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What is the Ironwood Forest National Monument?
Named after the Ironwood trees that inhabit it, this national monument was designated on June 9, 2000,
An hour north of Tucson lies an expanse of protected land teeming with life–the Ironwood National Monument. The area is named after the ironwood tree, a remarkably hardy and long lasting plant, and is home to a variety of flora and fauna.
The land’s designation as a national monument prevents harmful development and mining projects from scarring the landscape. The designation protects dozens of plant and animal species, notable among them, the endangered desert tortoise and lesser long-nosed bat.
Alongside its vibrant ecosystems, the Ironwood National Forest holds significant cultural importance. The monument contains three locations on the National Register of Historic Places and a myriad of archeological artifacts that date back as far as 600 AD. In accordance with the guidelines for visiting archeological sites, visitors are encouraged to come experience this culture for themselves.
The Ironwood National Monument is a gem of the Sonoran Desert. It supports an abundance of life and tells the story of thousands of years of human settlement.
National monument ensures that we and future generations unsullied access to a pristine and protected site.
Topics
Authors
Niklas Frimberger
Public Lands Intern
Ellen Montgomery
Director, Great Outdoors Campaign, Environment America
Ellen runs campaigns to protect America's beautiful places, from local beachfronts to remote mountain peaks. She sits on the Steering Committee of the Arctic Defense Campaign and co-coordinates the Climate Forests Campaign. Ellen previously worked as the organizing director for Environment America’s Climate Defenders campaign and managed grassroots campaign offices across the country. Ellen lives in Denver, where she likes to hike in Colorado's mountains.
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