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Southeastern Arizona is an ecological crossroads, where habitats and species from the Rocky Mountains, the Sierra A permanent spring-fed stream, favorable northeast orientation, and high canyon walls provide Ramsey Canyon with a moist, cool, and stable environment unusual in the desert Southwest. Water-loving plants such as sycamores, maples, and columbines line the banks of Ramsey Creek, often growing within a few feet of cacti, yucca, and agaves. Communities ranging from semi-desert grassland to pine-fir forest are found within the canyon.
In 1974, The Nature Conservancy received 280 acres in Ramsey Canyon as a bequest from Dr. Nelson C. Bledsoe, fulfilling his wish that the natural values of the canyon be preserved for future generations. The Conservancy later purchased the Mile Hi, a twenty-acre resort with guest cabins from Carroll and Joan Peabody. Visitation has increased dramatically in recent years, reflecting the public's growing interest in wildlife and conservation. The preserve currently hosts almost 50,000 visitors per year, making it one of The Nature Conservancy's most popular preserves. Despite the beauty and abundant wildlife found in Ramsey Canyon, the aquatic, riparian, and woodland ecosystems have all been affected by human activities. Since the late 1880's, road building, channelization of the stream, introduction of exotic species, timber cutting and fire suppression have altered the processes that shape and sustain these ecosystems. The staff and volunteers at Ramsey Canyon are involved in ongoing ecological restoration work designed to restore optimum health and long term sustainability to the canyon. The Preserve headquarters, including visitor parking, bookstore, hummingbird observation area, and nature center is located at the preserve entrance. Here visitors may learn about the preserve, the Upper San Pedro Ecosystem, and The Nature Conservancy through interpretive exhibits, shop in the bookstore, or simply enjoy the beauty of the lower canyon.
Wildlife is the number-one attraction at Ramsey Canyon Preserve. Visitors from all over the world come to see the 170+ species of birds found in the preserve and surrounding national forest. Southwestern specialties such as painted redstarts and magnificent hummingbirds share the canyon with many other animals, including mountain lions, canyon tree frogs, four species of rattlesnakes, and dozens of species of butterflies. The canyon is also home to more than 400 species of plants, from tiny mosses to towering firs.
Guided Nature walks are conducted every Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday morning at 9:00 am from March through October. Additional birding and natural history programs are conducted on a seasonal basis. The Preserve naturalist leads a variety of day and overnight birding and natural history adventures. The goal of these is to provide fun and educational experiences that allow participants to connect with the natural world and indulge in their love of nature. Trips based at Ramsey Canyon are offered year-round and focus on the diverse flora and fauna of the region, the ecological connections within the web of life, and the conservation work being done by The Nature Conservancy to protect these resources. For information about these programs, Email the Preserve naturalist, or call (520)378-2640. How much does it cost to enter the Preserve?
The Nature Conservancy is a private, non-profit conservation organization. Your admission fee, along with other contributions, makes our work here possible. Our work includes ongoing ecological restoration, updated interpretive exhibits at the preserve, critical partnerships with local state and federal agencies regarding San Pedro River issues, annual summer Kids camps and free educational programs for the local community. Thank you for visiting and for helping us to conserve the earth's biodiversity. Visiting hours are March - October., 8AM to 4PM daily and November - February 9AM to 5PM daily. Preserve closed Thanksgiving, Christmas Day and New Years Day. *PRESERVE PARKING IS LIMITED TO 23 SPACES. These spaces are available on a first-come, first-serve basis. As there is NO PARKING along the public road below the preserve, please DO NOT arrive before the opening time, 8AM March - October, 9AM November - February. Group visits require prior arrangements. Call (520) 378-2785. |
Ramsey
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{ Arizona Bed and Breakfast } { Lodging } { Map and Directions } { Ramsey Canyon Preserve } { Birding } { Attractions } { Weather } |
The Ramsey Canyon Preserve, managed by the Nature Conservancy and located within the Upper San Pedro Ecosystem in southeastern Arizona, is renowned for its outstanding scenic beauty and the diversity of its plant and animal life. The occurrence of up to 14 species of hummingbirds is one of the many highlights of that diversity. These qualities result from a unique interplay of geology, biogeography, topography, and climate.
Madre of Mexico, and the Sonoran and Chihuahuan deserts all can be found. The abrupt rise of mountains like the Huachucas from the surrounding arid grasslands creates "sky islands" harboring rare species and communities of plants and animals. This combination of factors gives the Ramsey Canyon Preserve a tremendous variety of plants and animal life, including such southwestern rarities as the lemon lily, ridge-nosed rattlesnake, lesser (Sanborn's) long-nosed bat, Elegant Trogon, and up to 14 species of hummingbirds including the berylline and white-eared.
Though the Nature Conservancy's Ramsey Canyon Preserve is a biodiversity "hotspot" in southeastern Arizona, it is just one small component of a much larger and equally diverse ecological region, the Upper San Pedro River Ecosystem. At the heart of this ecosystem lies the San Pedro River, one of the last free flowing rivers in the southwest and certainly the most extensive and healthy riparian ecosystem remaining in the region. It is one of The Nature Conservancy's "Last Great Places". The diversity of birds, mammals, and reptiles along the San Pedro is unequaled in the United States, and a visit to the San Pedro provides an outstanding nature experience. The Huachuca Mountains, through which Ramsey Creek flows, are an important watershed for the San Pedro River Valley. Excessive ground water pumping in the San Pedro River valley is threatening the river's water supply and very existence. The Upper San Pedro Ecosystem Program, based at Ramsey Canyon, is dedicated to creating community based solutions to balancing the local water budget and protecting the San Pedro River and its priceless biodiversity.
Since the turn of the century, Ramsey Canyon has been the focus of much scientific interest. Biologists of many disciplines have made many important discoveries here. Official recognition of this natural treasure came in 1965, when the canyon was registered as the first National Natural Landmark.
These restoration efforts include removal of an invasive exotic plant (vinca major), re-vegetation with native plants, removal of confining rock and concrete walls from the stream banks, forest thinning and the use of prescribed fire. During a walk in Ramsey Canyon, visitors are likely to encounter signs of this important work.
The world-famous Ramsey Canyon Bookstore features books, cards, and gifts for nature lovers of all ages. Field guides from throughout the world are available, along with binoculars, video and audio tapes, bird feeders, and other aids for enjoying nature. Wildlife-theme T-shirts, many with designs created especially for The Nature Conservancy, make wonderful mementos of a visit to Ramsey Canyon. All proceeds from the bookstore sales benefit The Nature Conservancy.
The diverse wildlife and habitats of Ramsey Canyon may be viewed from the Hamburg Trail. This open-ended route parallels Ramsey Creek through the preserve to a scenic overlook in the Coronado National Forest one mile from the headquarters. From the overlook, the trail continues upstream and enters the Miller Peak Wilderness Area where it joins other trails.