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 edit
The 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 edit
The 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 (2015-09-23). "Hike of the week: Sedona Wetlands Preserve". The Arizona Republic. Retrieved 2024-02-26.
- ^ Friederici, Peter (2014-06-04). "Earth Notes: Sedona Wetlands Preserve". KNAU. Retrieved 2024-02-26.
- ^ Newspapers, Larson (2012-12-03). "City adds one word to wetlands name: Preserve". Sedona Red Rock News. Retrieved 2024-02-26.
- ^ "Sedona Wetlands Preserve grand opening on Sept. 27". Verde Independent. 2013-09-13. Retrieved 2024-02-26.
- ^ "Sedona Wetlands and Wastewater". Sedona Eye. 2013-01-24. Retrieved 2024-02-26.
- ^ a b "Sedona Wetlands Preserve". City of Sedona. Retrieved 2024-02-25.
- ^ "Northern Arizona Audubon Society - Sedona Wetlands Preserve". Northern Arizona Audubon Society. Retrieved 2024-02-26.
- ^ "Sedona Eye » Birding the Sedona Wetlands Preserve". Sedona Eye. 2014-04-29. Retrieved 2024-02-26.
- ^ "A treatment technique and public park". City of Sedona. Retrieved 2024-02-25.