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The Sky Islands, encompassing more than thirty mountain ranges, are recognized as a globally-significant biodiversity hotspot, however, the valleys connecting the ranges are highly threatened by development and fragmentation.
As a segment of the larger Sonoita Creek Wildlife Corridor, the 1200 acre Borderlands Wildlife Preserve is protected and managed to conserve critical wildlife habitat, and to maintain a route for migratory species. LOCATION:
The BWP is located appropriately 2.5 miles north of Patagonia on the west side of Highway 82, between mile marker 22-23, across from Sonoita Springs Ranch. Turn on Tanglehead Lane at the Wildlife Corridor sign to enter the preserve. |
HIKING TRAILS & GUIDELINES FOR USE
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The Borderlands Wildlife Preserve contains three easy to moderate rated hiking trails open to the public. As you enjoy these surroundings, we invite you to partner with us in respecting and protecting the plants and animals who inhabit this treasured land. Please practice good stewardship by observing these simple rules as you enjoy the preserve’s beauty and peacefulness.
GUIDELINES FOR USE
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HISTORY
The Sonoita Creek Wildlife Corridor was identified in an Arizona Game and Fish funded study in 2006 as an important corridor for black bear, mule deer, mountain lion and the endangered jaguar moving between northern Mexico and the Arizona Sky Islands. While most of the corridor is on national forest land, the corridor passes through a two-mile wide stretch of private land along AZ Highway 82 just north of Patagonia.
That same year, the Arizona Department of Real Estate approved the sale of 189 lots in the newly-platted Three Canyons subdivision under construction in the heart of the wildlife corridor. Paved roads and electricity were installed in Phase I located in the southern part of the subdivision. Of the 66 Phase I lots, 16 lots were sold before a bank foreclosure halted development in 2008.
In 2014 a group of investors intent on protecting critical wildlife habitat seized the opportunity to purchase the remaining 173 lots of the stalled housing project for the expressed purpose of setting most of the land aside as an integral part of the Sonoita Creek Wildlife Corridor. They formed Wildlife Corridors, LLC with a plan to sell just 24 of the Phase I lots and retire the development rights on the remaining 149 lots, thereby creating the 1200 acre Borderlands Wildlife Preserve and the re-named Wildlife Haven residential neighborhood.
The Borderlands Wildlife Preserve is owned by Wildlife Corridors, LLC and managed in partnership with Borderlands Restoration Network.
That same year, the Arizona Department of Real Estate approved the sale of 189 lots in the newly-platted Three Canyons subdivision under construction in the heart of the wildlife corridor. Paved roads and electricity were installed in Phase I located in the southern part of the subdivision. Of the 66 Phase I lots, 16 lots were sold before a bank foreclosure halted development in 2008.
In 2014 a group of investors intent on protecting critical wildlife habitat seized the opportunity to purchase the remaining 173 lots of the stalled housing project for the expressed purpose of setting most of the land aside as an integral part of the Sonoita Creek Wildlife Corridor. They formed Wildlife Corridors, LLC with a plan to sell just 24 of the Phase I lots and retire the development rights on the remaining 149 lots, thereby creating the 1200 acre Borderlands Wildlife Preserve and the re-named Wildlife Haven residential neighborhood.
The Borderlands Wildlife Preserve is owned by Wildlife Corridors, LLC and managed in partnership with Borderlands Restoration Network.
The BWP Trails were built and are maintained by the volunteer group, the Dirtbags.
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Bobcat stopping for a drink at Dragonfly Pond at the BWP.
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An owl taking an evening dip in Dragonfly Pond.
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GROUP TOURS & RESEARCH
Students learning about watershed restoration.
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Tours are available to groups, organizations, and others interested in learning more about the preserve, ecological restoration, native plants, wildlife and other topics. We can customize tours for age appropriateness and activities to fit your needs from youth, to students and adults. Contact us at wildlife@borderlandsrestoration.org to discuss your needs and to make arrangements. **Group sizes and activities may be limited by COVID-19 safety precautions at this time.** |
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BWP's wildlife trail camera images have created many great discoveries, including a new partnership with the Sky Island Alliance, Sky Island FotoFauna project.
Sky Island FotoFauna harnesses the sampling power of volunteer-operated wildlife cameras that keep watch for wildlife on the move throughout the Sky Island region. BRN already tracks wildlife moving within the BWP and is happy to share this vital information with a local organization focused on wildlife conservation. This partnership will help build a more extensive network of wildlife cameras to observe Sky Island species' seasonal movements and collect critical wildlife data. |