Speaking up for the park’s wild inhabitants

In early 2019, the Rio Vista Conservation Project started as a collaboration between the City of Tucson Department of Parks and Recreation (Tucson Parks and Recreation) and an independent conservation planner, who also is a longtime member of Rio Vista’s human community. The initial focus of the conservation project was twofold:

  • to address immediate threats to the integrity of the park’s ecosystem, and
  • to bring stakeholders together in creating a long-term conservation plan for the park.

Since its origin, the Rio Vista Conservation Project has grown through the support of Tucson Parks and Recreation, mentors, advisors, partners, volunteers, neighbors, and other members of Rio Vista’s large community. Through its programs, the Rio Vista Conservation Project continues to unite the diverse supporters of the park in speaking up for its wild inhabitants and the people who love them.

Mike Shaw of HawkWatch International installing an American Kestrel nest box at Rio Vista. Photo credit: Jennifer Shopland.

Conservation Programs

Ecosystem Restoration

Arizona Conservation Corps crew chief Matthew Lesperance closing rogue trails with brush. Photo credit: Joyce Bolinger and Melanie Campbell-Carter.

With Tucson Parks and Recreation staff, partners, and volunteers, we enhance habitat and ecosystem function on the ground.

Conservation Planning

Existing conditions at Rio Vista, from the City of Tucson’s master plan for the park. Image credit: Tucson Parks and Recreation.

Friends of Rio Vista has participated in the City of Tucson’s master-planning process for the park. We also are engaged in collaborative development of a conservation / management plan that focuses on the long-term needs of target plants and animals and their habitats.

Safety

Debris from unauthorized camping in the park. Photo credit: Friends of Rio Vista.

Incompatible uses of the park affect both visitor safety and the well-being of vegetation and wildlife. We work with law enforcement and other government agencies, as well as neighbors and other park users, to offset these threats.

Community Mutualism

Tucson Parks and Recreation staff and Friends of Rio Vista
 leading a community Park Walk. Photo credit: Melanie Campbell-Carter.

We foster a mutualistic relationship between Rio Vista’s human community and its wild communities through education, communications, and advocacy.