As 2023 comes to a close, it’s time for us at Wild Arizona to take a moment to reflect on the incredible journey we’ve had throughout this remarkable year. The historic triumphs and transformative challenges that filled 2023 orbited one constant—the unwavering and enthusiastic support we’ve received from our volunteers, followers, and donors. We first want to pause and express our deepest gratitude to all those who have contributed, in a myriad of ways, to support our initiatives and campaigns. In 2023, we’ve come together as a vibrant community to help move forward enduring protections; riparian restoration; and wilderness and trail stewardship projects, for Arizona’s gorgeous wild landscapes, natural waters, wildlife, and Native ancestral homelands.

This last week of December also marks the 50th anniversary of the Endangered Species Act, reminding us that the dynamic vitality of intact webs of life in natural habitats is increasingly threatened. In a time of accelerating loss and public division, the ESA stands as a beacon of hope and shared responsibility for life on Earth our one living planet. Enacted to safeguard our nation’s most vulnerable flora and fauna, this crucial legislation points to preservation of biodiversity and cultural heritage as not merely an option but imperative for a sustainable future, and as our most effective and just means to stabilize climate. The Endangered Species Act compels us to act with foresight and compassion for the natural world, recognizing that the health of our environment is inseparable from our own well-being, and that by this pathway we are securing a legacy of beauty and diversity for all generations.

Acknowledging the impact:

Our success is not just measured by the projects we undertake but by the collective impact we have achieved together. A big thank you goes out to the generous contributions and unwavering efforts of our supporters and crews. We have been able to make significant strides in preserving the natural beauty of Arizona. Whether it’s the restoration of ecosystems, the protections of endangered species, or the creation of spaces that foster a sense of community through the outdoors, every action taken this year has left a lasting imprint on the landscapes we hold dear.

A Special Thanks to Our Followers:

To our followers, who engage with our content, spread awareness, and amplify our message-your dedication is the heartbeat of Wild Arizona. Your enthusiasm and commitment inspire us to continue our mission with renewed vigor. We appreciate every like, share, and comment that helps us reach a wilder audience and create a stronger community united by the love for Arizona’s wild places.

Celebrating our donors:

To our generous donors, your financial support has been the fuel propelling our initiatives forward. Your belief in our vision and commitment to preserving the natural wonders of Arizona have allowed us to embark on ambitious projects that make a real difference. Whether through one-time contributions or ongoing support, your investment in the future of our landscapes is truly invaluable.

As we are about to step into a new year, our commitment to the conservation of Arizona’s wild and native landscapes remains steadfast. With your continued support, we aim to undertake even more ambitious projects, engage in meaningful community initiatives, and be at the forefront of the continued progress for a sustainable and thriving Arizona.

We are beyond grateful for each and every one of you who have been a part of the Wild Arizona family in 2023. Your love, dedication and support are the forces behind our successes. Let’s continue to work hand in hand, ensuring that the beauty and biodiversity of Arizona’s wild spaces endure for generations to come. Lastly, please join in and support us in 2024, another year full of urgent opportunities to save the humpback chub and beaches downriver along the Colorado River in Glen Canyon and Grand Canyon, keep Colorado River flows high enough through the Grand Canyon to sustain the Colorado River Ecosystem, seek landscape-scale protections for the amazing Sky Islands, and call for Wild and Scenic River designation to preserve the treasured upper Verde River. Thank you again for an incredible year, and cheers to a future filled with even greater achievements in conservation and community!

Check out some of our Wild Stew project locations and accomplishments in this End of Year Presentation.

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Wild for the Weekend 7.17.2021 : National Park Service   Dear Friend of WildAZ,   Our very own Dr. Larry Stevens is putting the stewardship spotlight on borderlands springs—Quitobaquito Springs, to be exact.   Quitobaquito Springs can be found in Organ Pipe National Monument in southern Arizona. People, plants, and animals have inhabited Quitobaquito and the surrounding area for generations. The spring is still home to the Tohono O’odham, who have a reservation about 30 miles away. Species such as the Quitobaquito spring snail, the Sonoyta mud turtle, and the desert caper plant do not occur naturally anywhere else in the country but here.   Despite being an invaluable piece of the southwestern landscape, rich with cultural history and ecological significance, Quitobaquito has been imperiled by border wall construction. So far we’ve seen a loss of nearly a quarter of the bird species that used to live and thrive in the spring’s wilderness. Stevens has joined with esteemed southwestern ecologists Roy Johnson, Gary Nabhan, and Karen Reichhardt to further describe the impacts of wall construction on the avifauna of the springs in a forthcoming publication.   For the protection and preservation of springs, Phoebe, Larry, Kelly, and the Wild Arizona crew   ☞ We’re hiring! We are looking to fill multiple positions on our Wild Stew Field Crew for work beginning September 15. Interested in performing trail maintenance, trail condition assessments, and riparian restoration in the beautiful Chiricahua Wilderness? See our job listing for more information. Got this as a forward? Sign up to receive Wild on Wednesday, updates and news about preserving wild lands, wild waters, wildlife, & wild connections across Arizona & beyond  – not every Wednesday, not always Wednesday. know it, love it, protect it…     GIVE WILDLY!    WILD Arizona  Tucson | Prescott | Flagstaff © 2020  wildarizona.org

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