Eco-Toursimo

Starting September, 1997, local people of the Colorado River Delta and Upper Golf of California Region , in conjunction with Southwest Trekking, will have established an Eco-tourism program to encourage you to visit their unique and remote homeland. This 3 - 5 day Eco-tourism excursion, ‘Spatial Journeys' is the culmination of 7 months of field research with the multi-national involvement of biologists, farmers, ecologists, fishermen, and local youths and families. Conducted by John Heiman, owner of Southwest Trekking, and Caryl Clement, Landscape Architect graduate student, University of Arizona, ‘Spatial Journeys' is an eco-tour providing both environmental and socio-cultural adventures.

Spatial Journeys' provides the opportunity for participants to visit, unique, beautiful, sensitive, endangered and remote environments. It also educates the participants regarding the environmental and social history of the area, the flora and fauna of the area as well as international water issues surrounding the area. ‘Spatial Journeys ' also provides the opportunity for cultural exchange between the participants and Mexican farmers, fisherman, school teachers, biologists and children. One aspect of the tour that Mr. Heiman is very proud of is the involvement of the locals as tour guides, providers of overnight accommodations and meals. While developing this tour, Southwest Trekking has experienced that the people who have lived with the land for generations and are still living with the land, best understand the nuances and subtleties of the region. They may not be able to express their understandings in "scientific terms" but their knowledge is experiential, first hand and from the heart. A portion of the moneys generated from the tour will go DIRECTLY into the hands of the locals.

'SPATIAL JOURNEYS' ITINERARY

EVENING PRIOR TO LEAVING

ORIENTATION & PRESENTATION

DAY 1

Depart for Mexico early morning, crossing the border and traveling through small Mexican communities aligning the Colorado River waters' appropriation to Mexico.

Mid-day, arrive at the Johnson Ejido, a farming community of approximately 400 people, located in the Colorado River Delta region. Historically deriving their living from farming, upstream diversions of the Colorado River has caused farming to become increasingly difficult due to decreased quantities of water and increased levels of salinity.

The community needs alternative means of livelihood. They are involved in and supportive of Eco-Tourism due to their location adjacent to the largest remnant wetland of the Colorado Delta Wetlands, the Cienega de Santa Clara.

In the late afternoon, canoe throughout the Cienega de Santa Clara -- 20,000 hectares of wetlands, with local guides. Bird watch and view the sunset over the Cocopah and Baja Mountains. That night, sleep out on the Cienega de Santa Clara in a structure located directly on the water. Premier trip participants could be involved with the construction of the stilt / floating overnight structure.

DAY 2

Wake to the sound of birds and the sun rising over the cattails. Another trek into the narrow channels of cattails flowing into the large open bodies of water. The endangered Yuma Clapper Rail (Rallus longirostris yumanensis) and the endangered Desert Pupfish (Cyprinodon macularis), as well as egrets, eagles, herons and ducks can be found in the Cienega de Santa Clara. In June, 1993, the Cienega de Santa Clara was delineated as part of the core zone of the Reserva de la Biosfera Alto Golfo de California y Delta del Rio Colorado. Management of the core zone restricts human activities and focuses attention to the prevention of environmental deterioration. Research and low impact tourism activities are allowed in the core zones.

Travel to the Colorado River Delta to link with Martin Pescadora, a fisherman from El Golfo De Santa Clara in the upper tide waters of the Colorado River Delta.Tour Montague and Pelican Islands via Martin's panga. Have lunch at the lighthouse on Montague Island - watching hundreds of marine birds fishing for food, perhaps seeing dolphins and other marine life. Travel to El Golfo de Santa Clara via the water, arriving at Martin's home. Dine at his outside ramada, enjoying the views of the azure waters, the Baja Mountains silhouetted against the sunset and the wonderful aromas of freshly caught fish and /or shrimp being cooked by Martin and his wife, Selma.

Retire to the newly established motel, Nuevo Motel del Golfo for the night, or camp on the beach - determined by the preference of the participants.

DAY 3

Visit the El Golfo de Santa Clara Field Station, established by IMADES in 1996. The Field Station is involved in the study and evaluation of natural resources and biodiversity; it provides assistance to local committees; provides support for scientific research and provides environmental education and dissemination of the Biosphere Reserve's objectives. A presentation will be given by José Campoy, the Field Station's Manager and Biologist.

That afternoon, visit the miles and miles of beautiful beaches to the south of El Golfo de Santa Clara. Snorkeling, swimming and fishing are possible activities. Located inland from a particular playa is a large salt flat surrounded by pozos which are small artesian springs of fresh water. They provide essential fresh water for both fauna and flora and are also utilized by local people.

Spend the night either camping out on the beach or return to the Nuevo Motel del Golfo - determined by the preference of the participants.

DAY 4

Travel to the Pinacate and Grand Desierto Biosphere Reserve. This 714,556 hectares Biosphere Reserve is a landscape comprised of forms generated by volcanic activity -- huge craters, hardened lava flows, lava tubes contrasted by the surrounding huge sand dunes of the Grand Desierto. The Reserve houses many species of flora and fauna: chollas, saguaros, sinitas, desert wildflowers, pronghorn antelope, chuckwalla and is a migratory path of numerous species of hummingbirds.

Hike throughout the unique volcanic formations. Spend the night camping out in the Biosphere Reserve or return to Tucson.

DAY 5 (Optional)

Visit Puerto Penasco. Visit Organ Pipe National Monument and hike the Ajo Mountains. Return to Tucson.

Join us for a premier trip of 'Spatial Journeys'.

Group presentations available upon request.

Call for information regarding scheduling and costs.

Due to the sensitivity of the region, the carrying capacity restricts the use of the area -- space is limited.