Sweetwater Wetlands Park, Tucson

To me, this is the best place in town. Right off the Prince exit, its not too far from anything. Its quiet and so peaceful. From the birds that take refuge in the beautiful trees to the sunlight that comes through at just the right angles, Sweetwater Wetlands is a local treasure more people should know about - or maybe not. Its perfect as is and not everyone is capable of respecting it's importance. The first time I went was on a field trip in grade school to learn about the water and the ecosystem centered around it; I've been going back ever since. Just this last visit, in the span of 5 minutes, an inquisitive dragonfly tried to decide if I was safe to land on, a busy raccoon trotted towards me on the dirt path - oblivious to my presence - then scurried off when I made a little noise to let him know I was there, and as I was leaving one of the local bird watchers pointed out a gorgeous owl watching everyone go about their business down below. This will always be my favorite Tuscon hideaway.

A surprise coming across a place like this in the middle of the desert. A beautiful, well executed project. Enjoyed a very peaceful walk. A high level of respect for people who care enough about the environment to treat waste water well enough to create an oasis to draw and sustain this wildlife.