Alex Flickinger I&E

The Arizona Game and Fish Department has announced that, for the first time, the Verde River below Bartlett Dam will be stocked with catchable-size Gila Trout!

These stockings are scheduled for March through May 2026 and will take place at Needle Rock Recreation Site. Up to 5,000 Gila Trout will be stocked in the area throughout that time.

The Department is excited to create another angling opportunity for this native trout species close to The Valley! 🐟🎣

Tres Rios Nature Festival is weeks away! This FREE 2-day event hosted by City of Avondale is held at the Base and Meridian Wildlife Area. The event showcases the many ways you can enjoy and take care of our natural spaces. 🌳

Arizona Game & Fish Department will be there providing participants with the opportunity to try out some fishing on the Gila River. Come on out for what is sure to be a fun time! 🎣

https://www.avondaleaz.gov/government/departments/parks-recreation/events/tres-rios-nature-festival

Arizona Game and Fish volunteers really showed up! 1,668 Christmas trees were tied to cinder blocks and placed into Apache Lake (in strategic locations) during the two volunteer work days earlier this month. Over 60 volunteers donated 530 hours of service! The trees will provide much needed cover and nutrients to the lake ecosystem. 🐟

Christmas trees were donated to the Department through municipal collection sites, or were un-sold trees from nurseries and tree lots. 🌲

Thank you Volunteers!! 💪

Somewhere near Florence, AZ 🌵

Yesterday I joined a hike hosted by L.O.S.T., Legends of Superior Trails. The group has been investing in local outdoor recreation opportunities surrounding the historical trails in and around the Town of Superior, which serves as a gateway community to the Arizona Trail. We hiked the recently completed family friendly loop near Picket Post trailhead. The desert is full of green due to recent rains. It is a beautiful and easy to get to hike not far from The Valley. Check it out!

Each Winter sandhill cranes migrate to southern Arizona by the thousands! The temperate conditions make for a perfect place to spend their winter days until their northern nesting sites thaw out.

These magnificent birds have made Whitewater Draw Wildlife Area one of their fav places to congregate. The wildlife area is managed by the Arizona Game and Fish Department specifically for cranes and other waterfowl.

See the sights and sounds in this video produced by Arizona Game and Fish. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RgR--0vMVAQ

You can also view the wildlife cam that has been providing non-stop live feed of these amazing birds at the wildlife area.
https://www.azgfd.com/wildlife-conservation/wildlife-viewing/wildlife-live-cams/live-sandhill-crane-cam/

📸:AZGFD/GAndrejko