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Overview of San Rafael Ranch State Natural Area- Facts,Trivia,and Historical Information : The San Rafael Valley was identified in the early 1970s as a proposed natural area because it represented one of the finest stands of native grassland in the State. These grasslands have not suffered the problems of shrubs and cactus invasion nor have they been taken over by exotic plant species that affect so much of this vegetation type elsewhere in the State and the Southwest.The valley extends over 90,000 acres and lies at the headwaters of the Santa Cruz River between the Patagonia Mountains, Huachuca Mountains, and the Canelo Hills. Marshy springs feed the river and the floodplain that includes several swampy stretches. Two springs located within the San Rafael Ranch are Sheehy and Sharp Cienega Springs. Sheehy is considered the older of the two and is dominated by stands of cottonwoods. The great importance of the San Rafael Valley is an intact landscape, unfragmented and relatively undisturbed from the mountain ridges down to the valley bottom.The San Rafael Valley is home to a wide variety of plants and animals. The U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service estimates the Madrean Sky Island bioregion (which the valley is part of) harbors the greatest diversity of mammal species in North America. Big game species are abundant in the valley and surrounding mountain ranges. White-tailed deer, mule deer, and javelina are the most common species. Pronghorn antelope were reintroduced in the valley in the 1950s and the herd now numbers about 60 animals. Rare species found in this area include Canelo ladys tresses, Mexican garter snake, Huachuca tiger salamander, Gila topminnow, Gila chub, Spragues pipit, and Bairds sparrow. Since the establishment of the Natural Areas Advisory Committee within State Parks in the early 1970s, the San Rafael Valley had been on the priority list.
Services,Activities,Amenities,Attractions in (San Rafael Ranch State Natural Area): The San Rafael Ranch State Natural Area is a unique area with rolling hills, native grasses, and oak and cottonwood trees. This beautiful valley is the headwaters of the Santa Cruz River, which flows into Mexico then turns north back into the United States and eventually joins the Gila River. The riparian areas and native grass prairie are home to many species of plants and animals. One of the endangered plants, Huachuca Water Umbel grows in the river area. One can also see Mule Deer, Javalina, Antelope, Bobcats, Cougar, Coyote and many birds unique to the prairie.The ranch was a Mexican Land Grant, San Rafael de la Zanja, purchased by Colin Cameron and partners in the late 1800s. In 1903 it was sold to William C. Green, better known as Colonel Green the Copper Skyrocket. William Green had many properties totaling over 600,000 acres. This ranch extended into Mexico and at one time it was recorded that over 4,000 calves had been branded on this ranch in one year. Registered Hereford cattle were raised here for market and breeding.
Contact Information:
Address:San Rafael Ranch NA,2036 Duquesne Roard,Patagonia, AZ 85624
Phone No:(520) 394-2447
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