Raven's Nest
Within the Sky Islands, we own and operate two distinct Nature Sanctuaries where we run many of our classes. Raven’s Nest is a 42-acre preserve in the foothills below the Santa Rita Mountains, about 75 minutes south of Tucson. Here we have a large Nature Center complete with live animal exhibits, numerous Nature displays, incinerator toilets, refrigerator, and classrooms. Nearby are your camping pads with access to solar showers and several fire hearths (indoor and outdoor). Surrounding all are miles of engaging nature trails with rustic, shaded rest areas that run through scenic mesquite bosques (woodlands), bountiful arroyos, intimate canyons, and flowing grasslands.
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Amidst this wonderful setting, You’ll experience and learn from our Sustainable Living Practices that Promote Alternative and Environmentally Responsible ways to live on our fragile Planet. At RAVENS-WAY WILD JOURNEYS We passionately practice good Earth Stewardship while nurturing Biodiversity and improving Environmental & Human Health.
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Since our arrival at RAVENS NEST in Spring 2008, we have been committed to multiple EARTH STEWARDSHIP PRACTICES aimed at Preserving and Protecting the diverse Flora and Fauna of the Sky Islands and our rich Native Habitats. To this end we have planted over 40 Native Sky Islands-adapted Species, creating multilayered communities of plants that mimic and restore local Natural Habitats and Ecosystems. This encourages greater Species Diversity and more Sustainable Environments, while creating a beautiful Nature retreat for your adventures with us.
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At RAVEN’S NEST We are passionate about WILDLIFE HABITAT REHABILITATION. Thus, We have planted a canopy of Native Trees, mid-level and understory Shrubs, Ground-cover, Vines, and Perennial and Wildflowers and Grasses. Our goal is to create Structurally Diverse Habitats which tend to attract the broadest spectrum of Native Wildlife. With that in mind, we have selected Plants well-adapted to our specific climate, that have lower water requirements, and yet provide the best food, nesting sites, and shelter to Birds and a myriad of other Wildlife.
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The results of our on-going efforts are Resilient Habitats that provide food in the form of Seeds, Nectar, and Fruit, thus attracting Birds and other Wildlife to our Nature Preserve. Since the Native Plant Species attract a diversity of beneficial Insects, We are also fostering a thriving Environment for Butterflies and other Pollinators - a vital part of a healthy Ecosystem.
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Since no two kinds of Birds have the exact same habitat needs, our Native Plantings provide a key diversity element within the larger Ecosystems used by both Permanent and Migratory Species. We are fortunate to have many Birds as Permanent Residents at RAVEN’S NEST. Others arrive to breed in the Spring and Summer, while some spend only Winter on our Nature Preserve. Many birds pass through in Migration, stopping for Food, water, and Shelter on their way elsewhere.
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At RAVEN’S NEST the extraordinary response of Nature and Wildlife to our Plant/Protect/Restore and other Conservation measures throughout our 42 Acre Nature Preserve has been a great inspiration to our continued efforts. Our Earth Stewardship Practices have resulted in an abundance of birds and other Wildlife that you will enjoy while roaming our Nature Sanctuary. We are proud to have been awarded the Advanced WildLife Habitat Certification at RAVEN’S NEST by the National WildLife Federation.
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While at RAVEN’S NEST You will also have an opportunity to marvel at a beautiful variety of Butterflies, Dragonflies, and Damselflies, to watch frogs and toads breeding in our ponds, and to sneak up on a Bobcat or a herd of Deer or Javelina (Collared Peccary - a Southwest specialty!). Accordingly, upon Your arrival to RAVEN’S NEST You will receive checklists for all manner of Wildlife and Plants, helping you to keep track of the many species on our Nature Preserve. Perhaps you’ll even document a species we have yet to see!
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Many of our WILDLIFE HABITAT REHABILITATION Projects at RAVEN’S NEST benefit primarily from Active & Passive Rain Water Harvesting Techniques. Monsoon and Winter Rainwater captured by a series of earthen berms, diversion ditches, and from our over 20,000 gallon capacity Rainwater Harvesting System benefit our Rehabilitated Wildlife Habitat, Organic Gardens, and Orchard. We have also created water features such as Wildlife Ponds that benefit both Native Plants and Wildlife.
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Local Ecosystem Management & Habitat Protection are key components of our Earth Stewardship Practices. Accordingly, we have designated various sections of our 42-acre Nature Sanctuary as specific WildLife Habitat Rehabilitation Zones. This concept was spawned by the knowledge that merely fencing an area and calling it protected is no longer a sufficient strategy for Protecting Nature Preserves, both large and small. Active intervention aimed at the Removal of Non-Native Species and controlling human-caused Erosion are only two of the many issues that compel us to take a hands-on approach Managing our Nature Sanctuaries.
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At RAVENS-WAY WILD JOURNEYS We strongly believe that it is our responsibility as citizens of this fragile Planet to take Responsibility for our own actions, doing all that we are able to Interact, Understand, Preserve, Rehabilitate, Restore, and Protect Nature at every turn! Therefore, We invite You to come and learn how YOU can strive to embody good Earth Stewardship Practices where You live which nurture Biodiversity and support Healthy Ecosystems.
At RAVEN’S NEST You have a chance to participate in our Programs within a very comfortable, yet wild locale just 5 minutes away from beautiful Patagonia Lake State Park. The quaint and inviting town of Patagonia lies only 8 miles away where you will find many B&B’s, restaurants, and hotels if you choose not to camp with us.
Numerous other renowned Natural and Historic sites lie within the Sky- Island Region and are well worth exploring We will be happy to guide you within these areas, always endeavoring to enhance your stay in the Southwest.