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Big Springs Environmental Study
Big
Springs Environmental Study Area is 40 acres of natural
open spaces located within the town limits of Pinetop-Lakeside.
The hustle and bustle of town is forgotten as you
step into the trees and meadows of Big Springs.
Big
Springs has been developed as an outdoor study area
and recreation site for use by local schools, the
community, and visitors to the White Mountains. It
has been preserved in a natural state by the concerned
residents of Pinetop-Lakeside in order to promote
an environmental education program for students in
the White Mountains. Big
Springs helps all who visit become aware of and appreciate
the rich natural history of the White Mountains.
The
Arizona Game and Fish Department, U.S. Forest Service,
Blue Ridge School District, and town of Pinetop-Lakeside
have worked together as partners to make Big Springs
a quality natural area that invites the visitor to
relax, learn, and enjoy.
ACTIVITIES
Self-guided
nature trails
Hike the 1/2 mile improved loop trail that wanders
through Big Springs. The trail winds through ponderosa
pines and riparian meadows, and takes you to two streams
and a spring-fed pond. Informative signs along the
trail explain about the natural history, plants, and
wildlife of Big Springs. Hiking here is easy, and
several benches along the trail allow for resting
and appreciating the view.
Learn about the various important wildlife
habitats
Many valuable habitats important to wildlife may be
seen at Big Springs. Trail signs will help you recognize
them and understand why they are important.
- Riparian
areas/streams
- Springs
- Ponderosa
pine forest
- Wetlands
and Meadows
- Snags
Nature study and observation
While at Big Springs you may enjoy many activities relating
to nature study and observation.
- Photography
- Wildlife
observation
- Plant
identification
- Animal
track/sign identification
- Interpretive
wildlife programs
FLORA
AND FAUNA
Due to the great variety of habitats found at Big Springs,
many different plants and animals may be observed here.
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Birds |
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| Red-tailed
Hawk |
Bald
Eagle |
Northern
Oriole |
| Turkey
Vulture |
Osprey |
Western
Tanager |
| Kestrel |
Great
Horned Owl |
Evening
Grosbeak |
| Mallard |
Pintail |
Red-winged
Blackbird |
| Green-winged
Teal |
American
Coot |
American
Goldfinch |
| American
Wigeon |
Bufflehead |
Ruby-crowned
Kinglet |
| Canvasback |
Gadwall |
Dark-eyed
Junco |
| Acorn
Woodpecker |
Lewis'
Woodpecker |
Western
Bluebird |
| Hairy
Woodpecker |
Stellar's
Jay |
American
Robin |
| Scrub
Jay |
Common
Raven |
Mountain
Chickadee |
| White-breasted
Nuthatch |
Pygmy
Nuthatch |
|
| Mammals |
| Aberts's
Squirrel |
Coyote |
Big
Brown Bat |
| Elk |
Mule
Deer |
Black
Bear |
| Raccoon |
Muskrat |
Gray
Fox |
| Striped
Skunk |
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| Reptiles
and Amphibians |
| Gopher
Snake |
Striped
Whipsnake |
Western
Spadefoor Toad |
| Arizona
Black Rattlesnake |
Fence
Lizard |
Chorus
Frog |
| Narrow-headed
Garter Snake |
Short-horned
Lizard |
Red-spotted
Toad |
| Collared
Lizard |
Great
Plains Skink |
Leopard
Frog |
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| Plants |
| Ponderosa
Pine |
Gambel
Oak |
Wild
Onion |
| Alligator
Juniper |
Utah
Juniper |
Wild
Iris |
| Rocky
Mountain Juniper |
Pinyon
Pine |
Yarrow |
| Aspen |
Narrow-leaf
Yucca |
Cattail |
| Prickly
Pear Cactus |
Red
Willow |
Watercress |
| Blue
Grama Grass |
Many improvements at Big Springs were funded by the
Arizona Game and Fish Department's HERITAGE FUND and
WATCHABLE WILDLIFE PROGRAM.
The HERITAGE FUND was established in 1990 by a vote
from the people of Arizona. It provides lottery funds
for maintaining and restoring the richness and diversity
of Arizona's wildlife through management, education,
protection, and public access enhancement.
The WATCHABLE WILDLIFE PROGRAM is supported by contributions
from you on your Arizona State Tax form. These donations
help fund wildlife management and public appreciation
of Arizona's nogame wildlife. Please make a contribution
on your tax form!
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