Prescott Creeks-Watson Woods

Watson Woods Riparian Preserve


Several miles northeast of downtown Prescott, Arizona there is a rare and threatened forest type and it is being protected and restored by Prescott Creeks members and volunteers! The 125-acre Watson Woods Riparian Preserve is the remaining portion of what was once a 1,000-acre riparian (streamside) forest of cottonwood and willow trees! Following trends around the southwestern United States, the riparian habitat at Watson Woods has been lost or severely degraded as a result of decades and decades of livestock grazing, sand and gravel extraction, illegal dumping, and firewood cutting. Despite the long term abuses to this piece of land, its been healing itself. Over the past 30 years most of the vegetation and wildlife now found at Watson Woods has returned on its own. Cottonwoods and willows that create a cathedral-like atmosphere over Granite Creek, and the edge of a perennial pond, provide habitat for a wide variety of birds, mammals, fish, reptiles and amphibians. The City of Prescott is quickly developing to the north and east, and Watson Woods is tuning into a sort of oasis for wildlife and humans alike. In addition to restoration and preservation, the Preserve is open for public use. A quiet visitor might encounter a green-backed heron fishing the pond, a Mexican vole scurrying along runways under the grasses, or a common kingsnake winding its way through the branches of a toppled cottonwood.

Visit the Preserve Watson Woods Riparian Preserve is open to the public for day-use from dawn until dusk seven days per week.
Prescott Creeks suggests a $2 donation for each visit to help with operational expenses. Getting to Watson Woods Riparian Preserve. What to Bring With You? What Might I See?

What to do while you are there The Preserve is the premiere bird-watching destination in Prescott. Bird-lists are available along with other Preserve information at the entrance kiosk. Nature study or a quiet walk amongst the cottonwoods and willows are also popular activities. Private tours can be scheduled, and all groups of 10 or more must make prior arrangements with the Preserve Manager.

Preserve Planning & Operations In 1995 Prescott Creeks established Watson Woods Riparian Preserve to protect and restore the cottonwood/willow riparian gallery forest found there. A 25 year, renewable lease with the City of Prescott (owner of the property) ensures long term protection and authorizes Prescott Creeks to manage Watson Woods as a riparian nature preserve. The Watson Woods Riparian Preserve Comprehensive Plan was developed in 1996 (with major funding from the Arizona Water Protection Fund) to guide management and restoration work. This plan identified four distinct program areas that include Management, Inventory & Monitoring, Restoration, and Education. During the year 2000 baseline inventories were completed and restoration planning began.