Tucson Audubon Society

These are organizations (organized by level of membership) that support Tucson Audubon as partners in our efforts to serve the community through conservation, education, and recreational programs.

If you are interested in making your business or organization a Birds & Business Alliance Member of Tucson Audubon, fill out an application or contact Erin Olmstead, (520) 629-0510.

“Adventure Birding” is more than just the name of our small birding/natural history tour company—it's a way of life for our guides! We provide individualized private tours in scenic southeastern Arizona and Mexico , but also organize small group tours to these and other intriguing locales. No matter where we go, our amusing and knowledgeable guides blend birding with natural and cultural history, geology, and geography for a comprehensive outdoor adventure.

Co-owners and lead guides Jake Mohlmann, John Yerger and Keith Kamper endeavor to provide the highest-quality guiding for birders of all skill levels: from those new to birding who want to see it all, to the most seasoned traveler seeking just one elusive life bird or prized photo. We can customize tours for individuals and groups of almost any size, and offer scheduled tours to the best, most diverse natural history hotspots. We work hard to minimize our impact on our fragile planet by offering environmentally-friendly travel opportunities, with the option of offsetting carbon emissions from your trip".

See our Alliance Member birding travel page for their current trips.

STERLING LEVEL
Nature Treks & Passages
naturetreks.net
Under new ownership – Debra Tranberg
781 789-8127
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Specializing in exotic tours of the US , Mexico and Central America

Nature Treks and Passages tours cover some of the most exotic, naturally intact and historical places on earth. Birding adventures for the beginner to the obsessed; observe master potters in culture-rich villages; explore exotic flora and fauna of the deciduous tropical forest; visit anthropological and archaeological museums; sleep peacefully in quaint sea-side inns or slumber with the sounds from a jungle lodge. And so much more. Your trip is only limited by your imagination.

Each tour is lead by an experienced guide, who brings along a love for birding, natural history and unsurpassed cultural knowledge of the area. Nature Treks and Passages manages all your logistics for one price that includes accommodations, meals, guides, activity fees, tips, and ground transportation to and from the point of origin. We intentionally limit the group size on each trip for more intimate, rich experience, which also limits our impact on the local environment. Detailed itinerary descriptions and photographs on individual trips are available online, and is the recommended starting point to determine your destination interests. Join us online at www.naturetreks.net . Request a brochure: (781) 789-8127 or email: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .

See our alliance member birding travel page for their current trips.

STERLING LEVEL
Rancho Esmeralda
ranchoesmeraldanogales.com
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520-241-7072

The 20,000 acre Rancho Esmeralda was created as a “super” ranch by getting surrounding ranchers to join in an effort to preserve critical riparian habitat, and allow for visitors to see the many rare bird, animal and plant species that call the Esmeralda home. The location is ideal for visitors since it is only 2 hours from Tucson . The ranch introduces visitors to the land, the history, the food, the music and culture of northern Mexico . Eco-tourism subsidizes the income of the ranches and enables them to preserve habitat and allow the land to remain relatively undisturbed.

The rancho at Esmeralda features a spectacular solar powered Spanish Colonial lodge, for groups of 15-50 people, with pool/Jacuzzi. Now available for smaller groups is the lovely, new 4 bedroom, Las Avispas ranch house, a great place for spotting Elegant Trogons from the porch.

The Esmeralda's bird list includes Elegant Trogon, Rose-throated Becard, the Grey Hawk, 5 Stripe Sparrow and Yellow-billed Cukoo to name a few. The Rancho is also home to many fish, frogs, and endangered animals. Sky Island Alliance has several cameras set up on the ranch documenting the wildlife, including the big cats. We hope to add the jaguar to that list as the rancho falls into their range. The Rancho embraces eco-tourism as a way to commit to preserving the land, the history and the traditional way of life in this beautiful region of Mexico. Our website is www.ranchoesmeraldanogales.com

See our Alliance Member birding travel page for their current trips.

STERLING LEVEL
Solipaso Tours/El Pedregal Nature Lodge
solipaso.com
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Solipaso is a small birding and natural history tour company based in Alamos, Sonora, Mexico, owned and operated by David and Jennifer MacKay. They personally research, organize and run all of their tours and specialize in high quality, fun, small group birding and natural history trips throughout Mexico. Some of the locations they run trips to include Sonora, Sinaloa, Nayarit, Colima/Jalisc, Oaxaca, Veracruz, Yucatan and Chiapas (coming soon). Beyond the scheduled dates for their various trips, they also specialize in doing custom trips.

The MacKays have lived and worked in Mexico for 15 years and enjoy sharing their love and knowledge of the country with their guests. Jennifer and David have a background in active travel with an emphasis in high customer service. Originally from the Bay Area, they migrated to Mexico in search of an alternative lifestyle. They landed in Alamos and began to explore the environs. David is a self taught birder, loves being out in the field and showing people lots of birds, all the while having a good time. His sense of humor makes every day a good day. David has deep knowledge of birds and the culture of regions in which we travel. Jennifer runs the show in Alamos and occasionally gets out into the field. She manages Solipaso trips and is also an accomplished cook (meals at their place in Alamos are a highlight for our guests), yoga teacher and is involved with several charities in Alamos. David and Jennifer have raised their two daughters, Salina and Elly, in Alamos.

