Yuma East Wetlands

2024 Crescordia Award Recipients

The Yuma East Wetlands is a model for wetlands restoration in the desert Southwest and is led by a partnership among the Yuma Crossing National Heritage Area, Quechan Indian Tribe, City of Yuma, and the Arizona Game and Fish Department. Although the dams on the Colorado River prevent flooding and provide a stable source of water for an agricultural industry which provides 90% of the winter fresh vegetables for the entire nation, there were unintended consequences. The dams severely reduced river flow which for centuries was the natural way that the native trees would repopulate along the banks of the Colorado River. In its stead grew a jungle of non-native vegetation, making the river inaccessible to the community and spawning trash dumps and illegal activity. Restoration activities were initiated and nearly 400 acres was transformed into a lush marsh and riparian forest of mesquite, cottonwood, and willow trees which provide habitat for an array of wildlife species including the endangered Yuma Ridgway’s Rail and Yellow-billed cuckoo.