Nestled in what was once a concrete dumpsite for Doña Ana County lies a hidden ecological treasure: La Mancha Wetlands. As Las Cruces’ only wetland, this four-acre, man-made oasis provides a crucial habitat for countless species and a small glimpse of what the region's ecosystem once looked like before development transformed the present-day landscape.
In 2010, after years of advocacy to secure state funding and land access along the Rio Grande, the Southwest Environmental Center (SWEC) started the La Mancha Restoration Project. In an ambitious effort to create wildlife habitat along the Rio Grande, particularly for fish suffering from agricultural water diversions, SWEC transformed the small property into a vibrant ecosystem through community effort. In 2022, SWEC passed the stewardship to Nuestra Tierra Conservation Project to continue restoration efforts with a commitment to manage this vital project.
But what makes La Mancha so special isn't just its role as a wildlife sanctuary — it's the community that has built and sustained it. Two dedicated volunteers, David Patterson and Jim Mulhauser, are at the heart of this community, selflessly committing their free time, every week, to help the wetlands thrive.
Meet David Patterson & Jim Mulhauser: The Men of La Mancha
Every Thursday morning for the past five years, David (pictured left) and Jim (pictured right) arrive at La Mancha, armed with tools, knowledge, and an unwavering dedication to this piece of nature. Their work includes clearing invasive tumbleweeds, maintaining trails, watering native vegetation, and monitoring the pond's health — all crucial efforts for preserving the intricate balance of this biodiverse ecosystem.
David, who moved to Las Cruces with his wife in December of 2019, after retiring, discovered La Mancha by chance when attending a bat observation event. "I fell in love with the place," he recalls. With a lifelong passion for plants that began in his grandmother's garden in Georgia, David found purpose in tending to La Mancha's diverse flora.
"It fulfills something in me to be out in nature and feeling like I am contributing to make it possible for birds, bees, butterflies, ducks, geese, frogs, turtles, to have a chance," David shares. "Which they are losing rapidly, as we all know, due to development and climate change."
For Jim, La Mancha is reminiscent of childhood memories. "This reminds me of [the] very little that I remember from where I was born on a farm in Arkansas. We had a little pond that I used to go to as a kid." After retiring, Jim was looking for meaningful ways to spend his time. "I love being out here. It's just a wonderful, quiet place that nurtures me."
Both men share concerns about the wetland's future. "The water quality is suffering," Jim explains, "and because of that, the wildlife it can support is suffering as well."
Yet their vision remains hopeful. Both David and Jim see La Mancha as not just a restorative project but an educational one — a place where people, especially youth, can develop an appreciation for nature and what it has to offer. "This place can educate young people coming up who are establishing values," Jim notes.
David adds, "Wetlands were a normal thing for much of the West from Texas all the way to California, and we have destroyed about 95% of them. That's why this is such an important reminder of what wetlands are supposed to be. They literally are the kidneys of the earth."
Through their dedicated volunteering, David and Jim ensure that La Mancha continues to thrive as both a wildlife sanctuary and a living classroom for generations to come.
Ways to support ongoing restoration efforts for La Mancha
Want to join David and Jim in restoring and protecting this vital wetland? Here's how you can help:
- Join Us For Our Third Annual Earth Day at La Mancha 🌎
Free To Attend + Registration Required: tinyurl.com/EarthDayAtLaMancha
9:00AM - 12:00PM | Saturday, April 26 | La Mancha Wetlands
- Become A Dedicated La Mancha Volunteer 🌿
Sign-up here: tinyurl.com/LaManchaVolunteer
Get involved in hands-on conservation efforts right here in Las Cruces
- Donate To Support Ongoing Restoration Efforts At La Mancha 🧡
Give here: tinyurl.com/SupportLaMancha
For the first time ever, Nuestra Tierra Conservation Project has launched a designated giving campaign through the month of April, to support ongoing restoration efforts at the La Mancha Wetlands right here in Las Cruces.
As David notes, restoring La Mancha requires "money and determination." Your support ensures La Mancha can continue serving as both a wildlife habitat and a community space for future generations!
To learn more about La Mancha Wetlands click here