Maricopa Audubon Society

Welcome to Maricopa Audubon Society (MAS), a chapter of the National Audubon Society in the Phoenix metropolitan area with 2,500 members.

Though southeast Arizona is the most well-known Arizona region for birds, many of the same species are found in the Phoenix area. In recent years, we have sighted the Roseate Spoonbill, Brown Thrasher and other unusual species.

New! Our chapter history is now online.

See interesting archives and chapter progress.

Our Mission Statement:

Maricopa Audubon Society is an organization of volunteers dedicated to the enjoyment of birds and other wildlife with a primary focus on the protection and restoration of the habitat of the Southwest through fellowship, education, and community involvement.

Graphic Impact of Cattle Grazing on Riparian Ecosystems
High Resolution Version

Volunteer
Burrowing Owl Relocation

Other Arizona Websites

We are active in habitat conservation for birds and other wildlife, with emphasis on riparian habitat, old-growth forest, and habitat used by endangered species. Our education committee sets up programs for local schools, and sponsors scholarships. We also sponsor numerous field trips throughout the year, mostly near the Phoenix metropolitan area, but also to other parts of Arizona and (occasionally) out of state.

Devils Canyon
This riparian treasure (pictured right) is threatened by Resolution Copper Mine. Devils Canyon runs south of US 60 just east of Oak Flat Campground.

Devils Canyon

Verde Salt Confluence. The Salt River above Granite Reef

A Maricopa Audubon Society Success Story

The Salt River above Granite Reef Dam

This area is the site of the proposed Orme Dam, which would have flooded miles of critical riparian habitat on the Salt and Verde Rivers. Today, it is home to desert-nesting Bald Eagles and hundreds of other species of birds, mammals, fish, reptiles, amphibians, arthropods, and plants that depend on this endangered riverine ecosystem. Maricopa Audubon was instrumental in stopping the dam project. In the background is Red (Sawik) Mountain, on lands of the Fort McDowell Yavapai Nation and the Salt River Pima-Maricopa Indian Community.