With lofty mountain peaks, forested slopes, seasonal streams, and an amazing variety of plants and wildlife, Madera Canyon has become a popular recreational destination. Madera's hiking trails are applauded throughout the Southwest, and vary from paved, handicap-accessible trails and gentle walking paths in the lower canyon, to steep, expert trails leading to the top of 9,453-foot Mt. Wrightson.
Southeastern Arizona, with Madera Canyon at its heart, is rated the third best birding destination in the United States. With fifteen species of hummingbirds, Elegant Trogon, Sulphur-bellied Flycatcher, Black-capped Gnatcatcher, Flame-colored Tanager, 36 species of wood warblers, and over 256 species of birds documented, it is a "required" site for all serious birders.
It is unusual to spend any time in Madera Canyon without seeing signs of wildlife. White-tailed and Mule Deer, rabbits, Wild Turkeys, and squirrels are regularly observed. Other animals like Black Bear, Coati, foxes, Ring-tailed Cats, Raccoons, Bobcats, and Mountain Lion are more shy and only occasionally seen. Sixteen species of bats have been recorded in the Canyon.
Because Madera Canyon and Madera Creek traverse four life zones and many habitats between the desert floor and the mountaintops, the Santa Rita Mountains in which Madera Canyon resides, has become a world-famous sky island known for its unique and abundant flora and fauna - from Prickly-Pear cactus in the lower Canyon to Douglas Fir and Quaking Aspen on Mt. Wrightson.
Please consider joining the Friends of Madera Canyon. It will provide you access to many interesting and fulfilling volunteer opportunities, but your best reward will be knowing that you have helped preserve a special piece of our Nation's wilderness habitat.
Interested in Madera Canyon News?
If you'd like news from and about Madera Canyon considering joining our mailing list. It's free of charge, your address is not sold or in any way shared, and every note includes an easy link to unsubscribe.
Click on one of the little orange envelopes to join the Friends of Madera Canyon mailing list.
CORONADO NATIONAL FOREST FIRE RESTRICTIONS
Coronado National Forest will implement Stage I fire restrictions across the Forest beginning May 14, 2012. Restrictions will remain in place until July 31 or until they are rescinded due to decreased fire danger.
The restrictions have become necessary due to increased fire danger and are being implemented to protect public health, safety and National Forest System lands, resources and facilities.
Current prohibitions on all ranger districts of the Coronado National Forest are:
- Building, maintaining, attending or using a fire, campfire, charcoal, coal, or wood stove fire, except within a developed recreation site, or improved site. 36 CFR 261.52(a)
- Smoking, except within an enclosed vehicle or building, a developed recreation site, or while stopped in an area at least three feet in diameter, that is barren or cleared of all flammable material. 36 CFR 261.52(d)
Prohibitions are temporary and will be lifted when fire restrictions expire. Violation of the prohibitions is punishable by a fine of not more than $5,000 for individuals and $10,000 for organizations, imprisonment for not more than six months, or both. Fireworks are always prohibited on National Forest lands.
For additional information on fire restrictions on public lands in Arizona and New Mexico please call the toll-free Regional Fire Restrictions Hotline at 1-877-864-6985.
Please do your part in keeping Madera Canyon and surrounding lands safe from wildfire.
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