Hassayampa River Preserve: Touching Three Centuries

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 extremely knowledgeable about the history, the flora and the fauna. I am looking forward to another tour. Below are pictures from the tour. Note the well maintained paths which are suitable for most type of walkers and wheelchairs. The old growth palm trees date from the 19th century where they were hauled in wagons from Castle Hot Springs. 

There is so much shade inside the preserve, the 100 degree temperature did not impede the walk and the pleasure of the site.