Solipaso is the birding tour end of their business. They have also recently opened El Pedregal Nature Lodge and Retreat Center. They have five luxury casitas and a central lodge set on 20 acres at the edge of the town of Alamos.

See our Alliance Member birding travel page for their current trips.

STERLING LEVEL
Tropical Birding
tropicalbirding.com
1.800.348.5941

Definitely not your average company, Tropical Birding has guides and offices based in different continents with young, enthusiastic, well trained guides. They keep their group sizes small (only eight on tours that spend significant time in enclosed forest habitats where silence is vital to seeing secretive species) and they offer guaranteed departures on their Ecuador tours. No more having your tour cancelled because it didn't fill. This means even if you are the only one booked, the trip proceeds as planned with just you and your personal guide!

Tropical Birding also believes in giving something back for the privilege of birding in exotic locations and donates about 20% of its profits each year to conservation, especially to local land purchases in areas where they work. This can buy a lot of land in Ecuador but won't have the same impact in the US where land values are higher. But this company has a truly global plan to link bird tourism to bird conservation. Their newest enterprise, Birding America, will donate funds to youth programs for budding birders like the ABA's Young Adult Birders Conference and similar programs.

See our Alliance Member birding travel page for their current trips.

STERLING LEVEL
Victor Emanuel Nature Tours, Inc.
ventbird.com
2525 Wallingwood, Suite 1003, Austin, TX 78746
(800)328-8368
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VENT offers tours to over 100 destinations ranging from the Himalayan highlands of tiny Bhutan to the huge expanses of Brazil's bird-rich Pantanal to Antarctica, and Africa. Their tour leaders are outstanding birders who have a talent for finding birds and showing them to others, and their staff is dedicated to keeping you well-informed and prepared for every tour. VENT has played a pioneer role in helping develop ecotourism, supporting local conservation organizations, using local drivers and guides, and using in-country tourism operators.

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GOLD LEVEL
Swaim Associates Ltd Architects AIA
www.swaimaia.com
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520-326-3700

At Swaim Associates, we design innovative and inspiring environments in which people work, live, learn, and play. We are dedicated to the development of new models that foster community, education, sustainability, and wellness. Our commitment to personal service, technical expertise, and teamwork enable us to support visions of our clients.

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SILVER LEVEL

Loews Ventana Canyon Resort
www.loewshotels.com
7000 North Resort Drive, Tucson, AZ 85750
299-2020

Loews Ventana Canyon Resort has partnered with the Arizona-SonoraDesertMuseum, Tucson Botanical Gardens, Friends of Sabino Canyon, and now Tucson Audubon Society to create an on-property educational nature trail featuring a hummingbird and butterfly exhibit and indigenous plant life, with guest appearances from native birds, reptiles and mammals. Throughout the trail visitors will find signs with detailed information about the plants and animals of the area, as well as the stories of the geology of Tucson, the life of a Saguaro and the history of the Loews Ventana Canyon Resort.

“As our property was built with nature in mind, we decided to find ways that we could expand on this legacy,” said Brian Johnson, Loews Ventana Canyon Resort Managing Director. “The Loews Ventana Canyon Window Trail allows us to share with all of our guests the unique aspects of the Sonoran Desert that visitors sometimes don’t have the opportunity to enjoy. It’s an opportunity to really learn about the flora and fauna that live in our own backyard.” As the newest Birds & Business Alliance Silver member, Loews Ventana Canyon Resort is excited to be teaming up with Tucson Audubon Society to create even more bird-friendly and birder-friendly amenities.

Located at 7000 North Resort Drive and nestled in the Santa Catalina Mountain foothills, the 398-guestroom Loews Ventana Canyon Resort features two Tom Fazio-designed PGA golf courses, a full-service spa and fitness center, lighted tennis courts and hiking trails. The AAA Four-Diamond resort was named #2 in Sunset Magazine’s Top 10 Hotels for Nature Lovers! Visit loewshotels.com or call 520-299-2020.

SILVER LEVEL
The Oasis at Way Out West
wowarizona.com
5494 East Edwin Road, Tucson, AZ 85739
825-4590

At Way Out West, you're immersed in nature. Offering lodging since 1998 in a bed & breakfast fashion, we’re twenty miles north of Tucson, on a three-acre private nature preserve. Warm hospitality, spectacular views, and abundant wildlife welcome you to our home. Winding through the gardens, stroll our 'home trails' and habitat restoration areas, or you can hike into the Santa Catalinas. Our bird population is rich and varied, with the ‘House Life List’ at 135.

“…imposing mountains form a superlative backdrop for one of Tucson's finest hummingbird and butterfly gardens…. Rufous-winged Sparrows regularly visit bird feeders.” Dr. Dale A. Zimmerman

“You are fountains of information about the natural world!” Nancy Zierenberg, Arizona Native Plant Society

“…this place is amazing, one of the best butterfly gardens in Tucson.” Jim Brock, ‘Butterfly Man’

Facilitating your natural experience is our goal; however, we do offer free Wi-Fi, hot tubs, billiards and Home-Theatre for ‘apres’ birding pleasure! Visit our site at wowarizona.com for on-site photos, reviews, and rate information.

