Audubon Arizona wants to invite Phoenix area families to discover their state's unique natural resources in a fun and interactive way. Conservation Quests are like scavenger hunts and they can teach participants about imperiled habitats, such as riparian areas. Partners will create numerous quests in the Phoenix area, the first of which will be at the Nina Mason Pulliam Rio Salado Audubon Center, along the Salt River.
Arizona’s rapidly growing population has put pressure on riparian habitats, the plant communities that support woody vegetation found along rivers, creeks and streams.
For years, the land along the Salt riverbed has been neglected and it’s in the process of being restored to serve its biological function. The more the community knows and cares about the success of the restoration, the more it is likely to happen.
A TogetherGreen Innovation Grant will support a two-day workshop at the Nina Mason Pulliam Rio Salado Audubon Center with partners Arizona Association for Environmental Education (AAEE) and Be Outdoors Arizona (BOA) to learn how to create “Conservation Quests,” fun, community treasure hunts with a scientific and educational twist. Project partners will create quests to highlight natural features and habitats at their venues and to invite participants to take part in conservation projects to benefit imperiled habitats.
The conservation quests aim to create a free, family-friendly way for Phoenix residents to explore the wilder side of their community, and to get involved in helping to protect Arizona’s river wildlife and habitat for the future.