Ravens-Way Wild Journeys Environmental Policy

OUR CONSERVATION PRACTICES

The Sky Islands region of southeast Arizona has the most biodiversity of any comparable area in the U.S. At Ravens-Way Wild Journeys LLC,  we have been fortunate to be the stewards of two stunning and species-rich Sky Islands Nature Sanctuaries.  We have managed Raven’s Mountain  in the majestic Chiricahua Mountains since 1993 and ,as of 2008, Raven’s Nest – located by Patagonia Lake State Park and within easy walking distance of the pristine 9,500-acre Sonoita Creek State Natural Area.  Each day we passionately honor this privilege, implementing a multitude of Conservation Practices, that protect and promote our exceptional Sky Islands Biodiversity for future generations.

CONSERVATION STRATEGIES AT RAVEN’S NEST

At Raven’s Nest Nature Sanctuary we host a significant subset of our Sky Islands dazzling array of species.  Since March 2008, we have recorded 170 bird species, 35 mammals, 25 reptiles, 7 amphibians, over 50 species of butterflies, and countless other invertebrates.   Via our remote cameras we have been able to document many of these species. Additionally, a myriad of native plants that call our preserve home with over 200 species currently documented.  We tirelessly implement land management practices that promote and preserve our high levels of biodiversity, while serving as a key wildlife corridor in the greater Sky Islands region.

 

At our Nature Sanctuary each day we practice and promote a number of key Conservation Practices via direct actions to support our spectacular Sky Islands biodiversity:

  • Habitat Management Zones – to sustainably use the land, while improving its ecological health
  • Ecological Restoration – to protect and preserve our unique Sky Islands Biodiversity
  • Rainwater Harvesting Techniques – to support our Ecological Restoration
  • Habitat Restoration  – to provide specific hands-on management for our 6 different habitats, promoting optimal levels of biodiversity
  • Graywater Systems – to redirect and recycle the “once-used” water from all the showers and sinks into an effective Irrigation System, benefiting all the neighboring trees & other plants
  • Wildlife Population Monitoring – to document fauna via remote cameras, frequently updating various Species Lists for the preserve
  •  Non-Native / Invasive Plant Removal & Eradication– to give the competitive edge to native species, using the dead/invasive plants as mulch to reduce water evaporation, thus encouraging the growth of our native plants
  • Planting Native Species only! – to bolster plant populations, improve wildlife habitat, support pollinator and wildlife populations, and develop the food chain, thus creating a healthy and sustainable ecosystem for generations to come!
  •  Xeriscaping – to reduce water use & create wildlife habitat
  • Watershed Restoration – to maintain and improve natural hydrology at the preserve
  • Organic Orchards and Edible Organic Gardens – with desert-adapted Kino Heritage Fruit trees – to lower our impact on the planet & promote healthy Green Living
  • Green Building Principles – to design and create new structures that are environmentally responsible and resource-efficient throughout – Sky Islands Safari Camp,  Rainwater Harvesting System,  Sky Islands Discovery Center
  • Ethnobotanical Garden – to create an experiential learning opportunity via the traditional use of native plants, while employing them for food, medicine, shelter, fire-making, rope, basketry, etc. 
  • Composting – to create rich soil for our Organic Orchards & Organic Edible Gardens
  • Every Acre Counts – to value every square inch of land, taking nothing for granted despite having over 100 acres in our two Nature Preserves
  • NO HUNTING / NO TRAPPING – to safeguard ALL our precious wildlife populations
  • NO PETS – to eliminate their disruptive influence to our many species of wildlife

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Our overarching goal at Raven’s Nest Nature Sanctuary is to serve as a crucial hub and corridor for biodiversity in the Sky Islands region. Thus, the net impact of our collective Conservation Practices is an increase in native plant and wildlife populations.
 
 

 

These in turn create and support a broad spectrum of wildlife species at the preserve. We believe that when properly managed, everyone’s “backyard” – however large or small – can become a vital component in a growing network of preserves that collectively make a huge positive difference for our planet’s imperiled species.