The Wildlife Bridge and underpass are used thousands of times a month

Cheryl Purvis made a financial contribution to the nonprofit coalition, but then decided to volunteer as well.

“It seemed like a good time to be more active in the organization and be able to get out and enjoy this beautiful desert while doing something for all its creatures,” she says.

“I love the opportunity to get outside or work with people who have the same values. It’s great.”

Jessica Moreno is the Conservation Director at the Coalition and participates in the monthly meetings.

“We plant native plants, trees, pollinator plants to create cover for animals, smaller animals moving across the bridge and underpass, and also food sources and all that fun stuff,” Moreno says.

“We want the habitat to fit in with the environment and also work very well for the animals that will use the crossing structures.”

The overpass is just a few feet from Santa Catalina Catholic Church at 14380 N. Oracle Road, where residents park and meet.

“This is the first nature bridge in the Sonoran Desert and won’t be the last. We have plans to put one over I-10 near Avra ​​Valley highway to also connect the Tucson Mountains and the Tortolita Mountains So hopefully one day we’ll see a ring of bighorn sheep walking around, and mule deer moving around in Tucson.”

“It’s pretty incredible,” said Executive Director Carolyn Campbell.

“When the Game and Fish Department put in these video cameras a few months after these (corridors) were built, they really thought it would take a few years to get the animals trained to go through the funnel fence, but we found the deer who are almost waiting for this bridge to be built,” she adds.

“I mean, they just brought their whole family right away.”

Volunteer Cheryl Purvis is happy to get her hands dirty.

“It feels so good. It’s so satisfying. I would encourage anyone who has the time and resources to do it.”

For more information about Habitat Restoration Day or other activities and events, please contact the Coalition for Sonoran Desert Protection.