New field trip series success
Earlier this month, we hosted Wild Connections Week, a series of field trips and events that explored where and how wildlife are moving across the Sonoran Desert and highlighted the importance of protecting and connecting our region’s unique landscapes.
Throughout the week, we welcomed our community, partners, and local leaders for a behind-the-scenes look at the creative solutions and current challenges affecting wildlife movement in Pima County. These field trips were designed to showcase the on-the-ground successes and spark conversation about the challenges and opportunities ahead as our region continues to grow.
Wild Connections Week was a reminder that conservation is, at its core, a collaborative effort. The success of initiatives such as the Ann Day Memorial Wildlife Bridge and the Sonoran Desert Conservation Plan depends on strong partnerships, a connected community, and a shared commitment to protecting the Sonoran Desert.
We look forward to continuing working together to ensure that the Sonoran Desert remains a protected and connected place where people and wildlife can thrive!
Exploring the Santa Cruz River Wildlife Ramp
Our first stop was the Santa Cruz River Wildlife Ramp, a one-of-a-kind structure that helps wildlife cross the river’s steep flood-control levees. This was a great opportunity to discuss what wildlife are using and exploring the ramp, the impact of the I-10 freeway on wildlife movement in this area, and where we hope to see a future wildlife bridge over I-10 to reconnect the landscape between the Tucson and Tortolita Mountains.
We were joined by the Santa Cruz Watershed Collaborative, who shared with the group about the history of the Santa Cruz River and the latest conservation projects in the river corridor.
Crossing the CAP canal in Avra Valley
Next, we visited one of the custom wildlife land bridges built along the Central Arizona Project (CAP) canal in Avra Valley, one of our priority conservation areas. These land bridges were built as part of the Tucson Mitigation Corridor, a project designed to protect wildlife movement across the CAP canal and offset habitat fragmentation caused by the construction of the canal.
This site also gave us a chance to view the landscape that could be impacted by the proposed I-11 freeway and see a fraction of the desert (and homes) that would be lost if the project were to move forward.
CSDP’s Co-Executive Director Kate Hotten leads the way.
Why didn’t the tortoise cross Picture Rocks Road?
Later in the week we met at Picture Rocks Road in Saguaro National Park, where we discussed how the high traffic there threatens the movement of tortoises and many other creatures across the Tucson Mountains and within Saguaro National Park West. We were joined by partners from Saguaro National Park and the Tucson Herpetological Society who shared their expertise and unique perspectives.
Together, we explored a nearby trail to scout for tortoises and found a tortoise burrow!
Sunset at the Wildlife Bridge – 10th anniversary celebration!
To cap off the week, and as part of the yearlong celebration of the 25th anniversary of the Sonoran Desert Conservation Plan, we celebrated a major milestone: the 10th anniversary of the Ann Day Memorial Wildlife Bridge in the Catalina-Tortolita Mountains wildlife linkage. This special event brought together more than 100 guests for a rare opportunity to tour the bridge and enjoy a cake-cutting ceremony, hear from special guest speakers and make seedballs for habitat restoration with Reid Park Zoo.
Standing on the bridge, it was easy to see the tangible impact this structure has on the landscape, wildlife, and people by providing a safe passage across the 6-lane highway beneath it.
Photo credit: Leslie Epperson
We extend our sincere thanks to our special guests at the wildlife bridge, including Pima County District 1 Supervisor Rex Scott; Town of Oro Valley Mayor Joe Winfield; Ann Day’s family; Mark Johnson, Board President of the Tortolita Alliance; Nancy Kluge (CEO) and Erin Gleeson (Director of Conservation and Education) at the Reid Park Zoo; and Louise Misztal, Executive Director of the Sky Island Alliance.
Learn more
Pima County released a fantastic article covering the bridge celebration, as well as an overview of current local landscape connectivity projects and the future of this work.
“The Ann Day Memorial Wildlife Bridge and its sister underpass may be the most prominent wildlife crossings in Pima County, but they’re only part of a much larger story involving efforts to protect animals’ habitats — and their ability to move freely from one area to another — throughout the region.”
This project was funded in part by the Santa Cruz Valley National Heritage Area and Pima County – thank you sincerely for your support!
