The Sedona Wetlands Preserve is a nature preserve near Sedona, Arizona. It is composed of six man-made basins It is located south of the city's wastewater treatment facility. It is a popular destination for birdwatchers in Arizona as birds such as ducks and shorebirds are usually absent from the preserve's dry surroundings.[2]
| Sedona Wetlands Preserve | |
|---|---|
IUCN category IV (habitat/species management area) | |
   | |
| Location | 7500 AZ-89A, Sedona, AZ 86336 |
| Coordinates | 34°49′48″N 111°53′41″W / 34.8300°N 111.8946°W |
| Area | 27 acres (11 ha) |
| Elevation | 3,773–3,978 ft (1,150–1,212 m)[1] |
| Established | September 27, 2013 |
| Operator | City of Sedona |
History
editThe preserve was called the Sedona Wetlands during planning until a meeting in November 2012 concluded that "Preserve" was to be added to the name.[3] It was dedicated on September 27, 2013.[1][4] The preserve and the treatment facility cost $34 million in total.[5]
Description
editThe preserve occupies 27 acres (11 ha), with 12.2 acres (4.9 ha) being water. There are six basins in which water treated by the neighboring facility is discharged. The effluent that flows into the preserve has been treated to A+ quality standards. The basins exist to increase the evaporation of effluent and increase evapotranspiration. The basins' depth can range from fairly shallow to about 4 ft (1.2 m) deep.[6]
Fishing, kayaking, and swimming are prohibited at the preserve. Islands have been constructed in some of the basins to allow wildlife to inhabit and breed in the area. Additionally, plants native to wetlands were added to attract animals and prevent erosion. The Northern Arizona Audubon Society offers free birding trips to the preserve seasonally.[6][7][8] To control weeds, 200 grass carp were introduced to the ponds in 2015 under a permit from the Arizona Game and Fish Department. The fish will not be able to travel to other bodies of water as it is isolated.[9]
References
edit- ^ a b Czinar, Mare (September 23, 2015). "Hike of the week: Sedona Wetlands Preserve". The Arizona Republic. Archived from the original on February 26, 2024. Retrieved February 26, 2024.
- ^ Friederici, Peter (June 4, 2014). "Earth Notes: Sedona Wetlands Preserve". KNAU. Retrieved February 26, 2024.
- ^ Newspapers, Larson (December 3, 2012). "City adds one word to wetlands name: Preserve". Sedona Red Rock News. Archived from the original on February 26, 2024. Retrieved February 26, 2024.
- ^ "Sedona Wetlands Preserve grand opening on Sept. 27". Verde Independent. September 13, 2013. Archived from the original on February 26, 2024. Retrieved February 26, 2024.
- ^ "Sedona Wetlands and Wastewater". Sedona Eye. January 24, 2013. Archived from the original on October 23, 2021. Retrieved February 26, 2024.
- ^ a b "Sedona Wetlands Preserve". City of Sedona. Archived from the original on June 30, 2023. Retrieved February 25, 2024.
- ^ "Northern Arizona Audubon Society - Sedona Wetlands Preserve". Northern Arizona Audubon Society. Archived from the original on February 26, 2024. Retrieved February 26, 2024.
- ^ "Sedona Eye » Birding the Sedona Wetlands Preserve". Sedona Eye. April 29, 2014. Archived from the original on July 7, 2022. Retrieved February 26, 2024.
- ^ "A treatment technique and public park". City of Sedona. Archived from the original on December 26, 2019. Retrieved February 25, 2024.