SILVER LEVEL
Snell & Wilmer L.L.P.
swlaw.com
One South Church Avenue, Suite 1500
Tucson, AZ 85701, 882-1200

Founded in 1938, Snell & Wilmer L.L.P. is a full-service business law firm with more than 400 attorneys practicing in six offices throughout the western United States, including Tucson and Phoenix, AZ; Orange County, CA; Denver, CO; Las Vegas, NV; and Salt Lake City, UT. The firm represents clients ranging from large, publicly traded corporations to small businesses, individuals and entrepreneurs.

The firm's founding partners were instrumental in the growth and development of our state and its capital city. Their legal and civic contributions include the formation of the American Graduate School of International Management (Thunderbird), named the nation's number one graduate school of international management by U.S. News & World Report; facilitation of the merger of the State's major utility companies into what became, in the 1950s, the state's largest public utility; and representing the state in what is widely regarded as its most important lawsuit, Arizona v. California , which established Arizona's right to a stated and significant portion of the waters of the Colorado River.

Frank Snell, Jr. and Mark Wilmer also left an enduring cultural legacy that emphasizes three basic concepts:

• render superior legal service to our clients,
• provide public service and leadership to the communities in which we practice, and
• maintain pleasant, open and supportive office environments.

SILVER LEVEL
Tucson Electric Power
tep.com

COMMITTED TO CONSERVATION PARTNERSHIPS
TEP collaborates with community organizations to balance the demands of a growing population with conserving the Sonoran Desert. Our portfolio of environmental partnerships and commitment to conservation has diversified and strengthened with time.

The Raptor Protection Program, an innovative partnership with the University of Arizona, the Arizona Game and Fish Department (AZGFD) and others is now a nationally recognized model, seeking to protect raptors from fatal encounters with electrical equipment. TEP sends its customers quarterly environmental billing inserts focused on the dangers of feeding wildlife, and of buffelgrass, and the importance of protecting desert tortoises and reporting raptor nest sites.

Our H. Wilson Sundt Generating Station has been home to 60 pairs of burrowing owls since 2005 following a call for help from AZGFD; our volunteers built nest sites for owls displaced by development in Maricopa County. The station also partners with Civano Nursery, producing about 500 cubic yards of organic compost each week for eight months each year. TEP provides the nursery with land, electricity, run- off water from the power plant, and 420 tons of green waste from power line corridors. The compost yard also serves as a temporary home for trees salvaged from construction sites. This is one example of how TEP is committed to reducing waste through innovative recycling efforts.

Our support for Trees for Tucson has led to the planting of more than 53,500 trees. The program enables residents in TEP’s service area to purchase up to two drought- resistant, five gallon trees for $6 each. By providing shade, these trees help reduce energy consumption in homes and businesses, and make Tucson a more beautiful place. They also absorb carbon dioxide, provide habitat for wildlife and reduce soil erosion from storm water runoff and wind. In October 2007 TEP managed a community-wide Make a Difference Day project to plant 1,015 trees in neighborhoods, schools and parks. This nationally recognized day of service publicized the importance of planting native trees, galvanized nearly 900 volunteers and raised more than $50,000 in contributions for Habitat for Humanity neighborhoods and parks.

TEP recycles metals from its equipment and oil removed from its generation and distribution equipment whenever possible. Our parent company, UniSource Energy Corporation, has sponsored the Nature Conservancy’s statewide eco-planning for more than a decade.

Our contributions to environmental organizations and educational programs have totaled nearly one million dollars in the last five years. In the last few months we have expanded our incentives for adopting renewable technology, including the solar panels that can be seen at the Reid Park Zoo’s new Environmental Learning Center, which carries platinum- level Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) certification. TEP offers a variety of Bright Solutions to address the opportunities and challenges and we face in our community including green energy, charitable organization support, energy efficiency, and economic development. Please visit www.tep.com to learn more about our programs. Together, we make a powerful difference in our communities’ well- being.

Sharon Foltz
TEP Community Relations Director

 

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COPPER LEVEL
Brooklyn Pizza
brooklynpizzacompany.com
534 N 4th Ave., Tucson, AZ 85705
622-6868

Our staff and volunteers in the main office can tell you how delicious everything is since owner, Tony Vaccaro, is always willing to provide ‘ZA and gelato' every time we call on him! In addition to great pie, Brooklyn Pizza Company also offers pasta, calzones, sandwiches and salad. Be sure to check out their website (above) for a complete menu and coupons you can download, or give them a call at 622-6868. But don't just take our word for it; read what the professionals have to say:

“The soul of a genuinely scrumptious Brooklyn-style pizza doesn't reside in fancy gimmicks or a host of bizarre toppings. The key to a New York pie is an obsessive devotion to ingredients of the highest quality and consummate freshness.When tossed together, the result is magnificent.”
—Rebecca Cook, Tucson Weekly: Brooklyn Pizza Company Pie A-Plenty

