Size:
5 acres
Location: Bernalillo County
Eco-region: Rio Grande Valley
Conservation Values: Agriculture & Scenic
Open Space
Type of Project: Donated Conservation Easement
Date Completed: December 2009
Property Description:In 1973, British economist E.F. Schumacher authored a collection of essays entitled “Small is Beautiful.” In the book, Schumacher challenged the common belief that “bigger is better” and argued for the use of small, appropriate technologies to give people more control over their lives.
This belief can be applied to ecology and land conservation as well. Urban environments often lack significant agricultural and natural open space areas that could contribute to local food production, scenic views, wildlife habitat preservation, and retention of the community identity.
The Sparks – West conservation easement is a prime example of an oasis of significant agricultural and scenic open space values in the middle of an intensely developed urban landscape. The Village of Los Ranchos shares NMLC’s belief in the importance of protecting these small open spaces and has joined NMLC as a co-holder for the conservation easement deed on this property. The owners, John and Cynthia Sparks, have been long-time advocates for land conservation and the donation of this conservation easement solidifies their commitment to the cause.
Half of the property is under irrigated cultivation, producing hay for local buyers. The other half includes a stand of mature cottonwoods that form part of the area’s natural heritage— the middle Rio Grande “Bosque.”
NMLC understands the importance of conservation in an urban environment, and— including our past efforts in Corrales—has successfully completed six projects in the greater Albuquerque area that support the preservation of small-scale agriculture and scenic open space.
Property Photos:
