Sweetwater Wetlands

aerial image of wetlands

Sweetwater Wetlands will be closed to the public for an annual controlled burn on October 1st, 2024, and November 13th, 2024, with alternate dates set for October 3rd and November 19th, respectively in case of inclement weather. To allow fire risk to settle, the wetlands will be closed for at least two days following each burn. 

In partnership with the Tucson Fire Department, this controlled burn is conducted to:

  • reduce the presence of mosquitos
  • control invasive plant species
  • provide valuable training for wildlands firefighters

Contact (520) 791-2666 for more information. 

The primary function of the Sweetwater Wetlands is as a water recharge facility. The wetlands also serve as an oasis for wildlife and visitors alike.

The Tucson Audubon Society, a steward of the wetlands, has counted more than 300 species of birds. This rich ecosystem makes the wetlands a perfect outdoor classroom for visitors to study plants, wildlife, and Tucson’s most precious resource.

 A New Source for Tucson’s Water

Through the twentieth century, strain on Tucson’s aquifer became clear and the search for other sources of water began. In 1984, Tucson Water became one of the first utilities to adopt reclaimed water to meet the demand for landscape irrigation in parks, schools, and golf courses while reducing dependency on our drinking water supply.

In 1996, the Sweetwater Wetlands was constructed to refine the effluent received from Pima County’s wastewater treatment facility and recharge it into the aquifer. In 2013, Pima County constructed Agua Nueva, a new treatment facility that could deliver Class A water, making the wetlands obsolete. However, it is the rich wildlife and the dedicated community that keeps Sweetwater Wetlands alive today.

Guided Tours

The Tucson Audubon Society offers field trips through the wetlands every Wednesday! Visit their website for details and to register.

Tucson Audubon Society

Facility Rules

Sweetwater Wetlands is operated by Tucson Water as an education center and wildlife refuge in conjunction with the Sweetwater Recharge Facility. Amenities are subject to operational needs. Under normal circumstances, the wetlands will be accessible to the public from dawn to dusk but may close during controlled burns, surveys, maintenance, etc.

  • Respect the wildlife. Keep your distance and do not feed animals.

  • Respect the habitat. Do not pollute the wetlands with litter, excessive noise, or artificial lighting.

  • Respect the ecosystem. Pets and horses are not allowed. Do not release any plants or wildlife. Service animals are welcome, but you are responsible for cleaning after them.

  • Respect operations. Yield to service vehicles and areas of the park where maintenance is being done. Please excuse any noise that may arise during maintenance.

  • Motorized vehicles are prohibited. Bicycles are permitted but must be walked within the wetlands.

  • Swimming and wading are prohibited.

  • Alcohol and smoking are prohibited.

  • Camping and overnight parking are prohibited.

  • In case of emergency, call 911.

Wildlife at the Wetlands Photo Contest

In 2022, photographers submitted more than a hundred entries into five categories: Aquatic/Insects, Birds/Reptiles, Mammals, Heart of the Wetlands, and the Illustrious Bobcats! The sheer volume and talent stunned the judges, but Tucson Water is proud to highlight these precious moments captured by the Sweetwater community’s incredible photographers. Visitors can find these photos and a word from the artists on 15 signs posted around the wetlands.

An American bullfrog rests in a sea of green water lettuce (both invasive species). I noticed the frog out of pure luck as he blended in incredibly well. I went to the waters edge and sprawled out on my stomach to get this angle. Using the rule of thirds, I placed him off center in the frame so your eye is led to his location.

"In a Sea of Green" by Gloria Brooks

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The American bullfrog, seen in this photo, is a native of the Eastern United States, but is not native to Arizona, and is considered an invasive species. The first time I visited Sweetwater Wetlands during the summer, I heard a loud honking sound and thought there were some large animals hiding in the reeds, but it turned out to be the croaking of the frogs. The croaking could be to attract females, or to threaten other males. Frogs are not easy to photograph, because if they hear you approach, they slip back under the water, so I was happy to get a shot of one sitting nice and still. I like this photo especially because of the reflection of the frog's big yellow eye, and the way he blends with the green of the reeds.

"American bullfrog" by Janet Sellwood

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I love spending time at Sweetwater Wetlands and always carry my camera with me. You never know what you might see or find to photograph. Even observing birds along the pond's edge, you will usually find yourself watching Dragonflies and Damselflies as they dance on the breezes or swoop low over the water, twisting and turning in beautiful aerobatic flight. On one such day, I was entertained by this stunning Mexican Amberwing. When it landed a short time later, I got up to see it up close and then try to capture this whimsical creature with my camera. It had landed on a stick off to my side. I maneuvered into position with the sunlight showing off those beautiful wings, which are like stunning works of art, and this photograph is the result.

