Is it possible to support conservation efforts and be a tourist at the same time? Dr. Aireona Raschke of the Central Arizona Conservation Alliance (CAZCA) shares how you can do both! 

We talked with Aireona about what ecotourism can look like when recreating in beautiful places, from both perspectives of sustainability for the habitat and for community support. Sometimes this looks like helping map invasive plants while you're hiking to assist land managers, choosing wisely with your own landscaping decisions, and volunteering with local groups to do conservation work; other times it looks like donating to an organization or spreading awareness about the work they're doing. 

Find out more about CAZCA and follow along with the work they're doing to protect and care for natural, open spaces that serve the communities and protect the habitat of the Sonoran Desert in Central Arizona.

Check out the principles of responsible recreation.
Visit Aireona's blog, Nightborn Travel, where she showcases her own responsible tourism adventures.

Find your next Arizona adventure and sign up for our newsletter at AZStateParks.com/Amazing, and follow @AZStateParks on Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, or Twitter for even more inspiration.