Alumni Pond set to reopen June 1 as ecosystem restoration continues

After months of reconstruction, New Mexico State University’s Alumni Pond will reopen to the public on or before June 1, restoring a central campus gathering space while work continues to rebuild its ecosystem.  
 
Visitors will see a newly reconstructed pond and surrounding landscape still recovering from extensive construction. As aquatic vegetation becomes established, water levels are expected to fluctuate and conditions will continue to evolve through 2027.  
 
“There’s been a lot of progress made in bringing Alumni Pond back online,” said Jose Loera, executive director of Facilities and Services. “Creating a new ecosystem for a ‘put-and-take’ fishery involves a lot of people, hard work and good timing.”  
 
Fish will not be introduced immediately. The pond will first undergo an ecological establishment phase.  
 
“The keys to this project’s success – especially creating a sustainable ecosystem in the desert – will be vigilant maintenance and educating those who visit and use the pond,” Loera said.  
 
The project is a collaboration among several partners. Crosstown Construction & Trucking, L.L.C. of Las Cruces led construction with subcontractors. Molzen Corbin, with offices in Las Cruces, provided design and construction administration. NMSU Facilities and Services supported the project through its Grounds Maintenance, Irrigation and Energy Management teams.  
 
The New Mexico Department of Game and Fish’s Las Cruces office is assisting with water quality testing and will oversee fish stocking. University officials emphasized that community cooperation will play a key role as the ecosystem develops.  
 
“Establishing a new ecosystem in Alumni Pond will be a community effort,” Loera said. “Water quality and aquatic plant life are fundamental to reestablishing the pond, and we appreciate the patience and cooperation of visitors during this process.”  
 
Visitors are asked to follow posted guidelines and avoid introducing outside animals into the pond.  
 
“Introducing or dumping animals – including turtles, ducks or unauthorized fish – is counterproductive and strictly prohibited,” Loera said. “The Alumni Pond has long been a centerpiece of the NMSU main campus. Generations of Aggies and Las Cruceans have enjoyed it as a fishery and a recreational oasis in the heart of campus.”  
 
NMSU will continue to share updates as the restoration progresses.