Black Canyon Heritage Park
@bchp.bsky.social
Our park in Black Canyon City, Arizona is open FREE daily 9 AM to 1 PM. We have an accessible nature path that offers a chance of gentle walking and nature viewing. Our Park is a premier riparian preserve with bird & butterfly viewing.
Bird of the Week: Philadelphia Vireo — in winter?! 👀
This species usually migrates from Canada to Central America. One was spotted at BCHP on Dec. 8, 2023.
Want to help spot rare birds? Join our Audubon Christmas Bird Count on Dec. 19!
📧 [email protected]
This species usually migrates from Canada to Central America. One was spotted at BCHP on Dec. 8, 2023.
Want to help spot rare birds? Join our Audubon Christmas Bird Count on Dec. 19!
📧 [email protected]
December 16, 2025 at 2:30 PM
Bird of the Week: Philadelphia Vireo — in winter?! 👀
This species usually migrates from Canada to Central America. One was spotted at BCHP on Dec. 8, 2023.
Want to help spot rare birds? Join our Audubon Christmas Bird Count on Dec. 19!
📧 [email protected]
This species usually migrates from Canada to Central America. One was spotted at BCHP on Dec. 8, 2023.
Want to help spot rare birds? Join our Audubon Christmas Bird Count on Dec. 19!
📧 [email protected]
🌸 Plant fpr Week: Fairy Duster. Native. Often flowers Dec through Mar. Pink powder-puff blooms attract native bees, hummingbirds, & butterflies.
🌵 Drought-adapted and low-maintenance. Fluffy, pink blossoms actually clusters of showy stamens, giving it that “fairy duster” look. Picture © Sue Smith
🌵 Drought-adapted and low-maintenance. Fluffy, pink blossoms actually clusters of showy stamens, giving it that “fairy duster” look. Picture © Sue Smith
December 15, 2025 at 4:01 PM
🌸 Plant fpr Week: Fairy Duster. Native. Often flowers Dec through Mar. Pink powder-puff blooms attract native bees, hummingbirds, & butterflies.
🌵 Drought-adapted and low-maintenance. Fluffy, pink blossoms actually clusters of showy stamens, giving it that “fairy duster” look. Picture © Sue Smith
🌵 Drought-adapted and low-maintenance. Fluffy, pink blossoms actually clusters of showy stamens, giving it that “fairy duster” look. Picture © Sue Smith
✨ We're making progess—together! ✨
Because of generous donors, BCHP has already unlocked our first $1,000 match—doubling early gifts to $2,000!
💚 There’s still $2,000 more to match - yours could be doubled.
Help us keep the momentum going. Here's some ways to donate -
Because of generous donors, BCHP has already unlocked our first $1,000 match—doubling early gifts to $2,000!
💚 There’s still $2,000 more to match - yours could be doubled.
Help us keep the momentum going. Here's some ways to donate -
Ways to Help - Black Canyon Heritage Park
Black Canyon Heritage Park provides you a unique and exceptional opportunity to experience a rare Sonoran Desert riparian area. Riparian areas comprise less than 4% of Arizona but are critical in…
buff.ly
December 15, 2025 at 3:45 AM
✨ We're making progess—together! ✨
Because of generous donors, BCHP has already unlocked our first $1,000 match—doubling early gifts to $2,000!
💚 There’s still $2,000 more to match - yours could be doubled.
Help us keep the momentum going. Here's some ways to donate -
Because of generous donors, BCHP has already unlocked our first $1,000 match—doubling early gifts to $2,000!
💚 There’s still $2,000 more to match - yours could be doubled.
Help us keep the momentum going. Here's some ways to donate -
🎨 Flow Forward Creative Challenge — Now easier to enter!
Students 5–17: submit art, writing, photos, or video showing how you see water.
🏆 Win up to $100 • 🌊 Featured in a traveling exhibit
📅 Deadline Jan 15, 2026
📄 Direct application & submission form (PDF):
👉 buff.ly/S1w4nem
Students 5–17: submit art, writing, photos, or video showing how you see water.