“Hold everything, transplanted New Yorkers! There may not be any reason to visit those sorry relatives still on the East Coast this summer, because the only thing you truly like about the Big Apple has shown up on Fourth Avenue—Brooklyn Pizza Company, 534 N. Fourth Ave., would make its namesake borough proud.”
—Raina Wagner. The Arizona Daily Star

COPPER LEVEL
Casa Adobe Bed and Breakfast
www.CasaAdobe.net
Rodeo, NM
1-877-557-2275

Casa Adobe is a new birder-friendly B&B in Rodeo, New Mexico. Nestled between the Chiricahua and Peloncillo Mountains ~50 miles north of Douglas, AZ. Rodeo is on the New Mexico Birding Trails system and is nine miles from Portal, AZ and the Cave Creek Canyon birding areas. Casa Adobe is a one bedroom/bath private hacienda with kitchen, living room, lanudry and three patios. A curving perimeter wall surrounds the grounds defining a quiet restful space for birding or relaxing and soaking in the views. A number of feeders and water baths decorate the property to attract a diversity of birds.Rates include breakfast in your hacienda or at one of several nearby cafes within easy walking or driving distance. Outdoor activities are moments from Casa Adobe, including day hiking, extended trekking, horseback riding, mountain biking, jogging, landscape/wildlife photography, and more.

Because Rodeo is far from population centers night skies are exceptionally dark facilitating serious astronomical observations. When you plan your next outdoor adventure, consider staying at Casa Adobe B&B in Rodeo. You’ll find your stay at Casa Adobe pleasant and filled with possibilities. For reservations call toll-free 1-877-557-2275 or visit www.CasaAdobe.net.

COPPER LEVEL
Casa de San Pedro Bed and Breakfast
www.bedandbirds.com

Casa de San Pedro bed and breakfast is located next to the San Pedro Riparian National Conservation Area (SPRNCA) on ten acres with easy access to the San Pedro River, which offers excellent birding. The property also has a number of feeders on it to make birding easy and enjoyable year-round.

The bed and breakfast has 10 guest rooms, all with private entrance and private bath and individual thermostats for your comfort. A full breakfast is served each day and early breakfasts are available to accommodate birders. Fresh pies and cookies are available in the afternoon. Dinners are available certain times of the year, or for groups of 6 or more with advance notice. The common areas offer plenty of room to visit with other birders or spend quiet time updating your birdlist.

Our Barn Owl box has had a family in it the last three years. A bat house, made to house up to 6,000 bats, can be quite a sight in the early spring when over 400 bats have flown out searching for bugs. It is not unusual to see Lesser Night Hawks circling our fields, bats leaving their box, and Barn Owls taking flight during the mid-evening starting in early May.

The grounds are constantly being improved with drought-tolerant plants that attract birds and butterflies. We welcome birders to visit us and experience birding at our bed and breakfast, and if you would like to stay a night or two, we would be most happy to host you. www.bedandbirds.com.

COPPER LEVEL
Cat Mountain Lodge
www.catmountainlodge.com
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578-6068

Cat Mountain Lodge is a Southwestern style bed & breakfast built in 2009. We have 4 spacious rooms with private baths, complimentary breakfast at the Coyote Pause Café next door, and a central courtyard. Birdwatchers and nature lovers can explore the hiking and biking trails of the breathtaking Tucson Mountains.

COPPER LEVEL
El Conquistador Resort Patio Homes Association Inc.

El Conquistador Resort Patio Homes consists of 192 residences which border the golf course of the Hilton El Conquistador Resort in Oro Valley. Beginning in mid 2007, the Association embarked on a three-year capital improvement /infrastructure renewal program. By the end of this program, over $480,000 will have been invested in this program including the planting of 250 new trees and over 1,000 new plants/shrubs.

Following the guidance of our consulting Landscape Designer, Greg Corman, all of the new tree and plant species are native to the Sonoran Desert and follow the principles of xeriscape landscaping. Three of the larger common areas were designated as “The Bird Garden,” “The Butterfly Garden” and the “Lizards Lair,” with the installation of appropriate new plantings and benches. Other major components of the capital program were a totally new irrigation system, a major physical upgrade to the roads, and a complete new installation of decorative rock for the entire community.

One of the most gratifying results from these investments and management efforts is the reduction of three million gallons of irrigation water consumed in a two-year period as compared to the prior two years.

The reduction in the consumption of potable irrigation water was recognized by the town of Oro Valley in the town’s Monthly Magazine, Vista. The community was also recognized in a feature article on Station KVOA News 4 by the “Green Team” reporter for our water conservation efforts and our tree- and shrub-planting program.

With all of these continuing efforts, we felt that a next logical step would be to join the Audubon Society whose overall goals and vision so closely complement those of our community. We are proud to be a member of the Tucson Audubon Society.
Board of Directors, El Conquistador Resort Patio Homes Association, Inc.

