Central Arizona Conservation Alliance
We support organizations and the people of Arizona to protect and care for natural, open spaces that serve our communities and protect the habitat of the Sonoran Desert in Central Arizona.
Why Are Open Spaces Important?
Maricopa County open spaces are at the heart of what makes the Valley special, drawing visitors to our small businesses, providing locals and tourists with places to explore and enjoy, while elevating the beauty of the Sonoran Desert. As the region grows, we are actively finding ways for these spaces to expand to serve more people and maintain healthy desert habitats for future generations.
Our Campaign Goals
Protect & Connect
Create a holistic network of desert plant and animal habitats while providing people with safe, connected and thriving open spaces to enjoy.
Sustain & Restore
Ensure protected and non-protected lands are managed, promote biodiversity, sustainable recreation and future growth.
Love & Support
Build strong relationships and a network of advocacy by connecting people with the beauty and importance of the Sonoran Desert.
Coordinate & Elevate
Ensure and amplify regional open space collaboration, coordination, management and conservation success.
Recent News & Blog Posts
Central Arizona Urban Desert Landscape Guide
Are you a desert garden enthusiast? We’ve got great news! Whether you’re new to desert gardening and wondering where to begin, or a native Arizona gardener looking for inspiration, our new gardening guide has you covered! CAZCA and members of the Urban Desertscape...
Collaborative Conservation Internship
In fall 2024, CAZCA continued its efforts to provide valuable work experience to young adults in STEM fields by offering a Collaborative Conservation internship. Thanks to generous donor Avnet Cares, three interns contributed to CAZCA’s various key projects over the...
ROSS 2025 Update
The Regional Open Space Strategy (ROSS) has been updated and released! The ROSS, originally published in 2017, was our guiding document for the past 8 years. The core goals (Protect & Connect, Sustain & Restore, Love & Support, and Coordinate & Elevate) have remained, but some updates were made to help us face new challenges together.
For all blog posts please visit the News & Blog Page.
Upcoming Events
Pickin’ Up in the Pines
Sep 20, 2025
Join the National Forest Foundation and other partners as they host one of their biggest events of the year, with volunteers from all over the state coming together to help spruce up a heavily used recreation area after a long summer of activity!
Butterfly Release Day
Sep 27, 2025
Join City of Phoenix and Butterfly Wonderland for a Butterfly Release at their Rio Salado butterfly garden. You can release butterflies, help clean-up, and remove invasive species from the garden.
Our work would not be possible without the generous support of the Nina Mason Pulliam Charitable Trust. We are deeply grateful for their long-standing commitment to CAZCA and our mission.
