Tucson, Arizona is known for its beautiful desert landscape and a selection of outdoor activities for visitors to enjoy. Sitting on the outskirts of Tucson is Sweetwater Wetlands Park, a natural habitat for local and migratory wildlife. The park is an impressive conservation effort and a great place for outdoor enthusiasts to explore. The Sweetwater Wetlands Park is comprised of over 117 acres of land and is a man-made foundation and creation of the City of Tucson. The land was previously an industrial plant but has since been transformed into a home for local and migratory birds, reptiles, insects, and other desert wildlife. It features a variety of local and migratory birds, fish, amphibians, insects, and other creatures including the Sonoran desert tortoise. The park currently has over five miles of trails and open space, in addition to the three major branches, including Sweetwater Creek, the Arizona River, and the Santa Cruz River. The trails are wide and easy to navigate, so visitors can see a good number of the park’s wildlife while they explore. More facts can be seen here.
Visitors will also have access to sites such as the historic railyard, Turley wash, and other points of interest. The Sweetwater Wetlands Park also offers visitors a variety of recreational activities. There are two bird viewing stations where visitors can observe a wide selection of birds. The park also offers fishing and wildlife viewing opportunities, including a dog-friendly area for owners and their pets to explore. Additionally, the park offers guided educational tours, which range from birding and butterfly counting to plant identification. The park’s efforts to conserve the local wildlife and its environment have been extremely successful. It is a great example of how the City of Tucson has successfully created a habitat for local and migratory wildlife. The park staff has been devoted to restoring the wetlands area and its conservation efforts include planting new vegetation to further attract wildlife. The park is also regularly monitored and managed by organizations such as the Tucson Audubon Society, the Sonoran Desert Conservation Plan (SDCP), and the Arizona Game and Fish Department. See here for information about Exploring an Oasis of Culture and Nature: Christopher Columbus Park in Tucson, AZ.