🏆 Win up to $100 • 🌊 Featured in a traveling exhibit
📅 Deadline Jan 15, 2026
📄 Direct application & submission form (PDF):
👉 buff.ly/S1w4nem
buff.ly
December 13, 2025 at 7:00 PM
🎨 Flow Forward Creative Challenge — Now easier to enter!
Students 5–17: submit art, writing, photos, or video showing how you see water.
🏆 Win up to $100 • 🌊 Featured in a traveling exhibit
📅 Deadline Jan 15, 2026
📄 Direct application & submission form (PDF):
👉 buff.ly/S1w4nem
Students 5–17: submit art, writing, photos, or video showing how you see water.
🏆 Win up to $100 • 🌊 Featured in a traveling exhibit
📅 Deadline Jan 15, 2026
📄 Direct application & submission form (PDF):
👉 buff.ly/S1w4nem
Tiny bird, big impact!
The Verdin will be one of our key species during the Dec. 19 Black Canyon City Christmas Bird Count. Pictures © Bryan Calk and ©Ad Konings
Want to join us? Beginners welcome!
The Verdin will be one of our key species during the Dec. 19 Black Canyon City Christmas Bird Count. Pictures © Bryan Calk and ©Ad Konings
Want to join us? Beginners welcome!
December 9, 2025 at 2:00 PM
Tiny bird, big impact!
The Verdin will be one of our key species during the Dec. 19 Black Canyon City Christmas Bird Count. Pictures © Bryan Calk and ©Ad Konings
Want to join us? Beginners welcome!
The Verdin will be one of our key species during the Dec. 19 Black Canyon City Christmas Bird Count. Pictures © Bryan Calk and ©Ad Konings
Want to join us? Beginners welcome!
Plant of the Week: Silver Cassia Bush (Senna artemisioides)
Not native (it’s from Australia) but considered non-spreading in AZ.
Grows 3–6 ft, blooms winter–spring, hardy to 18°F.
📸 Photo © Paul Santori
#ArizonaPlants #DesertGardening #AridLandscapes #PollinatorGarden #BCHP #PlantOfTheWeek
Not native (it’s from Australia) but considered non-spreading in AZ.
Grows 3–6 ft, blooms winter–spring, hardy to 18°F.
📸 Photo © Paul Santori
#ArizonaPlants #DesertGardening #AridLandscapes #PollinatorGarden #BCHP #PlantOfTheWeek
December 9, 2025 at 12:30 AM
Plant of the Week: Silver Cassia Bush (Senna artemisioides)
Not native (it’s from Australia) but considered non-spreading in AZ.
Grows 3–6 ft, blooms winter–spring, hardy to 18°F.
📸 Photo © Paul Santori
#ArizonaPlants #DesertGardening #AridLandscapes #PollinatorGarden #BCHP #PlantOfTheWeek
Not native (it’s from Australia) but considered non-spreading in AZ.
Grows 3–6 ft, blooms winter–spring, hardy to 18°F.
📸 Photo © Paul Santori
#ArizonaPlants #DesertGardening #AridLandscapes #PollinatorGarden #BCHP #PlantOfTheWeek
🎨💧 Students ages 5–17 — show us how you see water!
Enter the Flow Forward Creative Challenge by Dec. 15 for a chance to win prizes and be featured in a traveling museum exhibit!
Any art form welcome: drawings, videos, essays, photos & more.
🌊✨ Scan the QR on the flyer to submit!
Enter the Flow Forward Creative Challenge by Dec. 15 for a chance to win prizes and be featured in a traveling museum exhibit!
Any art form welcome: drawings, videos, essays, photos & more.
🌊✨ Scan the QR on the flyer to submit!
December 7, 2025 at 4:15 AM
🎨💧 Students ages 5–17 — show us how you see water!
Enter the Flow Forward Creative Challenge by Dec. 15 for a chance to win prizes and be featured in a traveling museum exhibit!
