The Appleton-Whittell Research Ranch of the National Audubon Society is an 8,000-acre sanctuary and living labatory in southeastern Arizona, nestled in the grasslands that fill the spaces between the region's famous Sky Islands. Here, we work to formulate, test, and demonstrate methods to rehabilitate and safeguard the bioregion and provide assistance to community members and policy-makers in the protection and stewardship of our native ecosystems, natural resources, and quality of life.

Visiting the Research Ranch:

With thousands of acres of Arizona's most valuable and rapidly-declining habitats, flocks of researchers, and ongoing studies in our care, we do not have the capacity to allow drop-in visitation. For the safety of visitors, the preservation of habitat, and the safeguarding of research, access is by permit only, requires advance notice, is limited to our open hours, is limited to low-impact activities (birding, photography, etc.), and is not guaranteed. Audubon staff is always on site. More information is available here.