Patricia Hoban, Refuge Manager
P.O. Box 276
Maxwell, New Mexico 87728
Phone: 505/375-2331
Fax: 505/375-2332
FW2 RW Maxwell
Located in northeastern New Mexico at an elevation of 6050’, the Refuge encompasses 3,700 acres of short-grass prairie, playa lakes, woodlots, wetlands, and agricultural lands. Situated in an open basin, Maxwell is surrounded by high mesas to the east and northeast and to the west by the Sangre de Cristo Mountains. Since 1965, the Refuge has provided feeding and resting areas for wintering migratory waterfowl. From September to March, several thousand ducks, geese, swans and sandhill cranes occupy the refuge. Visitors can also see bald and golden eagles, falcons, hawks, great horned owls, burrowing owls, shorebirds, and several songbirds unique to short-grass prairie habitat.
Driving Directions
From Raton – Drive south on I-25 and take the Maxwell Exit (426). Drive north .8 miles on State Highway 445. At the intersection of State Highways 445 and 505, drive 2.5 miles west. Turn north on Lake 13 Road at the entrance sign and drive 1.25 miles to the Refuge Headquarters.
Wildlife and Habitat
Maxwell NWR supports a wide variety of habitats and is home to over 219 species of birds, 70 of which nest on the Refuge. Maxwell contains 2200 acres of short-grass prairie, 900 acres of lakes, 400 acres of agricultural fields, and roughly 200 acres of woodlots or other lands recovering from a long history of farming and grazing. Lakes 12,13, and 14 store water managed by the Vermejo Conservancy District for water delivery to local farmers and ranchers. Waterfowl numbers on these lakes reach their peak during the late fall and early winter months. It is during this time when as many as 30 bald eagles can be counted feeding on the resident and migratory waterfowl. Nesting species include Canada geese, blue-winged teal, cinnamon teal, gadwall, mallard, pied-billed grebe, eared grebe, Western grebe and American coot. Varying lake levels also create seasonally flooded mudflats that attract a variety of shorebirds during spring and fall migration.
Grassland birds, many of which are experiencing population declines throughout their ranges, rely upon the short-grass prairie habitat at Maxwell NWR for their survival. Refuge grasslands, dominated by buffalo grass and blue grama, support some of the highest densities of Grasshopper sparrows found anywhere in the state. Other grassland-dependent species seen at Maxwell and rarely off refuge include Cassin’s sparrow, Brewer’s sparrow, and Savannah sparrow. This habitat type also supports 3 black-tailed prairie dog colonies, totaling 130 acres. Burrowing owls can be seen in the summer raising their young in the prairie dog towns.,
The cottonwood and elm woodlots, remnants of old homesteads, provide unique habitats for local wildlife. These areas support nesting Swainson’s hawks, Red-tailed hawks, great-horned owls, ravens, mourning doves, wild turkey, warblers, and orioles. The woodlots also provide cover for resident mule deer and white-tailed deer and rarer visitors such as mountain lion and black bear.
Management Activities
Farming
Providing grain, green browse, and roosting habitat for wintering and migratory
waterfowl has been the primary management objective at Maxwell since its establishment
in 1965. Approximately 400 acres are planted in corn, winter wheat, barley,
and alfalfa. Annual precipitation can be unpredictable in some years, resulting
in drought conditions. During those times, dry land farming practices are our
only option.
Prairie and Habitat Restoration
Recent emphasis has focused on implementing a variety of tools (prescribed burning,
grazing, mowing, and re-seeding) to restore native grasslands. Control of invasive
plants such as Canada thistle, musk thistle, hoary cress, and salt cedar are
on-going in hopes of reclaiming native habitat and wildlife species diversity.
History
Vastly different concepts of land use and ownership can be seen in the history of Colfax county and northeastern New Mexico. Historically, the high plains were a source of food and an area of trade for several native tribes including the Comanche, Apache, Kiowa and Ute. Remnants of the Santa Fe Trail are within 2 miles of the Refuge boundary. Beginning in 1821, this 900 mile trail served as the main trading route for western settlers between Missouri and Santa Fe for over 60 years.
Maxwell NWR gains its name from the Maxwell Land Grant, established in 1848 by the Mexican government. The purchase of private lands within this land grant for the establishment of Maxwell NWR began in 1966 under the Migratory Bird Conservation Act in an effort to minimize crop depredation on neighboring farms.
Recreation and Education Opportunities
Fishing
Sport fishing is permitted in Lakes 13 and 14 from March 1 through October 31. New Mexico State fishing regulations apply. Lake 13 is stocked periodically with hatchery-reared rainbow trout. Other fish caught in Lake 13 include black bullhead, channel catfish, green sunfish, bluegill, yellow perch, walleye, and largemouth bass.
Interpretation
Leaflets, brochures, maps, bird lists, and posters are available at the refuge office. Interpretive and environmental education programs are also given upon request to area schools and other conservation groups.
Wildlife Observation and Photography
Birdwatching and nature photography are popular activities on the refuge. Seven miles of county roads bisect or surround the refuge and are open to the public to drive and observe wildlife. Bird enthusiasts are invited to help with special counts such as the Great Backyard Bird Count in February, the International Migratory Bird Count in May and the Christmas Bird Count in December.
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Last Updated August 11, 2005