Yucca at Empire Ranch © 2014 Bo Mackison
The Cienegas National Conservation Area is a unique high desert habitat. It includes five of the rarest habitat types in the American Southwest: cienegas (marshes in an arid land), cottonwood and willow riparian areas, sacaton grasslands, mesquite bosques, and semi-desert grasslands.
Semi Desert Grassland in the Ciengas NCA © 2014 Bo Mackison
The land is in a transitional zone between the Sonoran Desert and the Chihuahuan Desert, and located about 50 miles south of Tucson. It is a mixed use area – conservation work are cattle ranching are done side by side. And yes, it works.
Mesquite Bosque along Empire Ranch Road © 2014 Bo Mackison
45,000 acres of land are now protected from what was once a future of housing developments and other commercial use. The ranchers work the ranch, the conservationists work to reclaim some of the grasslands that transitioned into a mesquite bosque. Hikers, horseback riders, campers all intermingle with the ranchers — not that too many people actually see each other in this spacious land.
Sacaton Grasslands at Empire Ranch © 2014 Bo Mackison
The not for profit Empire Ranch Foundation is dedicated to preserving the historic ranch buildings and surrounding landscape. (Ranch photos coming in next series.)
About Bo Mackison
Remarkable! I love the color of the beautiful sandy grassland and bright blue sky – phenomenal photography, missy. Every photograph tells a story. As well, it is a pleasure reading that conservations and ranchers are working together to the benefit of both. It CAN happen…lovely!
It is happening more and more. There is another large ranch, the Rose Ranch, I believe, that is sharing range with conservation areas. Yes! 🙂
What a gorgeous landscape. Balm for the winter soul – here in the depths of grey and white winter. Thank-you!
This is a gift to me, being able to live here and photograph so many wondrous habitats.
You captured the feel of the place.