Any art form welcome: drawings, videos, essays, photos & more.
🌊✨ Scan the QR on the flyer to submit!
Enter the Flow Forward Creative Challenge by Dec. 15 for a chance to win prizes and be featured in a traveling museum exhibit!
Any art form welcome: drawings, videos, essays, photos & more.
🌊✨ Scan the QR on the flyer to submit!
Giving Tuesday was just the beginning! 🎉 Our annual Year-End Campaign continues through Dec. & your gift now may be doubled. Join us in improving this rare riparian sanctuary & inspiring the next generation of nature stewards. 🌿 Donate today! Here's ways to donate:
buff.ly/yE5MWhk
buff.ly/yE5MWhk
December 3, 2025 at 5:00 PM
Giving Tuesday was just the beginning! 🎉 Our annual Year-End Campaign continues through Dec. & your gift now may be doubled. Join us in improving this rare riparian sanctuary & inspiring the next generation of nature stewards. 🌿 Donate today! Here's ways to donate:
buff.ly/yE5MWhk
buff.ly/yE5MWhk
Huge thanks to Chris W. for donating $100—now doubled to $200 with our match! 💚
Join Chris in supporting the preserve:
👉 buff.ly/Np6WkGb
Join Chris in supporting the preserve:
👉 buff.ly/Np6WkGb
December 3, 2025 at 3:15 AM
Huge thanks to Chris W. for donating $100—now doubled to $200 with our match! 💚
Join Chris in supporting the preserve:
👉 buff.ly/Np6WkGb
Join Chris in supporting the preserve:
👉 buff.ly/Np6WkGb
🌅 Still time to DOUBLE your impact!
Your GivingTuesday gift goes twice as far for the Harris Hawk and its riparian home.
Give before midnight: buff.ly/Np6WkGb
Your GivingTuesday gift goes twice as far for the Harris Hawk and its riparian home.
Give before midnight: buff.ly/Np6WkGb
December 3, 2025 at 12:01 AM
🌅 Still time to DOUBLE your impact!
Your GivingTuesday gift goes twice as far for the Harris Hawk and its riparian home.
Give before midnight: buff.ly/Np6WkGb
Your GivingTuesday gift goes twice as far for the Harris Hawk and its riparian home.
Give before midnight: buff.ly/Np6WkGb
Vermilion Flycatcher = pure desert magic. 🔥🐦
Help keep our riparian habitat strong this GivingTuesday (Dec 2).
Your support protects wildlife, education, and this special oasis.
💚 [insert link] . buff.ly/Np6WkGb
Help keep our riparian habitat strong this GivingTuesday (Dec 2).
Your support protects wildlife, education, and this special oasis.
💚 [insert link] . buff.ly/Np6WkGb
December 2, 2025 at 2:03 PM
Vermilion Flycatcher = pure desert magic. 🔥🐦
Help keep our riparian habitat strong this GivingTuesday (Dec 2).
Your support protects wildlife, education, and this special oasis.
💚 [insert link] . buff.ly/Np6WkGb
Help keep our riparian habitat strong this GivingTuesday (Dec 2).
Your support protects wildlife, education, and this special oasis.
💚 [insert link] . buff.ly/Np6WkGb
🐦 Tomorrow is GivingTuesday!
Your gift = DOUBLE for bird habitat at BCHP!
Let’s lift our feathered friends.
Give early: buff.ly/Np6WkGb
Your gift = DOUBLE for bird habitat at BCHP!
Let’s lift our feathered friends.
Give early: buff.ly/Np6WkGb
December 1, 2025 at 6:02 PM
🐦 Tomorrow is GivingTuesday!
Your gift = DOUBLE for bird habitat at BCHP!
Let’s lift our feathered friends.
Give early: buff.ly/Np6WkGb
Your gift = DOUBLE for bird habitat at BCHP!
Let’s lift our feathered friends.
