View at Patagonia-Sonoita Creek Preserve

In a verdant floodplain valley between the Patagonia and Santa Rita Mountains of southeastern Arizona,
within the watershed of Sonoita Creek, lies some of the richest of the remaining riparian (streamside) habitat in the region. One of a few remaining permanent streams, it provides for a wide array of diverse species from endangered fishes to butterflies and birds.

This site contains the first two miles of permanent flow of Sonoita Creek and the floodplains adjacent to the stream. The site contains very high biodiversity values that are primarily focused on the riparian habitats along Sonoita Creek.

As the first project for The Nature Conservancy in Arizona, it contains much of the biological diversity associated with these habitat types. The watershed is mostly undeveloped, and the natural processes of flooding are mostly intact and functioning.

The preserve protects a magnificent example of the rare Fremont cottonwood-Goodding willow riparian forest. Some of the trees are among the largest (more than 100 feet tall) and oldest (130 years old) Fremont cottonwood trees in this country. This is one of the few remaining sites in Arizona where this once-common forest type still persists. Arizona black walnut, velvet mesquite, velvet ash, netleaf hackberry, and various willows are found in slightly different habitats throughout the preserve.

Here are remnant wetlands, or cienegas, a once-common feature of the Sonoita Creek floodplain and the most endangered natural community in Arizona. A significant number of rare and sensitive plant species are found in the Sonoita Creek watershed, including Huachuca water umbel, Santa Cruz striped agave, and the Santa Cruz beehive cactus.

Today the Preserve is visited by thousands of people every year seeking to see and experience some facet of its rich natural diversity. The Preserve has been actively engaged in hydrologic research and monitoring and is the site of some of the first community-based activities seeking to build understanding and support for conservation in southern Arizona. It has been a platform for promoting the work of TNC and a site of several innovative environmental education activities.

Sonoita CreekPlanning Your Visit
The elevation at the preserve is 4,000 feet. The best months for birding are March through September. Late April and May, and late August and September, offer the greatest diversity of species, including migrants and spring/summer residents. Winter is the season for sparrows and occasional southern vagrants such as the rufous-backed robin.

Visitors may learn about the preserve, its wild residents, viewing interpretive exhibits at the Visitor Center.

Hours
April-September: Wednesday-Sunday, 6:30 a.m.-4 p.m.
October-March: Wednesday-Sunday, 7:30 a.m.-4 p.m.
Closed: Mondays & Tuesdays all year & on Thanksgiving, the day after Thanksgiving, Christmas & New Year’s Days. 

Fees
$5 per person. Conservancy members $3. Patagonia residents and ages 16 & under free. Fees are valid for seven days from date of purchase. Annual passes are available.

Gear
Sturdy shoes, hat, sunscreen, binoculars and plenty of water.

Nature Walk
Guided nature walks are conducted every Saturday morning at 9 a.m., year-round. Additional birding and natural history programs for adults and children are conducted on a seasonal basis.

Calendar of Nature Events
Wildlife is the number-one attraction at Arizona's six nature preserves open to the public. Visitors from all over the world come to see hundreds of species. See our Calendar of Nature Events.

Preserve History
Conservancy preserves in Arizona share much of the colorful history of the state itself including indians and cowboys, the cavalry, prospectors and Eastern dudes even a Civil War skirmish. Where was that?

Getting There
Need help finding our preserves? Download directions (.pdf, 143 kb) to the six Arizona preserves open to the public. (Get the latest version of Adobe Acrobat Reader).

Preserve Regulations
In consideration of our sensitive wildlife habitats, we ask all visitors and guests to observe the following regulations:

All visitors must remain on established trails. Smoking is allowed in parking areas only.

No dogs, horses, or other domestic animals, radios, tape players or electronic calling devices, swimming, wading, hunting, fishing, picnicking, camping, fires, firearms, alcoholic beverages, motorized vehicles or bicycles are permitted. Do not feed or disturb wildlife or damage or remove any plants, animals, wood, minerals, or artifacts. Collecting of any kind is prohibited.

Female cardinalGive Nature a Hand
Volunteers offer the Conservancy a way to complete more critically important work while developing lasting friendships and having a lot of fun. Learn more about volunteer opportunities with The Nature Conservancy in Arizona.

Places to Visit
Want to know about other Arizona preserves open to the public? Download a flyer (.pdf, 246 kb) with the details. (Get the latest version of Adobe Acrobat Reader)

Questions?
Call (520) 394-2400 or e-mail mkilleen@tnc.org 

Photos
Top: View at Patagonia-Sonoita Creek Preserve © Hal Malde
Middle: Sonoita Creek © The Nature Conservancy
Bottom: Female cardinal © Paul Berquist