El Rio Preserve serves as home for endangered Arizona species

Published on October 29, 2026

MARANA, Ariz. — The Arizona Game and Fish Department released 183 endangered Desert Pupfish into the 9-acre pond at El Rio Preserve on Thursday, October 29, as part of a Safe Harbor Agreement with the Town of Marana. The partnership marks an important milestone in local conservation efforts, supporting the recovery of a native Arizona species while demonstrating how public parks and recreational spaces can also provide valuable wildlife habitat.

Marana Parks & Recreation staff prepared El Rio Preserve to welcome the Desert Pupfish by improving pond conditions, addressing seepage issues, reinforcing the berm, managing aquatic vegetation and installing an aeration system to improve water quality and habitat conditions. These improvements helped establish a suitable environment for the pupfish and support their long-term success at the preserve.

"The release of the Desert Pupfish into El Rio Preserve marks a significant accomplishment for the Town, and highlight's the Town's continued commitment to conservation, habitat management and responsible stewardship of its natural resources," said Natural Resources Supervisor Jason Grodman. 

The project also demonstrates how partnerships between local governments and state wildlife agencies can create meaningful conservation opportunities that benefit both native wildlife and the community. Through continued collaboration and investment in natural resource management, the Town of Marana is working to ensure that places like El Rio Preserve serve not only as valued community spaces, but also as important habitats for Arizona’s native wildlife.

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