COPPER LEVEL
Desert Toyota of Tucson
deserttoyota.com
520-296-8535

Desert Toyota of Tucson in Tucson, Casas Adobes, Military, Catalina Foothills, Marana, Oro Valley, Nogales is proud to be an automotive leader in our community. Since opening our doors, Desert Toyota of Tucson has maintained a solid commitment to our customers, offering the widest selection of automobiles and ease of purchase.

Whether you are in the market to purchase a new or pre-owned vehicle, if you need financing options, we'll help you find a car loan that works for you! Even if you have bad credit, or are a first time car buyer, you can trust that Desert Toyota of Tucson will professionally fit you into the automobile of your choice.

Desert Toyota of Tucson's professionally managed Service and Parts Departments are open extended hours to accommodate our customers' busy schedules; and, as always, Desert Toyota of Tucson offers competitive pricing for your automotive maintenance needs. Please feel free to contact us at 520-296-8535 if you have any questions or concerns.

COPPER LEVEL
Down by the River Bed and Breakfast
downbytheriverbandb.com
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(520) 720-9441
2255 Efken Place (mail: P.O. Box 387)
Saint David, AZ 85630

Located on the San Pedro River at the northern end of the San Pedro National Riparian Conservation Area. At the end of the day, relax on the porch as the sun sets and watch the flocks of birds as they fly to their roosts for the night in the cottonwoods along the San Pedro River, while the background of Arizona hues in purple and pinks reflecting from Cochise's Stronghold grow stronger. Down By The River is a 15 acre property that borders the San Pedro River and is within sight of the northern end of the world famous San Pedro National Riparian Area.

COPPER LEVEL
Kimberlyn Drew, MBA, Realtor
http://www.kimberlyndrew.com
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(520) 237-1408

If you are looking for a real estate agent who speaks both business and birds, look no further than Kimberlyn Drew. Kimberlyn is a longtime member of Tucson Audubon and has been an avid birder since she met her now-husband, Andy Moore, over ten years ago. She is also active with the Arizona Native Plant Society and has been known to volunteer to pull cheatgrass for the Forest Service in the Santa Catalinas.

With an MBA from the University of Arizona and an avid interest in the environment, she is the perfect person to help you sell your home and find the right home to fit your needs. Want a home near a green belt with lots of native vegetation for Pyrrhuloxia and Phainopepla? How about one near a wetland for ducks and herons or maybe near desert cliffs for Canyon Wren and towhees? While she can’t guarantee avian visitors she does guarantee an understanding of and appreciation for your interests and priorities. And best of all, when you go out with her as your agent, you’d better bring your binoculars!

COPPER LEVEL
Economy Birding Services, Inc.
www.economybirding.com

"Quality Birding With Your Budget in Mind"
Economy Birding Services, Inc. is a full service bird guiding company run by Tucson Audubon member and field trip leader Clifford A. Cathers out of Vail, Arizona. The primary business goal is to provide the highest quality birding experience at the lowest possible price. Budget-minded rates are targeted at birders looking for a bargain without sacrificing quality. Discounted rates are available for individuals over the age of 55. A wide range of year-round activities are offered including target birding, custom tours, hourly jaunts, big days, leisure birding, tick and runs, feeder sits and photography outings.

Focusing primarily on southeast Arizona, Clifford draws on 36 years of birding experience (18 years here in the desert southwest) to help birders maximize success for their travel and time investment. Please check out the company's web site at www.economybirding.com for information on services, rates and availability. A wealth of bird observation data, recent photos and a daily journal of field activities can be found as well. Potential customers are encouraged to request a free quote for their trip and use it to shop around. Contact Clifford at 520-762-3201 or email him at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

COPPER LEVEL
Financial Architects
www.financial-architects.com
884-7550

Are you on a path to financial independence? When planning for your financial future you want to enlist the help of professionals you can trust. At Financial Architects, Certified Financial Planners™ James P. Walker and Brienne L. Dylewski are committed to helping individuals and businesses build financial futures that meet their personal and professional goals. As independent planners, they are truly able to work in the best interest of their clients on everything from retirement planning to wealth management to college savings. In business for more than 35 years, Financial Architects enjoys a solid reputation for providing expert financial advice and investment and insurance services to help clients reduce taxes and achieve financial independence.

If you would like to schedule a complimentary appointment please call 884-7550. Partial list of Services & Products: Business Retirement Plans, Business Insurance Planning, Employee Benefit Planning, Estate Planning, Private Portfolio Management, Mutual Funds, Annuities, 529 College Savings Plans and Long-Term Care Insurance.

Ph: 884-7550. Website: www.financial-architects.com. Securities and advisory services through KMS Financial Services, Inc.

COPPER LEVEL
Fiore Tile Works
www.fioretileworks.com
1301 South 6th Avenue, #105
520 971-0677

Fiore Tile Works has been depicting the Sonoran Desert in its large format display pieces since moving to Tucson from San Diego in 2005. Working in high-fired ceramic, artist David McMahon’s bas relief sculptures capture Sonoran flora and fauna in brilliant color. “I grew up in Tucson, Sharing my love of the desert through my art is my mission. I am constantly trying to deepen my relationship with the desert.”

