Posts
BUBBLING PONDS
PRESERVE
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| Blackhawk Trail at Bubbling Ponds Preserve |
Hikers who enjoy
wildlife viewing will have a heyday at the Bubbling Ponds Preserve in
Cornville. Cradled among desert hills, wineries and dewy green zones along Oak
Creek, the site has two formal trails that loop among the property’s rare and
varied habitats. The flat, soft paths pass through mesquite forests, meadows,
cattail wetlands, a warm water hatchery for raising native fish and a shady
riparian corridor. Informational signs, viewing benches and observation decks
help maximize the visitor experience.
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| Lower Oak Creek Important Bird Area |
Because of its
reliable water and favorable nesting niches, the property is a sanctuary for
resident and migratory birds, reptiles and mammals including several threatened
species. Hikers are practically guaranteed sightings of Great blue herons,
Red-winged blackbirds and many common species of waterfowl. With luck, you
might also spot a more elusive Snowy Egret, Vermillion Flycatcher or river
otter flitting among reeds and willows. In addition to the two main trails, the
adjacent Lower Oak Creek Important Bird Area and Page Spring Fish Hatchery
offer more miles of wildlife-rich exploratory hiking.
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| Mesquite forest |
Dedicated in May
2016, the preserve is a joint effort between the Arizona Game & Fish
Department that owns the property and Northern Arizona Audubon Society which
funds site improvements and trail maintenance through private donations.
Ongoing Audubon volunteer projects work to eradicate invasive plants and
protect sensitive ecosystems while providing public education events and
recreational opportunities.
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| Hatchery ponds for native fish species |
LENGTH: 2.3
miles
Black Hawk
Trail: 1.8 miles
Willow Point
Loop: 0.5 mile
RATING: easy
ELEVATION: 3328' - 3492'
HOURS: open
daily dawn to dusk
GETTING THERE:
From Interstate
17 near Cornville, take the McGuireville exit 293, go 8 miles west on Cornville
Road, turn right onto Page Springs Road and continue 4.8 miles to the entrance
on the left.
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| An osprey glides above the ponds |
INFO: Northern
Arizona Audubon Society
Arizona Game
& Fish
Coconino National Forest, 1970 N Page Springs Rd, Cornville,
AZ 86325
