Why Is The San Pedro River So Important?

In an area mostly defined by its grasslands, hot weather, and cacti, the San Pedro River stands out as one of two rivers that flow out of Mexico through the north. It is also one of the last large, undammed rivers in the south. The San Pedro River basin connects ecosystems, encourages lots of biodiversity, and provides much-needed water to people and wildlife. It is also home to a very important archeological site, and a beautiful sight to see!

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San Pedro Riparian National Conservation Area

The San Pedro Riparian National Conservation Area covers the upper 40-50 miles of the San Pedro River, spanning from the U.S.-Mexico border to St. David.  According to the Bureau of Land Management (BLM), in November of 1988, Congress designated this area as a National Conservation Area.

A National Conservation Area is an area of land that is taken care of by the BLM with the intention of protecting special areas of land. These areas offer local people in America a place to learn history, fish, and overall explore and enjoy nature. 

The primary purpose of turning the San Pedro River into a Conservation Area was to protect the unique desert ecosystem and enhance the riparian system. Around the river, hundreds of animals can be found, cottonwoods thrive, and humans have a place to enjoy nature.

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Amazing Ecosystems

The San Pedro flows between the Sonaroan and Chihuahuan deserts, connecting the two ecosystems. Due to its location between the two habitats, it supports an extraordinary range of species. According to The Nature Conservancy, around the San Pedro River basin, you can find 41 species of reptiles and amphibians, 84 species of mammals, 14 species of fish, and over 100 species of breeding birds.

During migration season, the San Pedro becomes a superhighway for wildlife and an important migratory path for birds. An estimated 250 species can be seen passing through the San Pedro River Riparian, making it one of the most important migratory routes in the American Southwest. The river provides things the rest of the desert can't: shade, water, food, and shelter.

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Western barking frog

Murray Springs Clovis Site

The San Pedro Riparian Conservation Area is also a very important archeological site. Hundreds of years ago, this area was home to the Clovis People, some of the earliest known inhabitants of North America. These native people are believed to have been mammoth hunters from over 13,000 years ago. These people are known as the "Clovis People" because of the type of spears they used when hunting. It's believed they were alive during the last ice age.

The Murray Springs Clovis Site is located along the edge of the Riparian, just east of Sierra Vista. Archaeologists in this area discovered stone tools, mammoth bones, and other artifacts from these ancient people. You can visit the Murray Soring Clovis Site, and have a chance to walk where mammoths and hunters did thousands of years ago.

The San Pedro River is open to the public. The Friends of the San Pedro River, a local volunteer organisation, hosts regular educational events at the San Pedro House that teach people about the history of the mammoth hunters and the importance of the river ecosystem. They also give you a chance to see hummingbirds up close! Without this river, Cochise County would look a lot different. If you ever want a place to relax, learn, or hike, the San Pedro River is the perfect place!

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