CNUW 25th Anniversary

CNUW is reimagining how Phoenix-area communities connect with nature by promoting the use of native plants that support birds, bees, butterflies—and people. Demonstration gardens across campus offer a living model for low-water, high-impact landscapes. Students take the lead in plant propagation, seed collection, and research, while local residents benefit through public plant sales and educational events. These small acts of rewilding build a healthier, more resilient future for all.

Through fieldwork, citizen science, and habitat restoration, CNUW helps reverse the damage caused by wildfires, invasive species, and urban development. From replanting saguaros to maintaining pollinator gardens and supporting burrowing owl populations, students gain real-world experience while protecting species like the Western Monarch butterfly. Every project is a step toward healing the land—and empowering future conservationists.

The CNUW Nature Center welcomes thousands of schoolchildren and community members each year, offering hands-on encounters with native reptiles, insects, and desert ecology. These experiences spark curiosity, deepen understanding of biodiversity, and build lifelong connections to the natural world. Whether it’s a child seeing a Gila monster up close or a college student studying owl behavior, these moments inspire environmental stewardship in powerful ways.