Visit and Explore

The Santa Cruz River is a unique resource in our community. Learn how to connect with this riparian habitat.

8 – 10 a.m., Feb. 3, 2026

Birding at El Rio Preserve (February)

8:30 – 10 a.m., Feb. 4, 2026

Smartphone Photography Walk : El Rio Preserve (February)

9 a.m. – Noon, Feb. 7, 2026

Santa Cruz County Shining AZ: Santa Cruz River Clean Up

Group of teachers waking in the water in the Santa Cruz River

BIORETS Applications Open

BIORETS applications are open!

Application details

Group of people standing on edge of Santa Cruz River

Santa Cruz River Dispatches

Connect with river stories from this month.

River Dispatches

Student project infographic of a Gila topminnow

Santa Cruz River Lessons

Discover classroom activities inspired by the Santa Cruz River.

Lessons and Activities

Two people holding nets walking in the Santa Cruz River in fall

Group of people in Santa Cruz River

3 teachers walking in the Santa Cruz River

People standing in a river looking at rocks

Sonoran mud turtle in the Santa Cruz River

View of people in Santa Cruz River Channel

Researchers gathering plant data in transect square

People looking in container filled with water and aquatic life

Image of 2 Sonoran Desert toads

Santa Cruz River in Marana AZ