Friends of Rio Vista

To support the City of Tucson Department of Parks and Recreation and the Rio Vista Conservation Project in protecting and enhancing the ecological values of Rio Vista Natural Resource Park

Friends of Rio Vista is dedicated to uniting stakeholders in preserving the unique natural assets of Rio Vista Natural Resource Park in Tucson, Arizona.

Our vision is a natural resource park that is a haven for native plants and wildlife, that offers a unique visitor experience of nature in midtown Tucson, and that models collaborative conservation in the City of Tucson park system.

Friends of Rio Vista connects the City of Tucson (landowner) and Tucson Parks and Recreation (land manager) to a broad range of stakeholders in Rio Vista Natural Resource Park. The vehicle for this connection is the Rio Vista Conservation Project. Friends of Rio Vista has been incorporated as a nonprofit organization in the state of Arizona since August 2020 and became a 501(c)(3) tax-exempt organization in March 2021. But the Rio Vista Conservation Project has a history of success since early 2019 in supporting Tucson Parks and Recreation's conservation efforts at Rio Vista.

Friends of Rio Vista is a nonmember organization that relies on volunteer and pro bono work. We have no paid staff, and most of our financial support comes from private donations. Our partners and advisors generously donate their time and expertise.

Friends of Rio Vista has programs in ecosystem restoration, conservation planning, park safety, and community mutualism. Since 2019, its Rio Vista Conservation Project has reversed damage from unauthorized trails; has planted native trees, shrubs, and forbs; has influenced the city's master plan for the park; has led natural history walks for the community; and, with partners and advisors, has laid the groundwork for a comprehensive site conservation plan.