Explore & Discover Nature!

Join the Experience ›

To create healthy and resilient communities, Ironwood Tree Experience makes it possible for young people to engage with the natural world and be stewards of the environment.

 

Why do young people join the Experience?

  • OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA “I love the camping trips! This organization introduced me to more people and many new experiences. I think this program gives you a lot of new information and an appreciation of nature. It taught me to appreciate nature, how to identify birds, and where to see pronghorn antelope!”
  • IMG_0172 "My favorite place at Cienega Creek is the cliff near the train bridge. It was cool there and comfortable and most of the time silent. The scenery is incredible… it felt spiritual. I felt calm there."
  • OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA “I have always loved nature, but I thought more along the lines of large mammals. This program taught me to appreciate the landscape, insects, amphibians, and plants as well. I have had so many wonderful new experiences and made so many memories because of this program.”
  • "I really enjoyed this program and our trips to Cienega Creek where we tested the water for alkalinity and pH. I saw the most incredible views. I liked the wetlands because it had a lot of interesting and cool things to discover."
  • OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA "This program introduced me to new places throughout the Sonoran Desert. I learned a lot about habitats, plants, and wildlife and it was fun!"

ITE Programs Supported by

The Wilderness Society
The Wilderness Society

The Wilderness Society

Our mission is to protect wilderness and inspire Americans to care for our wild places.

We believe all Americans, regardless of background, should be able to access and benefit from the great outdoors. For that reason, we guide elected officials to create policies and programs that make it easier for everyone, including children, to experience the outdoors. We also work with youth groups and local partners to help more Americans know our wildlands and feel inspired and empowered to protect them.

Basic CMYK
Basic CMYK

BE GOOD @ DOING GOOD BUSINESS CONSULTANT

For almost 15 years, Paul has worked with CEOs, entrepreneurs, business owners and non-profit executive directors to help them achieve their mission and “Be Good at Doing Good” in their communities and around the planet. Using his proprietary business consulting, leadership development and strategic planning processes, Paul is devoted to helping all types of bold, driven and compassionate business leaders become more successful and do more good

DKYMF
DKYMF

Dustin & Kristen Yoder Memorial Foundation

On June 27th, 2006, Dustin and Kristen Yoder, along with a friend and fellow climber, Brennan Larson, were killed in a tragic mountain climbing accident on Artesonraju, a 6015 meter peak in the Cordillera Blanca Mountains in the Andes of Peru. As brother and sister, Dustin and Kristen shared a passion for outdoor adventure. They grew up hiking and backpacking in the Southwest and spent much of their spare time rock and ice climbing together. Over the years they scaled multiple peaks together in Arizona, Colorado, Alaska, Washington State, Mexico, and South America.

Both Dustin and Kristen were very involved with the Parks and Recreation Management Program at Northern Arizona University in Flagstaff, Arizona. Dustin graduated in 2005 and minored in Recreation Management, and Kristen, a senior majoring in Recreation Management, was a trip leader for the NAU Outdoors Program. They enthusiastically shared their experiences and outdoor adventures with people of all ages, leading wilderness trips, teaching outdoor skills, and educating about the environment.

The Dustin and Kristen Yoder Memorial Foundation, Inc. is an Arizona non-profit corporation tax exempt under Internal Revenue Code 501(c)(3). The Yoder children’s family and friends established the Foundation in their memory and honor to provide financial assistance to children and young adults for outdoor leadership education courses which focus on developing life skills and leadership ability through outdoor activities. Contributions to the Foundation are tax deductible.

StonewallFoundation_logo
StonewallFoundation_logo

The Stonewall Foundation

Ironwood Tree Experience is grateful to The Stonewall Foundation for supporting our mission, programs and Southern Arizona youth. Ironwood Tree Experience received funding from The Stonewall Foundation in 2019.

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Image

WESTERN NATIONAL PARKS ASSOCIATION

Western National Parks Association helps make the national park experience possible for everyone. As a nonprofit education partner of the National Park Service, WNPA supports 67 parks across the West, developing products, services, and programs that enrich the visitor experience.

Since 1938 WNPA has worked to connect new generations to parks in meaningful ways, all with one simple goal: create advocates who want to preserve and protect these special places for everyone, for all time.

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nps_social_image_02

NPS Juan Bautista de Anza National Historical Trail

National Park Service funding through a cooperative partnership with the Juan Bautista de Anza Trail has supported Ironwood Tree Experience engagement programs and internships in SE Arizona for many years.

The segment of the Anza Trail in southern Arizona parallels the Santa Cruz River and highlights the ecological and cultural diversity of the region as well as  the history of Juan Bautista de Anza who in 1775-76, led some 240 men, women, and children on an epic journey to establish the first non-Native settlement at San Francisco Bay. Today, the 1,200-mile Juan Bautista de Anza National Historic Trail connects history, culture, and outdoor recreation from Nogales, Arizona, to the San Francisco Bay Area.

Logo_of_the_United_States_Forest_Service.svg
Logo_of_the_United_States_Forest_Service.svg

USFS Coronado National Forest

United States Forest Service funding through a cooperative partnership with the Coronado National Forest has supported Ironwood Tree Experience’s school filed trip program in the SE Arizona sky islands for many years. These funds get Tucson area high school classes and teachers onto their public lands and engage in lessons of science, stewardship and recreation.

National Recreation Foundation Logo (NRF)
WallaceResearchFoundation_logo
WallaceResearchFoundation_logo

Giving primarily for education, the environment, and medical research