Dr. Richard G. Snyder Wildlife Refuge & Field School
Preserving nature, inspiring the future.
A sanctuary for wildlife, a classroom for conservation.
The Dr. Richard G. Snyder Wildlife Refuge and Field School sits in Tucson’s lush Tanque Verde Valley, and is framed by the Catalina, Agua Caliente, and Rincon Mountains. Spanning 16.5 acres, the refuge is home to over 400 species of birds, mammals, reptiles, and amphibians, serving as both a sanctuary for diverse wildlife and a living classroom for the next generation of conservation scientists.
Mission
Guided by the legacy of Dr. Richard G. “Jerry” Snyder (1928–2024), the devoted conservationist and University of Arizona alum, our mission is to protect this unique ecosystem and empower students and researchers to fall and stay in love with the natural world through hands-on science, exploration, and discovery.
Dr. Snyder gifted this property to the University of Arizona so that it would become a living laboratory where future generations could learn about conservation and be inspired by its ponds, trails, saguaros, and thriving desert plants & wildlife.
The refuge features:
- 8,651 sq. ft. of facilities with classrooms, labs, meeting space, and overnight lodging
- Three ponds supporting diverse birds and aquatic life
- Six trails winding through iconic Sonoran desert landscapes
From academic courses and research projects to retreats, internships, and community events, the Snyder Refuge is a hub for conservation, collaboration, and curiosity.
Explore Life at the Snyder Refuge.
From the smallest insect to soaring birds and towering saguaros, the refuge is full of life. Dive into the wildlife, stroll among the native plants, and discover the insects that make this desert ecosystem thrive. Each corner of the refuge has a story to tell — start exploring today.
Research and Discovery
Research Projects
Scientists at the University of Arizona use the Snyder Refuge for exploring research questions related to biodiversity, soil ecology, aquatic and riparian ecology, ecohydrology, wildlife disease and conservation, remote sensing, and more.
Field-Based Learning
Undergraduate and graduate courses in the School of Natural Resources and Environment and other departments across the University of Arizona use the Snyder Wildlife Refuge & Field School to engage students in hands-on learning experiences, preparing them to translate theory into practice.
Donate today to help us preserve Dr. Snyder's mission
For nearly four decades, Dr. Snyder, a proud Wildcat, worked to preserve his 16.5-acre Tanque Verde Valley property as a private wildlife refuge, complete with three ponds, an island, and nearly 200 saguaro cacti. He left this land as a legacy gift to the University of Arizona’s School of Natural Resources and Environment, ensuring that his conservation mission would continue as a living laboratory for future scientists.
Today, that legacy depends on a community of supporters. Your gift helps sustain the refuge’s habitats, maintain its trails and ponds, and provide hands-on learning experiences that inspire the next generation of conservationists. By donating, you become part of Dr. Snyder’s enduring commitment to protecting desert life.
Learn more about Dr. Richard G. Snyder
