Vermejo, a Ted Turner Reserve

Major wins for wildlife at Vermejo’s half a million-plus acre nature reserve in northern New Mexico include the repopulation of American bison herds and reintroduction of Rio Grande cutthroat trout, helping to bring both species back from the brink of extinction. Beavers, a species that indicates healthy waterways and ecosystems, have recently moved into the Vermejo River area and can occasionally be spotted by guests hard at work in the early morning hours or around dusk.

Vermejo works to regenerate aspen stands in its upland forests and thins ponderosa pine stands to their natural conditions to help maximize carbon sequestration. Riparian conservation projects focus on maintaining sustainable groundwater tables and restoring and protecting overgrazed riverbanks to promote healthy fish populations.

Vermejo’s extensive conservation efforts invite guests to reconnect with the land’s restorative power, fostering a deeper appreciation for and relationship with the natural world. Toward that goal, outdoor adventures range from catch-and-release fly fishing among the reserve’s 19 lakes to hiking and horseback riding. Hands-on and educational experiences include volunteering on riverbank restoration projects and setting out on bison expeditions to learn about the reserve’s genetically unique Castle Rock herd.

Education has become a major focus at Vermejo, a Ted Turner Reserve. In addition to authentic and meaningful experiences that showcase the transformative power of nature and the region’s rich biodiversity, there are kid-friendly options for younger guests as well, such as learning about the lifecycles of insects, geocaching, and the junior trackers program that helps instill values in the next generation of conservationists.

Guest accommodations, including the solar-powered, LEED Silver-certified Costilla Fishing Lodge, are built with timber and stone sourced from the reserve. Low-flow toilets and showerheads throughout all guest and staff housing help conserve the region’s precious water supplies.