Give early: buff.ly/Np6WkGb
🌵 Plant of the Week: Christmas Cholla (Cylindropuntia leptocaulis)
A native cactus with slender stems, spring-to-summer blooms, and bright red fruits that last into winter.
Important: It’s salvage restricted in AZ—don’t collect from the wild! Only purchase from licensed growers.
📸 Wikimedia Commons
A native cactus with slender stems, spring-to-summer blooms, and bright red fruits that last into winter.
Important: It’s salvage restricted in AZ—don’t collect from the wild! Only purchase from licensed growers.
📸 Wikimedia Commons
December 1, 2025 at 4:01 PM
🌵 Plant of the Week: Christmas Cholla (Cylindropuntia leptocaulis)
A native cactus with slender stems, spring-to-summer blooms, and bright red fruits that last into winter.
Important: It’s salvage restricted in AZ—don’t collect from the wild! Only purchase from licensed growers.
📸 Wikimedia Commons
A native cactus with slender stems, spring-to-summer blooms, and bright red fruits that last into winter.
Important: It’s salvage restricted in AZ—don’t collect from the wild! Only purchase from licensed growers.
📸 Wikimedia Commons
🌿 GivingTuesday is open to kick off our annual year end drive. . Your gift is doubled—$1 = $2 .
Support wildlife habitat + environmental education at Black Canyon Heritage Park.
Give now: buff.ly/Np6WkGb
Support wildlife habitat + environmental education at Black Canyon Heritage Park.
Give now: buff.ly/Np6WkGb
November 30, 2025 at 3:00 PM
🌿 GivingTuesday is open to kick off our annual year end drive. . Your gift is doubled—$1 = $2 .
Support wildlife habitat + environmental education at Black Canyon Heritage Park.
Give now: buff.ly/Np6WkGb
Support wildlife habitat + environmental education at Black Canyon Heritage Park.
Give now: buff.ly/Np6WkGb
Happy Thanksgiving from BCHP! 🦃🍁
Grateful for our volunteers, donors & community who help protect this riparian oasis.
Enjoy a walk in nature this weekend — it’s a beautiful time to visit. 🌿💛
Grateful for our volunteers, donors & community who help protect this riparian oasis.
Enjoy a walk in nature this weekend — it’s a beautiful time to visit. 🌿💛
November 27, 2025 at 5:01 PM
Happy Thanksgiving from BCHP! 🦃🍁
Grateful for our volunteers, donors & community who help protect this riparian oasis.
Enjoy a walk in nature this weekend — it’s a beautiful time to visit. 🌿💛
Grateful for our volunteers, donors & community who help protect this riparian oasis.
Enjoy a walk in nature this weekend — it’s a beautiful time to visit. 🌿💛
Bird of the Week: Inca Dove 🕊️
Nate counted 21 Inca Doves on Nov. 11 — these sandy, scaly beauties are regulars at the Park!
Want to spot them yourself?
Join the Black Canyon City Christmas Bird Count on Dec. 19. Our Park is a key area in the new CBC circle.
Sign up: [email protected]
Nate counted 21 Inca Doves on Nov. 11 — these sandy, scaly beauties are regulars at the Park!
Want to spot them yourself?
Join the Black Canyon City Christmas Bird Count on Dec. 19. Our Park is a key area in the new CBC circle.
Sign up: [email protected]
itagepark.org
November 25, 2025 at 5:00 PM
Bird of the Week: Inca Dove 🕊️
Nate counted 21 Inca Doves on Nov. 11 — these sandy, scaly beauties are regulars at the Park!
Want to spot them yourself?
Join the Black Canyon City Christmas Bird Count on Dec. 19. Our Park is a key area in the new CBC circle.
Sign up: [email protected]
Nate counted 21 Inca Doves on Nov. 11 — these sandy, scaly beauties are regulars at the Park!
Want to spot them yourself?
Join the Black Canyon City Christmas Bird Count on Dec. 19. Our Park is a key area in the new CBC circle.
Sign up: [email protected]
Plant of the Week: Desert Buckwheat!
