advertisement
12 June 2023
The Phoenix Herpetological Sanctuary (PHS), located in North Scottsdale, is a non-profit organization dedicated to conserving and preserving native and non-native reptiles through various initiatives such as education, rehabilitation, rescue, and relocation. As a comprehensive facility, PHS encompasses a surrender facility, an education program, summer camps, and rescue and rehabilitation services.
At the core of PHS’s mission are two key goals: rescue and rehabilitation and conservation education. The sanctuary recognizes the need to provide a haven for non-native and native species. Approximately 90% of the animals at PHS are from the pet trade. The sanctuary actively collaborates with the general public, humane societies, animal welfare leagues, law enforcement agencies, and other organizations across the United States.
Conservation education is another critical aspect of PHS’s mission. The sanctuary firmly believes that education is the cornerstone of conservation. With our desert ecosystem facing significant threats, educating younger generations about the vital role each animal plays in maintaining ecological balance becomes essential. PHS’s outreach program reached an impressive 250,000 individuals last year, primarily school-aged children and teenagers. By engaging with these young minds, PHS instills a sense of responsibility and appreciation for reptiles and their habitat, fostering a more sustainable future for our planet.
The sanctuary’s engagement is extensive and varied, from hosting birthday parties and leading field trips to conducting classroom programs, professional development workshops, and venomous snake training courses. PHS’s dedication to conservation through education is unwavering.
View this post on Instagram
Recently, PHS fulfilled a long-held dream by completing an onsite Wildlife Education and Conservation Center. This custom-designed facility accommodates physically and mentally challenged visitors, allowing them to experience the wonders of PHS. Tailored programs for children and adults with special needs are being developed, ensuring inclusivity and a hands-on opportunity to explore a new world. PHS is committed to ensuring that no individual is turned away due to physical, mental, or other challenges when learning about wildlife and the environment.
The history of PHS dates back to 2001, when three passionate reptile enthusiasts recognized the need for a dedicated facility to address the specific challenges faced by reptiles in Arizona. While numerous organizations catered to the rescue of various animal species, there was a significant gap when it came to reptiles. Reptile owners needed an outlet to relinquish their pets if necessary, and there needed to be accurate information on reptile care and husbandry. Furthermore, the destruction of native and non-native species occurred due to a lack of understanding about their care and housing requirements. In response to these pressing issues, PHS was founded.
The Phoenix Herpetological Sanctuary stands as a beacon of hope for reptiles in need. Its commitment to rescue, rehabilitation, and conservation education has established PHS as a leading force in reptilian welfare. Through its tireless efforts, the sanctuary saves lives and fosters a greater understanding and appreciation for these remarkable creatures. With every school visit, every program conducted, and every reptile cared for, PHS moves closer to its ultimate goal of creating a world where reptiles are respected, protected, and coexist harmoniously with humans.
advertisement
When you think about Arizona, there is no denying you’ll also think about cactus. Not only is it the state flower of the blossom of a Saguaro Cactus, but it’s also illegal to destroy or vandalize a Saguaro Cactus in Arizona. But beyond cactus ‘s resilience in the harsh desert landscape, did you know this spiny plant is also packed with health benefits? From cactus fruit to cactus pads (called nopales), the versatile cactus has been a staple in indigenous diets for thousands of years. It is now gaining attention for its impressive nutritional properties. advertisement What Is Cactus Fruit?
The Bureau of Land Management has announced a $2.4 million investment from the Investing in America agenda. This initiative will support a cultural landscape study and predictive model for public lands in California and Arizona. The study aims to assess the impact of renewable energy development on Tribal ancestral lands as well as other significant landscapes in the Colorado River Basin, helping to improve the responsible siting and processing of renewable energy right-of-way applications. advertisement Renewable Energy Meets Ancestral Grounds As the world shifts toward cleaner, more sustainable energy sources, the United States has emerged at the forefront of renewable
Arizona is a state brimming with wild-west history, and one of its most celebrated traditions is the rodeo! Rodeos in Arizona provide a dynamic glimpse into this storied past, blending rugged cowboy skills with the high-octane energy of modern competition. advertisement Arizona Rodeo History Rodeo in Arizona traces its roots back to the late 1800s, reflecting the challenges and lifestyles of early cattle ranchers and cowboys. In Arizona, ranch hands faced the daily grind of herding cattle, breaking wild horses, and wrangling in the intense desert environment. Born out of necessity, the Rodeo was a way for these cowboys to
Arizona’s history is rich with tales of pioneers, miners, ranchers, and outlaws, but none are as infamous as the Cochise County Cowboys. These figures became synonymous with lawlessness in the late 1800s, and their stories spread far beyond the state’s borders. But what exactly made these cowboys so notorious? advertisement The Wild West Era and the Birth of Tombstone In the 1870s, the area that would become Tombstone, Arizona, was a barren stretch of land, home only to a few scattered settlements. But the town exploded when Ed Schieffelin, a prospector, discovered silver in the Tombstone Hills. By 1880, Tombstone
