Birdsong fills the air. Welcome to Reserva Natural Urbana El Corredor. This isn’t just any park. It’s a testament to urban renewal. It began as a neglected area. A dumping ground for discarded cars and rubble.
In 2008 a transformation started. The Subsecretariat of Control and Urban Planning of San Miguel envisioned a green space. They partnered with the UNGS. Together they aimed to revive this land. The project was declared of municipal interest.
The restoration was a community effort. Volunteers pitched in. They cleaned the site. They replanted native flora. The Reserva Natural Urbana El Corredor opened in 2015. It became San Miguel’s first protected area. It’s now an 8.5-hectare haven. It sits along the Reconquista River.
The river itself has a story. The river’s course was straightened. The Reserva is a product of that change. The Reconquista River flows through 18 districts in Buenos Aires province. The Reserva Natural Urbana El Corredor is part of its middle basin.
The Reserva displays different environments. These include pampean grasslands. They also feature a talar (a type of woodland). A small artificial lagoon is a key feature. It supports diverse wildlife. You can see native birds amphibians and other animals.
Among the native plants are the tala tree. The ceibo tree is also present. This beautiful tree with vibrant red flowers was planted during the restoration. Other species include the Senna corymbosa the Allophylus edulis and the Passiflora caerulea. Some non-native plants remain. These are mostly from earlier municipal plantings. The plátano tree is a dominant example. It was introduced in 1902 by Adolfo Sourdeaux.
Over 100 bird species have been recorded here. This includes the benteveo the Guira guira and the real woodpecker. Waterfowl are also plentiful. You may spot the white-winged coot or the speckled gallinule. Reptiles and amphibians thrive too. Five amphibian species were documented in 2023.
The Reserva Natural Urbana El Corredor has earned recognition. In 2022 it won awards for environmental management. It was named among the top 20 innovative national experiences for land transformation.
The Reserva Natural Urbana El Corredor is more than a park. It shows how a community can transform a forgotten space. It’s a place of beauty and biodiversity. It’s a source of pride for San Miguel. It is a place to connect with nature. Enjoy your visit.