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A unique urban nature preserve opened on Santa Fe's east side on April 20, 2002. Situated on Upper Canyon Road east of downtown Santa Fe, the Santa Fe Canyon Preserve is a 188-acre parcel that has long been habitat for birds and wildlife. It has also played a critical role in the history of Santa Fe's water supply and its early electric system. Now, thanks to the inspired idea of one PNM executive - and The Nature Conservancy's commitment to preserving and restoring open space - the land will be protected from development. Timed to coincide with Earth Day 2002, the preserve opened its gates to the public on April 20 for hiking, relaxation and educational purposes. The preserve contains the remnants of two structures important to Santa Fe's history: Old Stone Dam, built in 1881, and Two-Mile Dam, built in 1893. These dams represent the first attempt to harness the Santa Fe River to supply local residents with water. Once the largest structure in Santa Fe, Two-Mile dam was built using a herd of goats to stamp the soil in place. PNM owned the land for more than 80 years. At the urging of Marc Christensen, a PNM executive, PNM donated the land to The Nature Conservancy in April 2000 to protect it from future development. PNM has assisted The Nature Conservancy with the costs of restoring the land, building trails and creating educational and historical signs.
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Historical and recent photos from preserve