Explore & Discover Nature!

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Our Mission: 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.

“…we’re progressing, we’re moving, we’re actively making the world a better place through our actions, no matter how small they are.”  ~Gabriela, Youth for Blue Skies intern

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Programs & Highlights

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Internships

Adventure, Exploration, & Experience for Youth
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Youth Explore, Discover, Lead, & Make a Difference
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Field Studies for Schools

For Educators and Schools

Why do young people join the Experience?

  • OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA Brittney Says “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 Ally Said "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 Ajang said “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.”
  • Jules said "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 Alfredo says "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.

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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

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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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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.

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Forest-Service-logo-transparent-background

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)
National Recreation Foundation Logo (NRF)

National Recreation Foundation

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WallaceResearchFoundation_logo

Giving primarily for education, the environment, and medical research

Preserve and protect the environment of Pima County for the long-term benefit of residents’ health, welfare, safety, and quality of life. Identify and respond to environmental issues by providing public services including monitoring, enforcement, information, education, and solid waste management.