Who are we?

     Sabino Canyon Volunteer Naturalists (SCVN) help others to enjoy and appreciate the Sabino Canyon Recreation Area in the Coronado National Forest near Tucson, Arizona. This unique riparian area in the Sonoran Desert is under the jurisdiction of the Santa Catalina Ranger District of the Coronado National Forest. SCVN is a non-profit community group which contracts with the Forest Service to provide environmental education activities in the Sabino Canyon Recreation Area

The Sabino Canyon Volunteer Naturalists are members of the community who enjoy nature and are specially trained to interpret the natural history of the Sonoran Desert and the riparian area surrounding Sabino Creek.

Why do people become Volunteer Naturalists?

Volunteers realize many benefits from working at Sabino Canyon. In helping visitors, both children and adults, to enjoy and appreciate the Canyon, we share our pleasure as well as a desire to protect this unique environment. As urban Tucson expands, the natural wonders of places like Sabino Canyon become more important to the quality of life of its residents.
Many Volunteers find their interpretive duties both challenging and fulfilling, as old talents are employed and new skills and knowledge acquired. To most of us, however, the motive is enjoyment as well as satisfaction; volunteer work at Sabino Canyon often is just plain fun.

What's new on the website?

The December, 08 issue of the Gneiss News is available through the Members Only link to the left.

Check 'IMPORTANT ANNOUNCEMENTS' to learn about the Giant Reed removal project and other issues such as the Grand Reopening of Sabino Canyon.

View the Hiking Page to see Trail Conditons.

Lizards of Sabino Canyon 

Desert Plant ID by Bill Kaufman

Butterflies and Caterpillars of the Southwest by Bill Kaufman

Birds of Southern Arizona

Common Kinsnake eating a Gopher Snake by Bill Kaufman

Arundo Removal Slideshow (Photos by Ned Harris and others)

Unless otherwise stated, photos are by Bill Kaufman; Webmaster.

Logo designed by George M. Feltovic (former SCVN member).

Logo updated (3/2007) by Robert Graham (son of SCVN member, Harry Graham).