A tough native shrub that loves dry, rocky slopes + canyon washes.
🦋 Attracts butterflies & bees
🌿 3 ft tall, up to 5 ft wide
Desert-ready + pollinator-friendly = perfect addition to any native garden.
A tough native shrub that loves dry, rocky slopes + canyon washes.
🦋 Attracts butterflies & bees
🌿 3 ft tall, up to 5 ft wide
Desert-ready + pollinator-friendly = perfect addition to any native garden.
November 24, 2025 at 7:00 PM
Plant of the Week: Desert Buckwheat!
A tough native shrub that loves dry, rocky slopes + canyon washes.
🦋 Attracts butterflies & bees
🌿 3 ft tall, up to 5 ft wide
Desert-ready + pollinator-friendly = perfect addition to any native garden.
A tough native shrub that loves dry, rocky slopes + canyon washes.
🦋 Attracts butterflies & bees
🌿 3 ft tall, up to 5 ft wide
Desert-ready + pollinator-friendly = perfect addition to any native garden.
💧 Last chance!
Today’s the FINAL day to step into the WaterSIMersive world at Cañon School.
Explore Arizona’s water future, try the VR stations, and learn about our Agua Fria watershed.
Open until 3 PM — come see it before it’s gone!
Today’s the FINAL day to step into the WaterSIMersive world at Cañon School.
Explore Arizona’s water future, try the VR stations, and learn about our Agua Fria watershed.
Open until 3 PM — come see it before it’s gone!
November 24, 2025 at 5:55 PM
💧 Last chance!
Today’s the FINAL day to step into the WaterSIMersive world at Cañon School.
Explore Arizona’s water future, try the VR stations, and learn about our Agua Fria watershed.
Open until 3 PM — come see it before it’s gone!
Today’s the FINAL day to step into the WaterSIMersive world at Cañon School.
Explore Arizona’s water future, try the VR stations, and learn about our Agua Fria watershed.
Open until 3 PM — come see it before it’s gone!
Ever wondered what the WaterSIMmersive exhibit looks like up close?
This quick walkthrough highlights the immersive stations, VR setup, & interactive displays that make this experience so unique. FREE - tomorrow 9AM to 3 PM concurrent with the
Canon School's (Black Canyon City) Wax History Museum
This quick walkthrough highlights the immersive stations, VR setup, & interactive displays that make this experience so unique. FREE - tomorrow 9AM to 3 PM concurrent with the
Canon School's (Black Canyon City) Wax History Museum
November 22, 2025 at 10:00 PM
Ever wondered what the WaterSIMmersive exhibit looks like up close?
This quick walkthrough highlights the immersive stations, VR setup, & interactive displays that make this experience so unique. FREE - tomorrow 9AM to 3 PM concurrent with the
Canon School's (Black Canyon City) Wax History Museum
This quick walkthrough highlights the immersive stations, VR setup, & interactive displays that make this experience so unique. FREE - tomorrow 9AM to 3 PM concurrent with the
Canon School's (Black Canyon City) Wax History Museum
These young participants are fully immersed—literally! WaterSIMersive’s VR experience lets them explore how water flows through our desert and why the Agua Fria watershed matters.
Open 4 more days at Cañon School, Black Canyon City: Thu 2–6, Sat–Sun 10–2, Mon 9–3.
Open 4 more days at Cañon School, Black Canyon City: Thu 2–6, Sat–Sun 10–2, Mon 9–3.
November 20, 2025 at 10:00 PM
These young participants are fully immersed—literally! WaterSIMersive’s VR experience lets them explore how water flows through our desert and why the Agua Fria watershed matters.
Open 4 more days at Cañon School, Black Canyon City: Thu 2–6, Sat–Sun 10–2, Mon 9–3.
Open 4 more days at Cañon School, Black Canyon City: Thu 2–6, Sat–Sun 10–2, Mon 9–3.
🐦🌟 A NEW CBC BEGINS! 🌟🐦
History in the making — join the first Black Canyon City Audubon Christmas Bird Walk on Dec. 19! Winter birds, expert guides, unforgettable moments.
