EAST TUCSON. A 55-acre sanctuary situated right in the city ­ it's not only a haven for wildlife, it's a peaceful retreat for people, too. A mile-long loop trail passes all manner of desert plant life ­ mesquite, desert hackberry, fishhook barrel cactus and catclaw acacia to name a few ­ which harbor a wide variety of birds and other critters like cottontails and gila monsters. If you're planning to stroll through around midday, pack a lunch. The Desert Hummingbird and Butterfly Garden is an especially entertaining spot for a picnic.

SOUTHEAST ARIZONA. In 1966, the fledgling Nature Conservancy bought its first Arizona property, the Patagonia-Sonoita Creek Preserve. It's one of the few places in the state where older growth forest persists, helped by the remaining cienegas, or desert wetlands. Along with the abundance of plant life, the preserve shelters a huge variety of more mobile wildlife. Some 300 species of birds have been catalogued here throughout the year, not to mention javelinas, coatimundis, coyotes, desert tortoises, mountain lions, bobcats, white-tailed deer, toads, frogs and rattlesnakes. The best way to appreciate the preserve is via a guided walk, offered every Saturday morning at 9am.

FOOTHILLS. Tohono Chul Park is a wildlife refuge within the metropolitan area of Tucson. Covering 48 acres, the park is designed to educate visitors about this desert area via demonstration gardens, greenhouse and the unique geology wall. Visitors enjoy the pleasant tea room, the greenhouse shop and the small but informative museum.