Audubon Southwest

Audubon Southwest protects birds and the places they need, today and tomorrow, using science, advocacy, education, and on-the-ground conservation.

Audubon Southwest combines the Arizona and New Mexico state offices of the National Audubon Society to address the conservation challenges of the region. Arizona's program is based at the Nina Mason Pulliam Rio Salado Audubon Center, a nature center located on the 600-acre Rio Salado Habitat Restoration Area just two miles south of downtown Phoenix. Our goals are to accomplish critical habitat protection and restoration based on science, to foster a culture of conservation by providing high-quality nature education and community engagement programs, and to be an effective voice for the conservation of birds, other wildlife, and their habitats.

Audubon has earned a reputation as the state's leader in conservation of bird habitats while educating the next generation of environmental scientists and conservationists. We have designated 48 Important Bird Areas: protected areas of habitat crucial to Arizona's birds. Over the last several years, our survey efforts have identified critical habitats throughout Arizona for the threatened Western Yellow-Billed Cuckoo and other species. Our Plants for Birds program encourages the creation and restoration of bird-friendly habitats, particularly in urban areas. Birds need water, and Audubon is an influential voice in water policy to ensure birds, other wildlife and people have adequate, quality water and thriving riparian areas. We offer hands-on, inquiry-based science programs and environmental stewardship opportunities for children and adults. Audubon is uniquely positioned to engage the public in conservation action, such as through work days and species documentation. All of our youth and public education programs are led by science-trained educators who specialize in linking education to conservation action. Current programs are provided to almost 15,000 annual participants.