RIO GRANDE NATURE CENTER HOMEPAGE This 270 acre park along the Rio Grande bosque, or riparian forest, is a sanctuary for warblers and waterfowl, coyotes and 100 year old cottonwood trees. More than 260 species of birds rest during migration or nest in stands of cottonwoods, willow, tamarisk and Russian olive. About 2 miles of nature trails offer a sense of tranquility in the dappled shade of ...