advertisement
19 September 2022
Kofa National Wildlife Refuge is protected land in Arizona in the southwestern United States, northeast of Yuma and southeast of Quartzsite. Over 665,400 acres (2,693 km2) of the Yuma Desert region of the Sonoran Desert make up the refuge.
Located in the rugged haven are broad, gently sloping foothills and sharp, needlepoint peaks of the Kofa Mountains. The small, widely scattered waterholes attract a surprising number of water birds for a desert area. The name “Kofa” comes from an Arizona mine that was active in this area from 1897 to 1910.
advertisement
In 1934, Founder of Scouting and noted frontiersman turned conservationist Major Frederick Russell Burnham became interested in the bighorn sheep that lived in the now protected lands. According to Burnham, fewer than 150 of these sheep lived in the Arizona mountains. So he called George F. Miller, then scout executive of the Boy Scout council headquartered in Phoenix, to save the sheep. According to Burnham:
“I want you to save this majestic animal, not only because it is in danger of extinction, but of more importance; someday, it might provide domestic sheep with a strain to save them from disaster at the hands of a yet unknown virus.”
And with that, the Boy Scouts of America started a statewide campaign to help save the desert bighorn sheep.
Other prominent Arizonans joined the movement, and a poster contest was started in schools across the state to save the bighorns. Burnham provided prizes and appeared in store windows from one end of Arizona to the other. The winning bighorn emblem was made into neckerchief slides for 10,000 Boy Scouts, and school assemblies and radio dramatizations were performed. This effort was supported by the National Wildlife Federation, the Izaak Walton League, and the Audubon Society.
advertisement
Combined, Kofa and Cabeza Prieta National Wildlife Refuges set aside over 1.5 million acres (6,100 km2), and a civilian conservation corps side camp was set up to build high mountain waterholes for sheep. The Kofa National Wildlife Refuge was officially opened on April 2, 1939, and Burnham gave the dedication speech. Arizona Boy Scouts now use the desert bighorn sheep as their official mascot, and thanks to them, the number of sheep in these parks is booming.
advertisement
Arizona’s craft beer scene is flourishing, with major cities offering a diverse array of brewpubs that cater to every palate. Here’s a guide to some of the best brewpubs in Phoenix, Tucson, Flagstaff, and Tempe. advertisement Phoenix Wren House Brewing Company: Located at 2125 N 24th St, this brewery is renowned for its award-winning beers. For instance, the Spellbinder IPA is crafted with Arizona-grown Sonoran white wheat and a blend of Cascade, Citra, and Mosaic hops. Hop Culture Arizona Wilderness Brewing Co.: Situated at 201 E Roosevelt St, this brewery emphasizes local ingredients. It offers unique brews that reflect the
The Grand Canyon, one of the most iconic natural wonders in the world, is a testament to the immense power of time and geology. It spans over 277 miles, reaching depths of more than a mile, and offers visitors a stunning view of layered rock formations that tell the story of Earth’s geological history. But how did this awe-inspiring landscape come to be? The formation of the Grand Canyon is the result of millions of years of geological processes, combining erosion, volcanic activity, and the slow movement of tectonic plates. advertisement The Ancient Foundations The Grand Canyon’s story began long
Thinking about exploring Arizona caves? You’re in luck if you’re a spelunker! Several cave systems in Arizona are well-known and accessible to the public, offering a mix of guided tours and self-exploration: Kartchner Caverns – Famous for its preserved formations and extensive guided tours, Kartchner is a must-see for any visitor. Learn More » Peppersauce Cave – A favorite for more adventurous explorers, Peppersauce allows visitors to experience a raw and natural cave environment. Learn More » Colossal Cave – Located near Tucson, this cave provides both standard and advanced tours for those seeking a challenge. Learn More » Grand
Across the deserts, grasslands, and pine forests of Arizona and New Mexico, native predators once prowled: jaguars, wolves, and even grizzly bears once claimed Arizona as their home. Today, most of these species are gone, victims of hunting, habitat loss, and human expansion. But what if human intervention could remedy this? advertisement Jaguars Conservationists have long debated reintroducing jaguars into their historic range. Unlike some extinct or extirpated species, jaguars have garnered public fascination and broad support, making their comeback more politically and socially viable. Reintroducing jaguars wouldn’t just be a symbolic victory; it could help restore complex ecological interactions
