Tucson Audubon Society

Do you think you could survive just on the water that falls from the sky? Without taking water from the Colorado River 330 miles away or from the ground beneath you?

Curious about this possibility, last week I visited a house in the Tucson Mountains. The people who live there cook, wash, irrigate, and even maintain their swimming pool using only the water that falls on the roof of their house. While you and I may not be able to achieve a complete realization of the off-grid lifestyle, we can help our natural environment by using less water.

“Wait,” you say. “If I save on water doesn’t that just mean more water is available for development?” You’ll be interested to learn that Tucson Audubon is seeking funds to partner with the Water Resources Research Center of the University of Arizona to pilot the Conserve to Enhance program, by which the water you save is made available to environmental projects.

Starting June 2 a new City of Tucson ordinance requires new commercial facilities to meet at least one half of their landscaping water needs with harvested rainwater. This is the first ordinance of its kind in the country. Tucson Audubon was part of the committee that developed the ordinance, bringing about a real achievement for water conservation in our community.

In the past, you have indicated that you share Tucson Audubon’s goals, including securing the most important places in southern Arizona for birds and other wildlife. We get people outside watching birds and restoring habitats. We teach about our natural world and advocate for change. And we campaign to keep water in our environment for plants and animals.

We must reach our goal of $75,000 by August 31.

My urgent appeal to you this summer is for a financial contribution at the time of year when contributions slow down even as our work continues at a great pace. Your grassroots support is what gives Tucson Audubon its influence, and a special summer donation enables us to work tirelessly year round on your behalf for our birds, other wildlife, and the places where they live. In short, your gift helps us to work for your quality of life.

Please click here to make your secure online gift, for which
we thank you.

Yours sincerely,

Dr. Paul Green | Executive Director

Our goals are to conserve and restore the most important places in southern Arizona for birds and other wildlife. We use the tools of education, direct conservation action, and advocacy, and we engage people through birding as a recreation.

Read our summer appeal letter in full (PDF)

Print a donation form to mail with your check (PDF)