Take a free audio driving tour of the Cienega Watershed and learn about the social and cultural history, ecology, wildlife management, and conservation efforts in the watershed. Start by downloading the TravelStorys.Com App to your phone or other device. Open TravelStory and select “Tour the Cienega Watershed” to save the tour on your phone. Once you’ve download the app and the tour, no Internet access is needed.
The tour includes 21 podcast-style stories that will automatically play at the appropriate location using your phone’s GPS. The route loop includes the Gabe Zimmerman Trailhead (in Vail), Las Cienegas National Conservation Area, the Empire Ranch Headquarters, wildlife viewing and many other features along Hwy. 83 ending (or beginning) in Sonoita. And you don’t even have to drive through the watershed to enjoy the tour! You can download the tour to your computer or tablet, listen to each of the site descriptions, and view photos of the sites wherever you are!
The Movie Under the Stars’ free showing of Gunman’s Walk on Saturday, May 20th was enjoyed by 85+ viewers. Many enjoyed the popcorn and other snacks available for purchase, and browsing the ERF gift shop offerings.
Click here to view photos of the event.
Click here to view the video of the Celebration of of Western Culture at the 140 year old Empire Ranch in Southeastern Arizona created by Tony Heath of the Birdland Ranch and Madrean Archipelago Wildlife Center (MAWC).
Dedicated volunteers have been key to preserving the historic Empire Ranch House and Headquarters. Please join us on Saturday, March 2, 2024.
To volunteer, please submit a Volunteer Opportunities Form, and we will contact you with more details!
When Walter Vail and Herbert Hislop established the Empire Ranch in 1876 two important features of the 160-acre homestead they purchased was a building with an attached corral which were constructed circa 1870 by Tucson businessman, Edward Nye Fish. Read more about the history and configuration of the original Ranch House on p. 3 of the March 2023 ERF Newsletter.
We seek volunteers to work at our Gift Shop at the historic Empire Ranch. Volunteers are needed for five hour shifts on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays from 11:00 am to 3:00 pm.
Responsibilities include stocking, organizing, and cleaning the Gift Shop; processing sales using an iPad and Square software; providing general information about the Empire Ranch and Las Cienegas National Conservation Area; and completing various reports. Training for all tasks provided. Volunteers must be personable and willing to engage with visitors.
Click here to apply.
Explore the Historic Empire Ranch in an exciting new way. It’s called Agents of Discovery, the not-so-secret, secret agency dedicated to learning and playing outdoors.
To get started:
1. Download the free Agents of Discovery app to your mobile device at the Apple App Store, Google Play or visit www.AgentsofDiscovery.com.
2. After downloading the app, click on the Missions button and select the ones you want to play.
3. Preload the missions and head out to the Historic Empire Ranch to start completing your challenges!
Effective February 2022 reservations are now required for all docent-led tours of Empire Ranch Headquarters. Tours are scheduled for 11am on the second and fourth Saturday of the month. Click here to make a reservation. Reservations are due by 5 pm on the Friday before the tour. Requests for special tours can also be made via the website link above.
You can now shop online for ERF Gift Shop items. Your purchase helps preserve and protect the Empire Ranch!
Items for sale include Empire Ranch Foundation denim shirts, t-shirts and books, souvenir coffee cups, Western jewelry and an ever changing offering of gifts for youngsters and seniors – and everyone else in between!
Click here to start shopping.