Big Springs Environmental Study Area
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A scenic natural area with self-guided trails located in
Pinetop-Lakeside, Arizona. |
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 & Fauna:
Due to the great variety of habitats found at Big Springs, many
different plants and animals may be observed here.
Birds:
| Red-tailed Hawk |
Bald Eagle |
Turkey Vulture |
Stellar's Jay |
| Kestrel |
Osprey |
Mallard |
Common Raven |
| Green-winged Teal |
Great Horned Owl |
American Wigeon |
Pygmy Nuthatch |
| Canvasback |
Pintail |
Acorn Woodpecker |
American Robin |
| Hairy Woodpecker |
American Coot |
Scrub Jay |
Dark-eyed Junco |
| White-breasted Nuthatch |
Bufflehead |
Western Bluebird |
American Goldfinch |
| Mountain Chickadee |
Gadwall |
Ruby-crowned Kinglet |
Evening Grosbeak |
| Red-winged Blackbird |
Lewis' Woodpecker |
Western Tanager |
Northern Oriole |
Mammals:
| Abert's Squirrel |
Elk |
| Raccoon |
Striped Skunk |
| Black Bear |
Coyote |
| Mule Deer |
Muskrat |
| Gray Fox |
Big Brown Bat |
Reptiles & Amphibians:
| Gopher Snake |
Arizona Black Rattlesnake |
| Narro-headed Garter Snake |
Collared Lizard |
| Red-spotted Toad |
Western Spadefoot Toad |
| Striped Whipsnake |
Fence Lizard |
| Short-horned Lizard |
Great Plains Skink |
| Chorus Frog |
Leopard Frog |
Plants:
| Ponderosa Pine |
Alligator Juniper |
Rocky Mountain Juniper |
Aspen |
| Prickly Pear Cactus |
Watercress |
Cattail |
Wild Iris |
| Gambel Oak |
Utah Juniper |
Pinyon Pine |
Narrow-leaf Yucca |
| Red Willow |
Blue Grama Grass |
Yarrow |
Wild Onion |
Background:
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.
Many improvements at Big Springs were funded by the Arizona Game
and Fish Department's Heritage Fund & 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
nongame wildlife. Please make a contribution on your tax form!
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