1. Head north through the wall of glass.
Then bearing east a cool pool you’ll pass.
Beyond the center, on top of concrete
A green water pump you will surely meet.

Challenge: As you pump water into the irrigation canal, think about how water impacts your life.

2. Follow the channel back, then turn north to explore
A short journey through a ‘cottonwood corridor’
To view Four Peaks look through the pipe hole
Beyond them is where the Salt River headwaters start to roll.

Water journeys from clouds to mountaintops to desert and then city via streams, rivers and ground water, passing through reservoirs, over dams and under bridges.

Challenge: What is a watershed?

3. Turn towards the river of cars you hear.
Following that sound will bring you near.
Then it’s a mini walk north past a cirlce and a seat,
Until you can see on your left a tunnel under a street.
Through the tunnel you go, then over the rocks
To directly confront the fence secured with locks.

Through its winding course, the river provides raw materials to address human needs.

Look around: What do you think is good and bad about mining the river bottom?

4. Climb a concrete block on the road. See the towering skyline.
Tread north awhile, watching your step;
then down to the road, walk a steeper decline.
Turn your back on the bridge and the traffic way up there
Move 20 steps west, hear nourishing water, breathe fresher air.

Take 30 seconds to listen and watch. Water in the desert nurtures life.

5. Travel east along the trail passing under the bridge
Then leave the trail to pick your way carefully down the ridge
Walk north towards the river’s edge, enjoying all this green
Stop when the Salt River - up close - can truly be seen.

We are in a riparian area, meaning river-side place. More than 75% of Arizona’s wildlife depends on places like this for survival. Think about saving and creating habitats like this.

6. Turn uphill, make your way back
At the top of the grade you’ll be back on track.
Follow the path east to the next fork, ok?
At the trail to the right you will be on your way.
At the paved path, to the right you must veer.
Up the hill continue, your next stop is near.
Gather under the ‘yellow bird in flight.’
It’s the large shade structure just in sight.

Face Central Ave. To your right are cottonwoods, found in riparian areas; to your left are palo verdes, found in desert environments. Notice differences?

Your challenge: On the pillars are a series of different colored tiles. What does each layer represent?

7. Walk east in the shade of this metal bird wing
Then down a ramp to the south--a railing will bring
Views of South Mountain and multiple uses of land
Can you find the building where your quest began?

People visit the Nina Mason Pulliam Rio Salado Audubon Center to learn about conservation. What can you do to save water or energy around your home?

8. Homeward, down the switchback with your feet
Turn left at the bench of old street concrete.
Back to the Audubon Center you need to stride.
Turn East to the peninsula with ponds on either side.

Water supports the diversity of life in the desert. How can you conserve and protect water?