"Whimsical Wings" by Tim Van Den Berg

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Warblers are visual and auditory staccatos punctuating a lovely day at the wetlands. These small birds are indicative of change through the year as they fluctuate in species dominance during the seasons. You always know winter is coming when the

"Yellow Warbler" at Dusk by Catherine Bartlett

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A male Anna’s Hummingbird sits at the top of a bush surveying his territory. As is common in many bird species, the male is more brightly colored than the female. When perched, he is usually looking for one of two things, either insects or other hummingbirds. Many people are unaware that in addition to nectar from flowers, hummingbirds also eat insects. When he spots an insect, he flies from his perch, catches and eats the insect in midair, and then returns to his perch. Hummingbirds are very territorial, so he is also looking for other hummingbirds. If he spots one in his territory, he will chase it away.

"Sitting Pretty" by Steve Winker

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As I sat along the stream at Sweetwater Wetlands one spring evening, a Snowy Egret landed in the stream, down near the bridge and began fishing. Snowy Egrets take, what I call, a

"Catch of the Day" by Tim Van Den Berg

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I arrived at around 9 am with the intention to look for the bobcats. About halfway through the wetlands I saw this one emerge from some brush. I followed at a distance with my 400 mm lens and snapped this photo in front of the reeds.

"Sweetwater Bobcat" by BG Boyd

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It is always a thrill to see the bobcats at Sweetwater Wetlands walking the paths stalking prey or resting in the underbrush. Once, I was surprised to see a bobcat walking down the trail directly at me. My first instinct was to crouch in the middle of the trail and start taking photos; but I realized this might interfere with the bobcat’s activities. As it walked closer, I moved off of the trail as far as I could and quietly watched as it walked past me. After passing me he paused and sat in the shade of a tree and looked back at me as if to say thanks for giving him a respectful distance. This was the perfect opportunity for me to now take this photo.

"Sweetwater Bobcat" by Rob Scott

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You are walking on the trail and spot a bobcat moving quietly along the cattails. You watch as the bobcat freezes, crouches down, leaps into the cattails, and emerges with a rat in its mouth. It starts walking down the trail when a dog on the nearby bike path barks and scares it. It drops the rat, runs straight towards you, stops within ten feet of you, looks back to see where the dog is, casually walks past within six feet of you, and disappears into some bushes. Meanwhile, the dazed rat actually follows the path of the bobcat. After a few minutes, the bobcat comes out of the bushes and approaches the rat. The rat realizes its predicament and jumps to try and escape, but the bobcat grabs it. The bobcat walks away with its dinner and you walk away with the experience of a lifetime.

"Experience of a Lifetime" by Steve Winker

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This parent Javelina was keeping its two youngsters close and safe underneath.

"Javelina with Young" by Deborah Laferty

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Rounding a corner, I saw this coyote pup emerge from the reeds with a

"Coyote Pup Mystery Snack" by Rene Clark

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Sweetwater Wetlands is one of my favorite places in Tucson for watching birds and other wildlife. While wandering the paths and scanning the trees for birds I suddenly realized that something was watching me! Raising my camera and zooming in on a nearby cottonwood tree I found this curious young racoon staring back at me. The racoon seemed to be as interested in me as I was in it. I was able to quickly snap a couple of photos before it scurried away. Racoons are usually active at night so I was surprised to see one in midday. It was a wonderful reminder that I wasn’t the only one watching for wildlife.

"Sweetwater Racoon" by Rob Scott

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This photograph has a semi-tropical feel. The beauty of Sweetwater Wetlands is that it shows a different side of Arizona beyond the typical cactus-filled landscape. Water brings life: not just animal life, but plants such as cattails and palm trees. This dusk scene portrays the peaceful landscape that Sweetwater provides right in the heart of the city.

"West End at Dusk" by Fred Hood

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The pattern of a cottonwood tree's bark pays homage to the distant Santa Catalina mountains. As an avid birder, Sweetwater offers many unique and interesting photo opportunities. I enjoy capturing unexpected images of the Preserve's numerous permanent and temporary residents.

"Mountain Echo" by Hunt Smith

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Cattails are a widespread wetland plant across the United States. Cattails provide wildlife habitat, shelter for birds, food and cover for fish and for the insects they eat. The roots of cattails also filter toxins out of the water. In the spring and summer the flowers of the plant bloom and those brown “catkins” develop. That is what the plant is known for. As the catkins grow, they look like corndogs or a cat’s tail (how they got their name). During the late fall and winter, the brown flower heads (the catkins or cat-tails) open up and the fluffy seeds emerge. Birds will eat the seeds but the entire wetlands looks like a snowy scene with all of the light, white seeds floating in the wind and covering the ground. The Wetlands become a Winter Wonderland at that time.

"Sweetwater in Winter" by Dan Weisz

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Location

2511 W Sweetwater Drive, Tucson 85745  View Map

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Features

  • Benches
  • Bench with Shade
  • Bicycle Paths
  • Drinking Fountain
  • Garden
  • Hiking Trails
  • Natural Vegetation
  • Nature Trail
  • Ponds
  • Ramada
  • Restroom

Hours

Open dawn to dusk
Closed until 9am on Mondays

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