Description
Established in 1991, we are a member-supported, grassroots conservation organization based in Las Cruces, New Mexico.
Our mission is to protect and restore native wildlife and their habitats in the Southwestern borderlands, through advocacy, education and on-the-ground projects.
We speak for wildlife and wild places. We work to protect and restore vital habitats, like Otero Mesa and the Rio Grande, and endangered species, like the Mexican Grey Wolf.
Our facility, located on Las Cruces’ downtown mall, provides a focal point for environmental activity and information in the region. Open to the public, it features 5000 square feet of office and meeting space, a library and information displays, a 90-foot mural, a retail store, and a 600-gallon Rio Grande aquarium. A growing number of other nonprofit groups rent space from us and/or use the space for their public programs. A rooftop photovoltaic system demonstrates the benefits of solar power.
Our popular Back by Noon outings program and our hiking guide--Day Hikes and Nature Walks in the Las Cruces--El Paso Area--have introduced hundreds of people to the natural history of our area. Our Cottonwood Gallery features a variety of rotating environmental art exhibits. We offer educational programs on a variety of topics throughout the year. We publish a newsletter, The Mesquite Grill, quarterly.
The Southwest Environmental Center has a full-time staff of three persons, and an active board of directors. We invite the public to learn more about us. Visitors are welcomed to our facility Monday through Friday, 9 am to 6 pm.
