Hamlin Moments

In the 19th century, the land contained an important train stop and a working ranch. In the 20th century, the property transitioned to a dude ranch. Pictures from this era show upscale tourists in lounge chairs enjoying nature. Later in the 20th century a developer planned homes along the river and boating, but this changed and became a trailer park. By the 1980's, the property was for sale and was bought by The Nature Conservancy (TNC). TNC initiated a plan to return the once lush riparian oasis to its original state. A nature preserve was created and over the years of The Nature Conservancy stewardship, many of the natural flora and fauna returned. There are now over 300 species of birds. Download the month-by-month guide to flora and fauna.  In the 21st century, TNC partnered with Maricopa County to include the Hassayampa River Preserve into the State Park System. Many pictures and events are shown on the Maricopa County Parks website:   Our tour guide, Eric Hough, was extrem

  Hello to all gardeners. Three dwarf olives can be seen in the  foreground. To the left are three cassia plants then three pyracantha. In the last planter are prickly pears that go up the hill and red yucca. Triplification is a way to effect order and calm for me. At the top of hill are creosote, prickly pear and rosemary, some new and some existing. All are watered manually. I built planters, hauled old dirt up the hill and added new dirt to planters. Lots of new rocks added to hill not shown. About 5 months to complete. Picture taken 5:30 am and temp is about 64. Gorgeous morning.