

It's likely there isn't a single person reading this who lacks empathy for our cherished landscapes in crisis. I suspect the well of your compassion is as deep as it is wide – so wide, you probably couldn't wrap your arms around it if you tried. I've often felt powerless, not knowing what concrete action I can take that will truly make a difference, as a part of a community I can trust – I've found one: 

Filling The WELL

Please partner with me in filling The WELL, a community of HOPE created on behalf of the Bosque del Apache. Please join a community of HOPE in saving this world-renowned birding and wildlife destination at this critical time. In addition to 25% off your purchases through December 1st, an additional 10% will be donated to Friends of Bosque del Apache.

“Hope” is the thing with feathers - 

That perches in the soul, 

And sings the tune without words – 

And never stops - at all 

EMILY DICKINSON