RIO SALADO HABITAT RESTORATION AREA
Downtown Phoenix
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| Cottonwood seeds in irrigation channel |
Like ephemeral misty extras in a fantasy film, a matinee of
billowy white cottonwood seeds are now playing in downtown Phoenix. If you've ever watched movies that
feature elves, forest faeries or warring factions of sword-wielding gladiators,
then you may have noticed how Hollywood likes to use mood-enhancing showers of airborne white stuff (seeds, snow,
ash) to build drama while tickling trees and mythical characters alike. That's what it looks like right now
along desert waterways where the seeds of female cottonwood trees are The easy trails
of Rio Salado Habitat Restoration Project offer quick, barrier-free access to
this annual natural event which runs through mid-April.
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| Seed drifts beneath mesquite trees |
bursting
free and hitching rides on air currents before settling into lofty drifts among
blooming shrubs.
LENGTH:
To 19th Ave:
2.0 miles one way
To 7th Ave 0.8 miles
To 12th Ave scenic overlook: 1.2 miles one way
Basic stroll on paved surfaces: 0.5 mile one way
ELEVATION:
1050' - 1070'
RATING: easy, paved, partially barrier-free
DOGS: allowed but leash & waste pick-up laws are
strictly enforced to protect the habitat
HOURS: sunrise
to sunset (or 7 pm, whichever comes first)
GETTING THERE:
There are several access points. The cottonswoods are best at the Central Ave location at
2439 S. Central Ave. Phoenix.
INFO: City of Phoenix, 602-262-6863
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