TUBAC NATURE CENTER

Programs

1. 1. Santa Cruz River Habitat Conservation: In keeping with the 2023 Conceptual Master Plan for the Tubac Nature Preserve, conducted projects to protect and restore critical river habitats in the Santa Cruz River Floodplain in Tubac. These efforts are benefitting a minimum of 1500 people living in Tubac, plus others of unknown numbers visiting. The efforts will preserve habitats for birds and wildlife including several threatened species. a. Completed Wetland Restoration Plan under grant with Santa Cruz Valley National Heritage Area. b. Conducted four volunteer work events to restore habitats by removing invasive grasses in the river floodplain. Involved approximately 50 volunteers. c. Signed Memorandum of Understanding with landowner for wetland restoration including hydrological monitoring and engineering design of wetland restoration in the Tubac Borrow Pit, and to continue invasive plant control. d. Signed contract with Tucson Bird Alliance to conduct monitoring, and installed water flow meter and groundwater monitoring well. e. Applied for Arizona Department of Forestry and Fire Management Invasive Plant Grant to continue invasive plant control efforts.

   $8,462 spent
   78% of program spending

2. 3. Nature Education 2025 a. The Tubac Nature Center has many activities that have the purpose of engaging people with an understanding of the natural environment. We have accomplished this by having learning activities such as bird walks, hikes, and nature walks that get people out in nature. We had over 800 attendees for these activities. b. We also have monthly lectures about various aspects of nature. For this time period, we had 150 people attend these informative lectures. c. We also have a program of outreach to the community by our presence in two festivals where we engage visitors to our booth with the natural environment through games and discussions about our upcoming activities. We have engaged over 1700 people at these events. d. We are also running specific activities for families to increase both adults and childrens awareness of the natural environment around them. These walks through the year and Family Day activities at the HawkWatch Festival involved over 120 children and adults.

   $1,472 spent
   14% of program spending

3. 2. Conducted hawk watch in Ron Morriss Park, Tubac from February 15 to April 30, 2025, including 5-day hawk watch festival in March. a. The hawk watch is an annual event that provides valuable scientific data on populations of at least 15 species of raptors that migrate through Tubac each spring. b. The hawk watch festival raises awareness about the hawks and the conservation of the Santa Cruz River. Engaged 8 non-profit organizations in the festival. At least 2000 visitors attended the hawk watch and/or hawk watch festival.

   $863 spent
   8% of program spending

The 3 programs described on its FY2025 Form 990-EZ. Program spending in total: $10,797.