- Natural Areas in Arizona
Gila Box Riparian National Conservation Area
Gila Box Riparian is a 23,000 acre national conservation area that seems like an oasis in the desert. Located in southern Graham & Greenlee counties along the Gila River, this natural area has four perennial waterways – Bonita & Eagle Creeks and Gila & San Francisco rivers. While the Gila River canyon section has mature cottonwoods, sandy beaches, cliffs & woodlands and is popular with kayakers & rafters, the Bonita Creek region is popular for recreations like picnicking, birdwatching and hiking. There are also developed campgrounds including the 7-unit Owl Creek Campground and 13-unit Riverview Campground.
Appleton Whittell Research Ranch
The Appleton-Whittell Research Ranch of the National Audubon Society is aimed at formulating & demonstrating methods to safeguard & rehabilitate the bioregion. It also provides assistance to citizens in preserving & protecting natural resources & native ecosystem. The Appleton-Whittell Research Ranch lies about 65 miles southeast of Tucson, AZ and just three miles south of Elgin. The research ranch has for the past 30 years been protecting grassland ecosystems through education & conservation. |
