Rio Grande Village Nature Trail Stop #1

Rio Grande Village Nature Trail boardwalk

NPS/C. Negele

Quick Facts

Location:

Rio Grande Village Nature Trail

Amenities

3 listed

Historical/Interpretive Information/Exhibits, Scenic View/Photo Spot, Wheelchair Accessible

Chihuahuan Desert wetlands are rare and unexpected oases which nurture life in the midst of a harsh environment. This life-filled, spring-fed pond has formed as a result of beaver at work! A surprising animal to find in the desert, the beaver here along the Rio Grande are called "bank beaver" since they construct dens in the river bank instead of building lodges. Furthermore, the beaver is listed as an endangered species in Mexico and must compete with nutria, an exotic non-native species often seen in the pond. It is easy to mistake a nutria for a beaver, but close examination of the tail will reveal the differences in these two large rodents. As you walk this trail, look closely for evidence of beaver activity.