In May, Fiore Tile Works will be releasing anew line of Artisan Tiles centered around Sonoran Desert birds. David is also sculpting a roadrunner to be cast in a limited edition bronze (also scheduled for early May release). Please visit www.fioretileworks.com for details on upcoming releases and to view a gallery of installations. Fiore Tile Works is located at 1301 South 6th Avenue, #105 and welcomes visitors.

COPPER LEVEL
Heartstone Mountain Ranch
heartstoneranch.com
877-562-2955

In the past, birders had their choice of staying in hotels or camping when they visited southeast Arizona to bird our more remote locations. That meant extra expenses for meals at restaurants, packing in all of the items needed to cook meals in the field, extra travel time to birding locations, and no opportunity to really “make yourself at home” during the visit. All that is changing as more creative lodging options are becoming available.

We are pleased to introduce our newest Birds and Business Alliance member, Heartstone Mountain Ranch, a wonderful new option for visiting birders or for locals needing an opportunity to escape the concrete jungle by walking out the front door and into a birders' paradise!

Only minutes from the desert but high above its heat, this sky island retreat is a haven of peace and tranquility. If you're an avid birder, hiker or mountain biker, or just want a quiet weekend away, Heartstone Mountain Ranch offers stunning views, tree-shaded trails and clear starry nights. Bordered on three sides by Coronado National Forest , elevation 5,200 feet, the 9.5-acre Heartstone Mountain Ranch is only 10 miles from Parker Canyon Lake and is in the heart of southeastern Arizona 's world-renowned birding mecca.

Heartstone Mountain Ranch has weekly and daily (2 night minimum) rates for a charming 2-bedroom, 2-bath house. The house, surrounded by oak forest and grasslands, has a large stone fireplace, a wraparound balcony, rear patio, and a fully-equipped modern kitchen. Heartstone Mountain Ranch is located in Santa Cruz County, just 70 miles southeast of Tucson, 25 miles from Sierra Vista, and 20 miles from Sonoita. Don't forget to tell them we sent you!

COPPER LEVEL
Hughes Federal Credit Union
hughesfcu.org
P.O. Box 11900 Tucson
AZ 85734-1900
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520-794-8341(Tucson) 800-253-8245(U.S.)

Hughes Federal Credit Union has been serving Arizona since 1952. We've been providing members with many of the same products, services and conveniences as other financial institutions, but at reduced costs and increased savings for our members.

COPPER LEVEL
The Living Fence
www.thelivingfence.com
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520-795-5300

The Living Fence offers natural ocotillo fencing to enhance the artistry of your desert landscaping, creating an appealing barrier between your yard and unwanted critters. Living Fence blooms with exquisite orange blossoms after each desert rain and will provide many years of gorgeous blooms. Our staff is knowledgeable and friendly and we aim to make each of our customers happy with their new fencing.

The Living Fence can be installed over existing fencing to spruce up the look of the old or installed as new fencing. It is easy to install for the do-it-yourselfer or we can provide installation. Available year round, the Living Fence can be purchased and installed at any time. When the desert rains begin the fence will begin to bloom with small green leaves and gorgeous orange blossoms at the tips of the canes.

Contact The Living Fence today at 520.795.5300 to place your order and bring the natural beauty of the desert to your home!

COPPER LEVEL
The Lodge at Ventana Canyon
www.thelodgeatventanacanyon.com

Against the dramatic backdrop of the Santa Catalina Mountains, nestled in the foothills of this pristine setting is the perfect vacation destination, the Lodge at Ventana Canyon. With just 50 spacious guest suites located within the gates of a private club, The Lodge offers a unique and intimate vacation experience. Be a member for a day or lifetime.

The Lodge offers every leisure activity you could possibly want. Heading the list of attractions are the two world-renowned Tom Fazio-designed golf courses, which will captivate your imagination as they wend their way through the scenic foothills at the base of the Santa Catalinas. Couple this with a world-class tennis program managed by Peter Burwash International, a spacious swimming facility, fitness center, a spa with room service, and dining facilities with eclectic menus designed to meet every taste.

The Lodge at Ventana Canyon is a four-diamond golf and tennis resort destination, voted #35 by Conde Nast Travelers Readers Poll of the top 100 golf resorts. Come and visit this Tucson classic.

COPPER LEVEL
Naturalist Journeys
Guided bird walks and owling in Portal, AZ and Rodeo, NM
naturalistjourneys.com
Peg Abbott
toll-free 866-900-1146 or 558-1146

Naturalist Journeys' travel destinations span the globe from Alaska to Argentina , the Arctic and Antarctica, with special tours to Eastern Europe, India and Africa. Tours typically range from 6 to 14 nights in length. They make every effort to work with community-owned lodges and to support local conservation where possible. The keystone of their tours is to offer a highly organized travel experience that preserves the element of the spontaneous which is so rare in group travel today.

We also lead weekly trips around the Portal area of southeast Arizona and Rodeo, New Mexico every Monday, Tuesday, and Saturday. Call us for birding and owling schedules.

