Welcome to

Nina Mason Pulliam Rio Salado ̽»¨¾«Ñ¡ Center

A vibrant space for wildlife, scenic trails, and community programs in the heart of Phoenix.
Plan Your Visit
Aerial view of Rio Salado ̽»¨¾«Ñ¡ Center. Photo: Luke Franke/̽»¨¾«Ñ¡
Discover adventure, birds, and how to make a difference at an ̽»¨¾«Ñ¡ center.

3131 South Central Avenue, Phoenix, AZ 85040

Center:

Closed

Trails:

Open Hours: 7:00am - Sunset

About Us
Contact Us
Explore the Center
Our Local Birds
Get Involved
Plan Your Visit
Parking and Directions

Discover the beauty of the Sonoran Desert at the Nina Mason Pulliam Rio Salado ̽»¨¾«Ñ¡ Center. Just two miles from downtown Phoenix, our center welcomes visitors to explore scenic trails, spot native birds, and enjoy free community programs. Come experience where nature, learning, and adventure meet in the heart of the city. 

The center is open Tuesday-Saturday from 8 a.m. to 12 p.m. Even when we are closed, the birds are still here! Hiking and bike trails all around Rio Salado Habitat Restoration Area are open for free, seven days a week, 365 days a year, from dawn to dusk. 

Rio Salado ̽»¨¾«Ñ¡ Center Photo: Danny Roper-Jones/ ̽»¨¾«Ñ¡ Southwest
Visit Us!
Check out our indoor exhibits, borrow binoculars, and more!
Plan Your Visit
Learn More

Check out some of our programs, community events, or other ways to get involved at the center.

Looking through Microscope Photo: Danny RJ/ ̽»¨¾«Ñ¡ Southwest
Education Programs
Looking through scope at Rio Salado Photo: Juliana Gomez/̽»¨¾«Ñ¡ Southwest
Bird and Nature Walks
Mujeres Show Photo: Danny RJ/ ̽»¨¾«Ñ¡ Southwest
Facility Rentals
Burrowing owl workday Photo: Luke Franke
Conservation Volunteer Days
Upcoming Events
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May
2
8:00 AM - 9:00 AM
̽»¨¾«Ñ¡ Southwest
Saturday Morning Guided Birding
Phoenix, AZ
Join our local bird enthusiasts for a guided bird walk through the Rio Salado habitat! These walks are for everyone: experts, novices, and people who...
Birding & Community Science In-Person
May
2
9:00 AM - 12:00 PM
̽»¨¾«Ñ¡ Southwest
Burrowing Owl Relocation Volunteer Days, May 2
Salome, AZ
# Roll-up your sleeves to help displaced owls! Burrowing Owls are day-active birds that live and nest in abandoned underground burrows. Once common...
Conservation & Habitat Restoration In-Person
May
8
5:00 PM - 7:00 PM
̽»¨¾«Ñ¡ Southwest
Appleton-Whittell Research Ranch Potluck Presentations
Elgin, AZ
Join us for Potluck Presentations at the Appleton-Whittell Research Ranch! Bring a dish and enjoy presentations delivered by local science and...
Education & Workshops In-Person
May
9
8:00 AM - 11:00 AM
̽»¨¾«Ñ¡ Southwest
Habitat Restoration Volunteer Days at Rio Salado
Phoenix, AZ
Spend a few weekend hours helping ̽»¨¾«Ñ¡ help birds at the Rio Salado ̽»¨¾«Ñ¡ Center in South Phoenix. Work varies throughout the year and...
Art, Culture & Community In-Person
May
14
9:00 AM - 10:00 AM
̽»¨¾«Ñ¡ Southwest
Guided Nature Walks
Phoenix, AZ
Join us for a peaceful and mindful walk through the Rio Salado habitat. Together, we’ll explore the trails, enjoy the sights and sounds of nature...
Birding & Community Science In-Person
May
18
7:00 AM - 9:00 AM
̽»¨¾«Ñ¡ Community Chapters
Desert Rivers ̽»¨¾«Ñ¡: Higley Ponds Monthly Bird Walk
Gilbert, AZ
**Join us for this urban wetlands bird walk!** Wide, flat trails parallel the groundwater recharge ponds for easy viewing and comfortable walking...
Art, Culture & Community In-Person
May
23
10:00 AM - 11:00 AM
̽»¨¾«Ñ¡ Southwest
Nature Explorers
Phoenix, AZ
### Join us for a fun, family-friendly nature adventure at the Rio Salado ̽»¨¾«Ñ¡ Center! Families are invited to get outside, explore the trails and...
Family & Kids In-Person
̽»¨¾«Ñ¡ Southwest
We protect birds and the places they need in Arizona and New Mexico, and throughout the hemisphere.
Visit Page
Greater Roadrunner standing on a branch
Visit Page
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Hiking trails
Venue rental
Group meeting space
Lodging
Herbarium
Rufous Hummingbird at flower.
Rufous Hummingbird. Photo: Melina Cronin/̽»¨¾«Ñ¡ Photography Awards
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Hiking trails
Pollinator garden
Picnic area
Binoculars to borrow
Nature store

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