Yuma Crossing National Heritage Area

The fifth year of operations and maintenance of the Yuma east wetlands (yew), a 400 acre multi-species conservation program site along the lower Colorado river. This Area is also a hiking and recreation Area for community members and visitors to Yuma. In fy2022 grant funding allowed two smaller projects to create a long-term and recurring volunteer "adopt a trail" program and procure outdoor habitat friendly picnic tables and benches for a nature viewing Area in the Yuma east wetlands. From private foundational funding, a field trip program for fourth grade students brought 1,400 students from Yuma county schools to the Yuma territorial prison and Yuma east wetlands to learn history by participating in a "prison escape" activity. The students also learned about wetlands preservation. A permanent exhibit was added to the Colorado river state historic honoring the history and legacy of the quechan tribe. Three key positions were filled after completing careful restucture and promotion plans. Continuing a collaborative effort with community partners and businesses to initiate a tourism campaign for the "historic Yuma experience". Continued operations and management of two historic state parks/museums which are elements of the Yuma Crossing National historic landmark.