COPPER LEVEL
Ravens-Way Wild Journeys L.L.C.
ravensnatureschool.com
520 425-6425
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RAVENS-WAY WILD JOURNEYS (RWWJ) is a unique Outdoor Environmental School based in southeastern Arizona. Founded in 1993 by Naturalist and Wildlife Biologist Vincent Pinto, RWWJ continues to bring a wide variety of experiential, Nature-based, and affordable programs to people of all ages and backgrounds.

Our classes strive to bring you closer to the Earth, while empowering you with the skills needed to make positive contributions to its health.

We offer a wide range of Naturalist-based experiences, including: Birding, Wildlife Safaris, Botany Expeditions, Wildlife Tracking, Ecological Restoration, and Astronomy. At RWWJ we feel that all of us must become competent, committed, and creative Naturalists in order to be the best possible stewards of the land.

Ravens-Way also specializes in Survival and Stone-age Skills, delving into our shared Hunter-Gatherer heritage in order to proceed wisely into the future. You can choose from a plethora of programs, including: Wilderness Survival, Wild Edible Plants, Fire-by-Friction, Stone-Age Tools, Natural Shelters, and Aboriginal Art. All of our classes can be experienced with modern comforts or in the resplendent beauty of a wilderness setting.

Many RWWJ programs are based at our two Nature Sanctuaries. Our 42-acre Lake Patagonia retreat, Raven's Nest, has a variety of amenities, including a large Nature Center, while our 50+ acre Chiricahua land, Raven's Mountain, houses an authentic Stone-age encampment. Both areas contain many miles of Nature trails for your explorations.

To find out more about RWWJ check out our website at ravensnatureschool.com. You can also e-mail us at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it and call at (520)425-6425. Head instructor Vince Pinto will work with you or your group in order to find the programs best-suited to your needs.

Join us and experience the Way of the Raven - Wild, Mysterious, Powerful, and Free!

COPPER LEVEL
Rockjumper Birding Tours
rockjumper.co.za
Adam Riley, PO Box 13972, Cascades 3202
South Africa, Pietermaritzburg, KZN 3202
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Rockjumper Birding Tours was launched during the International Ornithological Congress held in Durban, South Africa in 1998. Since then, their team of highly experienced bird guides have successfully arranged and guided hundreds of birding tours spanning the African and Asian Continents and Madagascar. Over 3,500 species have been recorded in this region during the course of their tours. Rockjumper Birding Tours epitomizes professional bird guides, smaller groups, solid value for the money and a long-established reputation.

COPPER LEVEL
Riverpark Inn
theriverparkinn.com
350 South Freeway, Tucson, AZ 85745
239-2300

The Riverpark Inn is a full service, AAA, 3-diamond hotel in a resort-like setting located within walking distance of the Tucson Convention Center. The hotel is just minutes from some of the best birding in urban Tucson, and Madera Canyon or Patagonia are easy daytrips. The 8-acre property, with 174 rooms (including five suites) on two floors, has everything you need to make your stay in Tucson a luxurious birding experience! Some of our best amenities include: the brand-new Terrace Café and Bar, complimentary full American breakfast each morning of your stay, free internet, Direct TV, microwave/ fridge in each room, outdoor heated pool and Jacuzzi, and much more! Pets are also welcome!

SPECIAL RATES FOR BIRDING ENTHUSIASTS AND EXCELLENT BIRDING JUST MINUTES FROM THE RIVERPARK INN! Website

COPPER LEVEL
R. W. Morse Company
360-943-8600
www.rwmorse.com
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The R. W. Morse Company was formed in 1978 by Bob Morse. The main focus of the company is to publish and market regional, photographic bird guides written by expert local authors.

Bob and Christina's life-long interest in conservation and bird watching connects their passion for birding and business. After writing A Birder's Guide to Coastal Washington, the company developed a series of compact, regional bird guides for beginning and avid bird watchers. Starting with Birds of the Puget Sound Region, which became the best selling bird book in the Western US for three successive years, other regional guides followed: Birds of the Willamette Valley Region, Birds of Southwestern British Columbia, Birds of the Los Angeles Region and Birds of the Inland Northwest and Northern Rockies. The most recent title, Birds of Southeastern Arizona, written by Rick Taylor was launched at the Southwest Wings Birding and Nature Festival, August 2010 (order a copy online).

After attending a Southwest Wings Birding and Nature Festival many years ago, Bob founded the Grays Harbor Shorebird Festival in Washington, which has blossomed into one of the most popular birding festivals in the state.

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Spirit Tree Inn Bed & Breakfast
spirittreeinn.com
3 Harshaw Creek Rd
Patagonia , AZ 85624
520-394-0121

Partners Mary Jane Pottebaum and brothers Thomas and Joseph Bartholomeaux offer their guests a wonderful mix of relaxation, fine food, and easy access to some of southeast Arizona's best birding right outside of their door. The Spirit Tree Inn is located on 52 private acres and is just three miles from Patagonia , AZ and closer still to the Nature Conservancy's Patagonia-Sonoita Creek Preserve. The Patagonia area has a rich history of ranching, mining, and railroading but is now better known as a haven for artists and a place where careful stewardship of the natural surrounding is the rule.

