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U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service

Don Clapp, Manager
P.O. Box 549
Muleshoe, Texas 79347
Phone: 806/946-3341
Fax: 806/946-3317
FW2 RW Muleshoe

How to Get There: From Muleshoe, Texas: Go south on Highway 214 13 miles to Needmore, then follow FM 298 northwest approximately 15 miles to the New Mexico state line. Turn left onto the 1/2 mile long entrance road, which ends at a small parking area. From Portales, New Mexico: Go approximately 25 miles southeast on Highway 88 to the Texas state line, then turn right onto the refuge entrance road.

Index: Things to do at the Refuge, Species List, A Few Simple Rules, Volunteering at the Refuge.

Grulla National Wildlife Refuge is located in Roosevelt County, New Mexico, near the small town of Arch, approximately 25 miles northwest of Muleshoe National Wildlife Refuge. Grulla NWR, which is managed by the staff at Muleshoe NWR, is 3,236 acres, more than 2,000 of which is the saline lake bed of Salt Lake. The rest of the refuge is grassland.

When the lake holds sufficient water, Grulla NWR is a beneficial wintering area for lesser sandhill cranes. Ring-necked pheasant, scaled quail, and lesser prairie chicken are also often seen on or near the refuge.

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Things to do at the Refuge

Grulla NWR is open to wildlife observation and viewing. There is a small parking area near the entrance, as well as an interpretive trail.

Wildlife Viewing Tips

• Dawn and dusk are the best times to see wildlife. In warmer climates, little is moving on hot summer afternoons or on windy days.
• Observe from the sidelines. Leave "abandoned" young animals alone. A parent is probably close by waiting for you to leave. Don't offer snacks; your lunch could disrupt wild digestive systems.
• Cars make good observation blinds. Drive slowly, stopping to scan places wildlife might hide. Use binoculars or a long lens for a closer look.
• Try sitting quietly in one good location. Let wildlife get used to your presence. Many animals that have hidden will reappear once they think you are gone. Walk quietly in designated areas, being aware of sounds and smells. Often you will hear more than you will see.
• Teach children quiet observation. Other wildlife watchers will appreciate your consideration.
• Look for animal signs. Tracks, scat, feathers and nests left behind often tell interesting stories.

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Species Lists

Birds of Grulla NWR

A Few Simple Rules

To protect habitat and keep Grulla NWR a safe place for wildlife and people, please follow these simple rules:

• Please drive only on designated roads.
• Firearms, bows, and other weapons are prohibited.
• Grulla NWR should be a quiet place to enjoy nature--please leave fireworks, loud radios, and other sound equipment at home.
• Hiking is allowed on all refuge areas except adjacent to the residence and refuge lake shores (which are posted when closed during periods of high sandhill crane and waterfowl use).
• Keep wild things wild--all plants and animals are protected and should not be disturbed or collected.
• Hunting, fishing, boating, and swimming are not allowed on the refuge.
• Please leave only your footprints; take all litter with you.
• Please keep all pets on a leash; or better yet, leave pets at home.

Volunteering at the Refuge

Volunteers are needed year round to help with various refuge tasks, including maintenance, waterfowl banding, wildlife surveys, and visitor services. Please contact the refuge for more information.

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SeeNew Mexico Links for more information about natural areas and tourism in New Mexico.

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http://sturgeon.irm.r2.fws.gov/u2/refuges/newmex/mule.html - revised April 15, 2002

KEYWORDS=fish, wildlife, animals, birds, volunteer, New Mexico, refuge

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