Claim your spot: [email protected]
History in the making — join the first Black Canyon City Audubon Christmas Bird Walk on Dec. 19! Winter birds, expert guides, unforgettable moments.
Claim your spot: [email protected]
November 18, 2025 at 4:00 PM
🐦🌟 A NEW CBC BEGINS! 🌟🐦
History in the making — join the first Black Canyon City Audubon Christmas Bird Walk on Dec. 19! Winter birds, expert guides, unforgettable moments.
Claim your spot: [email protected]
History in the making — join the first Black Canyon City Audubon Christmas Bird Walk on Dec. 19! Winter birds, expert guides, unforgettable moments.
Claim your spot: [email protected]
Plant of the Week – Desert Rosemallow. Native Rock Hibiscus. Grows 1–4 ft & dies back in winter. Blooms after rain from spring–fall with bowl-shaped white to pink-lavender flowers, often darker in the center. See its distinctive brush-like column of stamens inside each bloom! Picture © Paul Santori
November 18, 2025 at 3:00 AM
Plant of the Week – Desert Rosemallow. Native Rock Hibiscus. Grows 1–4 ft & dies back in winter. Blooms after rain from spring–fall with bowl-shaped white to pink-lavender flowers, often darker in the center. See its distinctive brush-like column of stamens inside each bloom! Picture © Paul Santori
🌊 Why does the Agua Fria River matter to all of us?
Find out on Nov. 19 (5–6 PM) when Glen Vortherms shares the fascinating history of water rights, Waddell Dam, and our region’s water story.
📍 Cañon Elementary School Library
💧 WaterSIMersive Exhibit open 2–6 PM
Free event — all are welcome!
Find out on Nov. 19 (5–6 PM) when Glen Vortherms shares the fascinating history of water rights, Waddell Dam, and our region’s water story.
📍 Cañon Elementary School Library
💧 WaterSIMersive Exhibit open 2–6 PM
Free event — all are welcome!
November 17, 2025 at 12:06 AM
🌊 Why does the Agua Fria River matter to all of us?
Find out on Nov. 19 (5–6 PM) when Glen Vortherms shares the fascinating history of water rights, Waddell Dam, and our region’s water story.
📍 Cañon Elementary School Library
💧 WaterSIMersive Exhibit open 2–6 PM
Free event — all are welcome!
Find out on Nov. 19 (5–6 PM) when Glen Vortherms shares the fascinating history of water rights, Waddell Dam, and our region’s water story.
📍 Cañon Elementary School Library
💧 WaterSIMersive Exhibit open 2–6 PM
Free event — all are welcome!
🦋 Big success at BCHP! 13 butterfly species spotted during our viewing walk led by John & Mel Dicus — including 8 Monarchs and nearly 100 Western Pygmy-Blues! 🌿
So exciting for our certified Monarch Waystation!
Full list 👉
So exciting for our certified Monarch Waystation!
Full list 👉
View Checklist
eButterfly.org
buff.ly
November 11, 2025 at 7:06 PM
🦋 Big success at BCHP! 13 butterfly species spotted during our viewing walk led by John & Mel Dicus — including 8 Monarchs and nearly 100 Western Pygmy-Blues! 🌿
So exciting for our certified Monarch Waystation!
Full list 👉
So exciting for our certified Monarch Waystation!
Full list 👉
Bird of the Week: Gadwall — dabbling duck, mostly a winter visitor. Males gray-brown with a black patch at the tail; females patterned with brown & buff with thin orange edge along their dark bills. Look for small white wing patch in flight. Pairs often form during fall migration. Photo © John Kirk
November 11, 2025 at 2:02 PM
Bird of the Week: Gadwall — dabbling duck, mostly a winter visitor. Males gray-brown with a black patch at the tail; females patterned with brown & buff with thin orange edge along their dark bills. Look for small white wing patch in flight. Pairs often form during fall migration. Photo © John Kirk