The Rio Salado Habitat Restoration Area

Restoring the Rio Salado

The Rio Salado Habitat Restoration Project focuses on revitalizing a five-mile stretch of the Salt River in the heart of Phoenix. Once a dumping ground, the area is now becoming a thriving riparian corridor where Sonoran Desert and river habitats meet, creating rich conditions that support more than 200 bird species each year. As a key stopover for migrating birds, Rio Salado provides essential water, food, and shelter during long journeys across the Southwest. 

To restore and protect this unique ecosystem, we created and lead the Rio Salado Habitat Restoration Working Group, partnering with Tiger Mountain Foundation, SEWA International, Protectors of the Salt River, Arizona Sustainability Alliance, and the City of Phoenix, Sierra Club, Rio Reimagined, and SRP. Together, we remove invasive plants, plant native species, and coordinate volunteer cleanups that strengthen the health and diversity of the land. Audubon also helps facilitate this work by conducting multispectral drone mapping and GIS analysis to track the spread of invasive plants, measure restoration impact, and develop work plans for improved landscape management. 

Through this ongoing collaboration, we are revitalizing a critical urban habitat, improving conditions for wildlife, and helping ensure that migratory birds have the resources they need to thrive. Want to help protect this habitat? Join Audubon or one of our partners for a volunteer restoration day! Look for upcoming Audubon opportunities or visit our partners’ websites to explore their volunteer event schedules.