Riverside Nature Center in Farmington Offers Year-Round Wildlife Viewing, Trail Access

Riverside Nature Center in Animas Park provides year-round opportunities for wildlife viewing, environmental education, and direct access to the Animas River trail system. The center overlooks constructed wetlands and features an indoor viewing room with large windows, rotating exhibits on riverside plants and animals, and demonstration gardens that include herb and xeriscape plantings.

Visitors will find regular public programming aimed at a range of ages and interests. The center hosts bird-watching events, guided nature walks, and family programs, creating accessible entry points for residents and visitors to learn about local ecosystems. Seasonal hours are posted by the City of Farmington; admission is typically donation-based, and groups can arrange appointments with the center for tailored visits.

Riverside Nature Center also serves as a practical trailhead. It is a hub for birding on the Animas River Trails and a recommended starting point for exploring nearby Berg Park and the riverwalk. The trail system is a certified National Recreational Trail and offers more than eight miles of multi-surface trails, linking wetland habitat and riparian corridors with broader recreational routes in San Juan County.

For local residents the center combines low-cost recreation with hands-on education. Donation-based admission and group appointment options lower barriers for families, school groups, and community organizations seeking outdoor experiences in winter and summer. The indoor viewing room and rotating exhibits extend the center’s usability during colder months, supporting year-round engagement in a part of the county where outdoor programming can be seasonal.

From an economic and policy perspective, the center and the certified trail system together strengthen Farmington’s outdoor recreation amenities. Trails with National Recreational Trail certification can enhance the visibility of local assets and may bolster grant applications, volunteer support, and regional marketing efforts that attract birders and nature tourists. Maintaining wetland habitats and demonstration gardens also reinforces local conservation priorities and complements municipal efforts to manage riverfront green space.

Practical details, including current hours, programming schedules, and group visit arrangements, are available through the City of Farmington Riverside Nature Center page. As the county looks to expand recreational and educational offerings, the center provides an accessible, year-round focal point for connecting people to the Animas River and the birdlife and plants that depend on it.