A Fusion of Ecology & Rustic Architecture
From the start Claudia was inspired by a profound sense of place and a deep connection to the landscape and biodiversity at Raven’s Nest Nature Sanctuary. With this foundation in mind she artfully designed the Sky Islands Safari Camp, serving as a testament to the harmonious interactions between wildlife, plants, and people.
Claudia’s vision for designing the Sky Islands Safari Camp in 2011 at Raven’s Nest Nature Sanctuary was guided by the following principles:
- Build a resilient and sustainable space entirely integrated with the natural world
- Artfully blend rustic outdoor architecture, ecology and long-term sustainability
- Focus on quality materials, long-term durability, functionality and beauty
- Highlight Sky Islands Biodiversity with open building designs that artfully meld with the natural beauty of the landscape
- Embrace uniqueness and resourcefulness via custom solutions for every natural space
- Take into account Raven’s Nest seasons to enhance a rich and comfortable natural experience
- Commit to natural, organic materials such as wood, stone, and clay – often left in their most authentic, unpolished state to highlight their inherent beauty and ability to age gracefully
- Use copper sinks and other metals for their durability and beauty, contributing to the rustic character of the Safari Camp over time
- Use locally sourced materials and partner with local artisans possessing high levels of craftmanship
- Create inviting, warm, practical, and timeless outdoor spaces that are comfortable, suited to hold up to the elements, and stand the test of time
- Encourage a deeper connection with Nature and Sky Islands biodiversity for all who visit the Safari Camp
Every action Vincent and Claudia have taken at Raven’s Nest Nature Sanctuary since their arrival on March 2008 has been focused on preserving the gorgeous land and it’s natural resources, benefiting all of it’s varied habitats. Realizing that without a healthy environment we are all ultimately in dire straits, they strive each day to make a positive difference in helping our planet. Being located in one of the world’s premiere biodiversity hotspots only raises the stakes in regards to the urgency of conservation efforts at the preserve.
Vincent’s passion and ecological knowledge – born via decades of hands-on field experience as a Wildlife Biologist and Naturalist – are reflected in every direct action taken at Raven’s Nest. Over the years the transformation of the land has been profound, giving true meaning to the term “Nature Sanctuary”. At the Safari Camp, Vincent led the long process of creating the complex as the Environmental & Conservation Consultant. He was determined to preserve every single plant, forcing Claudia’s designs to contour around them to have the least impact on the land.
Thus from the onset, all the new structures seemed themselves “planted” amidst the gorgeous vegetation. Not a single tree or shrub was removed or damaged during the construction of the Sky Islands Safari Camp. Instead, Claudia worked with the open spaces, which consisted mostly of nonnative grass species.
The Safari Camp allows a very direct and intimate interface with Nature, where visitors discover and interact with the diverse flora, fauna, and fungi of the Sky Islands. Each day at Raven’s Nest is a perpetual exploration and celebration of life, the renowned biodiversity of the region taking center stage.
Every action has been aimed at enhancing the land to benefit the species that inhabit and visit beautiful and secluded Raven’s Nest Nature Sanctuary. Working off of the successes at and near the house, in the grasslands, and by the Sky Islands Discovery Center, Vincent applied the same habitat restoration principles at our newly completed Safari Camp in 2012.
At the Safari Camp Vincent implemented the same ecological restoration principles he used throughout the preserve, transforming a stretch of Mesquite Woodland that was rife with nonnative plants to one utterly devoid of them. The native species Vincent planted have been a magnet for a broad spectrum of wildlife. All of the planted species listed below have human uses in addition to their utility to wildlife.
Trees
- Alligator Juniper
- Arizona Juniper
- Arizona Cypress
- Scrub Oak
- Desert Willow
- Catclaw Acacia
- Velvet Mesquite
- Texas Mulberry
- Netleaf Hackberry
- Western Soapberry
Shrubs
- Desert Sumac
- Wolfberry
- Oreganillo
- Desert Honeysuckle
- Goldenbush
- Four-wing Saltbush
- Graythorn
- Gum Bumelia
Succulents
- Beargrass
- Sotol
- Fishhook Barrel Cactus
- Cane Cholla
Other Plants
- Mugwort
- Canyon Creeper
ECO-BATHROOMS, SHOWERS & SINKS TO BENEFIT NATURE
To further conserve water, Claudia designed every copper sink and outdoor shower at Safari Camp and Main Camp as gray-water ones. The showers and sinks are both low-flow designs, further helping to conserve water. Used water benefits native plants, which in turn support local biodiversity. Our eco-friendly plumbing includes:
- Outdoor and indoor showers and copper sinks set up for Gray-water recycling, allowing the reuse of all water for the benefit of the surrounding trees and other native plants
- 4 Indoor Gray-water showers at Nighthawk Nook
- 10 Gray-Water copper Sinks at Safari and Main Camps
- A Gray-water utility sink in one of our Organic Gardens
