Water in El Paso? Yes, and birds, gardens, archaeology, too, at Keystone Heritage Park

Keystone Heritage Park in El Paso's Upper Valley is a huge surprise in the center of the city.  The 52 acre park has wetlands, a botanical garden, an archeological site and birding opportunities. 

Keystone wetlands is home to  many species of birds and is on the migratory route for even more.  According to their website, over 193 species of birds have been found there, including 22 considered rare by the Audubon Society.

The archeological site was first discovered in the 1970s during the construction of flood control dams, when a portion of an ancient pitch house was found.  Later, it was believed to be part of a village, and according to National Geographic magazine, possibly "one of the oldest and largest villages of its kind in the United States."  The site is open to visitors only with a guide.

The botanical gardens feature a xeric demonstration garden, a children's garden, amphitheater, moonlight garden and ethno-botanical garden.

To learn more, visit Keystone's website, here.