The Spirit Tree Inn offers only 6 guest rooms, 4 in the main house and the others in 2 outlying buildings, so you won't find yourself in this beautifully secluded place only to be crowded by others. You can fill your day with hiking, world-class birding, and quiet relaxation. Or take a day off to visit the growing group of local wineries or tour nearby Bisbee, Tombstone or Mexico. Most unusual, but refreshingly different, guests are welcome to bring and care for their own horses with advance arrangements (or Mary Jane can help you schedule a ride with nearby outfitters) and pets are accepted in the outer buildings based on the temperament of the animal.

There really is a Spirit Tree on property; a huge and fine old Fremont Cottonwood tree dominates the view from the main building. The sight of a cottonwood tree signals the presence of precious water to those who live in the southwest, pointing to an oasis where life could be sustained and spirits refreshed. The Spirit Tree Inn Bed & Breakfast offers that and more to today's modern traveler, we hope to see you there!

COPPER LEVEL
Sundance Press
sundancepress.com
Tucson, AZ
800-528-4827

Since 1982, Sundance Press has specialized in the printing and mailing of short run, special-interest magazines, newsletters and any type of saddle-stitched publications.

Founded on the philosophy of providing “big publisher” service and quality to small publishers, Sundance's special expertise has built its business and attracted customers from across the U.S.

“Due to our specialization, we usually can help our clients save money,” explains Steve Rhynard, Sundance Press VP/General Manager, “but the hidden value of our service is that we stay on top of the latest desktop publishing programs, digital/computer technology and the ever-changing postal regulations to keep everything as simple and easy as possible for our publishing customers.”

Any publisher or association serving a base of 1,000 to 15,000 subscribers or members can benefit from talking to Sundance Press. “We invite anyone's questions and hope we can become a valuable resource for them,” states Gene Mandish, Sundance Press Customer Service Manager. “Just send us printing specifications,” adds Jim Brush, Sundance Press Sales Manager, “and we'll quickly reply with our estimates.”

Sundance Press is proud to be the printer of the Tucson Audubon Society's Vermilion Flycatcher membership magazine. Call them at 622-5233, or from outside the Tucson area at 1-800-528-4827. Also visit Sundance Press online at www.sundancepress.com.

COPPER LEVEL
TyrannoTours
tyrannotours.com
577-6546
Email: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

TyrannoTours is a new adventure travel company specializing in small-group van excursions leaving from Tucson and the Phoenix area. The tours focus on all aspects of natural history along with prehistoric, historic and modern day cultures that make the Southwest such an intriguing place to explore.

Trying to pigeonhole TyrranoTours is just about impossible as you can see from their trips listed on our alliance member birding travel page. TyrannoTours principal, Stephen H. Buck, is a native of central Illinois and has been adventuring and guiding outdoor educational experience tours in and around Arizona for the last 10 years. He is an avocational Southwest historian, naturalist, archaeologist, and birder. His background is in research biology with a Ph.D. in pharmacology from the University of Arizona, and he also holds an M.B.A. from the University of Delaware and an M.S. from the University of Kansas .

Stephen has led tours for the Tucson Audubon Society, Pima Community College, and Old Pueblo Archaeology Center. He is also the founder and leader of the Tucson Pathfinders, a private outdoors adventure group with more than 200 members. He is a member of the Arizona Archaeological Society, Tucson Audubon Society, Sierra Club, Nature Conservancy, Friends of Ironwood Forest, Friends of Buenos Aires NWR, and Sky Island Alliance.

COPPER LEVEL
Veterinary Specialty Center of Tucson
vscot.com
4909 N La Cañada Drive
Tucson, AZ 85704
520.795.9955

Just as your family physician may refer you to a specialist for further care; your family veterinarian may suggest that your pet see a board-certified, veterinary specialist. When you choose the Veterinary Specialty Center of Tucson for your pet's care, you can be confident that you are selecting the specialty and emergency center that is preferred by Southern Arizona 's family veterinarians and pet owners.

Every day, our dedicated team of experienced board-certified veterinarians, nurses and support staff use their extensive experience, skill and love for animals to provide your pet with the best chance of a happy, healthy recovery. With a state-of-the-art, award winning facility only the Veterinary Specialty Center of Tucson offers you and your pet this depth of knowledge, scope of expertise and level of care under one roof. Throughout your pet's care and treatment we work with you and your family veterinarian to ensure that your pet receives the finest continuity of care.

Considered among the nation's leaders in veterinary specialty and emergency medicine, VSCT's doctors and nurses deliver compassionate, comprehensive care in the fields of:

• Emergency and Critical Care
• Dentistry /Oral Surgery
• Dermatology
• Internal Medicine
• Neurology/Neurosurgery
• Ophthalmology
• Surgery
• Radiology /Ultrasound/CT
• Behavior
• The Valley Fever Center for Excellence

24 Hour Pet Emergency Care: 520-795-9955
Whether you need a helpful voice on the phone in the middle of the night, or a full team of highly trained doctors and nurses to treat your critically ill or injured pet, we are always here to provide gentle, responsive, high quality veterinary specialty and emergency services to you and your pet, 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.

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