Vistoso Trails Nature Preserve

August 2025

• Staff continued collaboration with the consultant on design efforts for the Desert Ecosystem Restoration Project.
• Following recent heavy rainfall, staff completed a storm debris cleanup to clear obstructions from the pathway.
• A cleanup was conducted in the parking lot to remove illegally dumped items.
• Staff met with the legal team and Archeology Southwest to review and discuss the Standards for Adjacent Homeowners.
• Coordination began with the Title Company regarding a donated home, with proceeds designated to support the Desert Ecosystem Restoration Project.
• Management conducted an access point tour to evaluate potential future entry locations for the property.

July 2025 Updates 

• A large-scale Russian Thistle pull was completed on the former driving range and the former hole one. 
• Staff continued to meet with the consultant regarding the Desert Ecosystem Restoration Project. 
• Final approval was received from Arizona State Parks regarding the approval of a grant request of $144,500 submitted to the non-motorized recreation trails grant. The grant has funding for path repair, adding an ADA compacted decomposed granite trail, and signage. 
• Staff presented Town Council with a generous home donation where sale proceeds benefit specific enhancements to VTNP. Council approved staff moving forward with steps to obtain and sell the property, after due diligence research is completed.  
• Staff installed a dedication bench. 

June 2025 Update

• A draft of the Standards for Adjacent Property Owners was distributed to the stakeholder group for their review and comment.

• Staff reviewed HOA comments regarding property access points.
• Staff worked on updates to the draft of Standards for Adjacent Property Owners, based on stakeholder group feedback.
• Two (2) additional trash cans were added in the parking lot area.
• Staff continue to meet with the consultant regarding the Desert Ecosystem Restoration Project.
• Staff met with the landscape contractor to schedule a Russian Thistle pull at the former Driving Range and Hole #1.
• An application was submitted for the Arizona Department of Forestry and Fire Management Invasive Plant Grant Program.

• An interpretive signage grant proposal was submitted for consideration under the Tohono O’odham Nation’s 12% Gaming Revenue Sharing Program. 

May 2025 Update

• 10 new benches were installed throughout the property. 

• Staff developed a property access map where possible access points were noted. The map was distributed to the Vistoso Community Association and Preserve Vistoso for review and feedback. 

• Staff revised the draft of the Standards for Adjacent Property Owners, which includes guidelines on property line maintenance. 

• The wall along Pebble Creek Drive was repainted. 

• Three (3) additional garbage cans were added along the trail to better accommodate users. 

• The consultant presented two pond concepts to Town Council on April 16, 2025. 

April 2025 Update

• Staff updated the website to include general property updates on a monthly basis. 
• Golder Ranch Fire District’s Wildfire Risk Assessment was added to the website. 
• Staff met with VTNP stakeholders regarding property access points and property line maintenance. 
• The consultant continues work on pond concepts to be presented to Town Council on April 16, 2025. 
• Staff scheduled the repainting of the maintenance wall along Pebble Creek Drive to occur in April.
• Staff submitted the completed final grant report for the Department of Forestry and Fire Management regarding the $20,000 grant Oro Valley was awarded for the removal of invasives. Earlier this year, our contractor removed buffelgrass and fountain grass in selected areas of VTNP. The Town’s required matching funds were $2,250. 
• In April, additional trash cans will be placed on the preserve, along the trail. 

March 2025 Update

• The consultant continued to work on a pond concept to be presented to Town Council at a meeting in April. 
• The maintenance building roof replacement is complete.
• Staff is obtaining quotes on repainting the wall along Pebble Creek Drive.
• Staff met with the HOA and Archeology Southwest to discuss access points on the property.
• Golder Ranch Fire District produced a Wildfire Risk Assessment with a “Low Hazard” determination.
• Staff issued violation letters to those violating the Conservation Easement.
• Archeology Southwest performed their quarterly inspection of the property.

February 2025 Update 

• A contract amendment with Kimley-Horn has been signed, per Council’s direction.
• Staff participated in an on-site visit with Golder Ranch Fire District and Arizona Department of Forestry and Fire Management. Golder Ranch Fire District will produce a Wildfire Risk Assessment based on the findings.
• The landscape contractor completed work on buffelgrass and fountain grass removal.
• Work has begun on the maintenance building roof replacement.

January 2025 Update 

• Staff has been working with Kimley-Horn for an updated proposal, per Council’s direction.
• Staff has been receiving calls regarding dirt bikes and utility vehicles being utilized in VTNP. The Police Department has been notified, and staff continue to clean up and smooth over ruts in the terrain.
• The landscaping contractor has been doing some work on the removal of buffelgrass and fountain grass in selected areas. This work was funded by a $20,000 grant that was previously received from the Arizona Department of Forestry and Fire Management for removal of invasives. The Town’s required matching funds is $2,250.

December 2024 Update

• On 11/20/2024 staff was notified that the grant request for $300,000 was denied from the National Fish & Wildlife Foundation Monarch Butterfly & Pollinators Conservation Fund.
• Staff continued work on the abatement and suppression of Russian Thistle.

November 2024 Update 

• Staff provided a tour and interview to Kenny Darr with KGUN 9 regarding the property/project.
• Staff met with Archeology Southwest multiple times to discuss the document being developed for residents regarding restrictions on what can be done on the preserve.
• Staff met with Archeology Southwest for a site visit.
• Staff worked on abatement and suppression of Russian Thistle.

October 2024 Update 

• Staff met with Arizona State Parks for a site visit to discuss the Land and Water Conservation Fund Grant.
• Staff presented to Council and received approval for replacing the roof on the maintenance building at VTNP.
• The project consultant, Rebeca Field, presented to Council and received approval on the concept plan for the Desert Ecosystem Restoration Project.
• Staff attended the Arizona Land and Water Trust presentation on The Waterman Restoration Project. Their efforts to control buffelgrass took over 10,000 volunteer hours to restore 38 acres, over the course of more than 10 years.
• In October, staff will be attending the Arizona Native Plants Society field trip to the Waterman Restoration Project at Ironwood Forest National Monument to learn more about buffelgrass restoration.
• The Invasive Plant Grant through the Department of Forestry and Fire Management (DFFM) was denied, however DFFM will be providing feedback on how to improve future applications.
• Staff is working with DFFM to schedule a site visit as part of the Landscape Scale Restoration grant program.
• Staff has been working on the Russian Thistle that is on site.
• Staff met with Archeology Southwest to discuss the request from Preserve Vistoso to provide information on what residents can, or cannot, do on the preserve. Archeology Southwest is drafting information for residents. We should have comments the week of October 14.

September 2024 Update 

• Staff have been communicating with Arizona Department of Forestry and Fire Management regarding a current and future grant application.
• August marked the kickoff for Stakeholder Group Meetings with the Consultant for the Desert Ecosystem Restoration Project.
• In September, staff look forward to a site visit from Arizona State Parks to discuss the Land and Water Conservation Fund Grant, as well as presenting to Council regarding the Maintenance Building Roof and the Desert Ecosystem Restoration Project concept developed by the consultant.
• Staff met with Preserve Vistoso members and a staff member from Watershed Management Group (WMG) at VTNP to discuss potential partnerships, funding opportunities, and general water harvesting potential at VTNP. WMG’s primary objective is to enhance watershed recharge by capturing stormwater. There may be an opportunity for such capture at the former pond area, however, WMG does not anticipate that their expertise would significantly exceed that of OV’s Public Works or Stormwater Utility. WMG has successfully secured stormwater-related funding in partnership with Pima County through the Bureau of Reclamation's WaterSMART Drought Response Program’s Drought Resiliency Projects. They have previously invited OV’s Mayor and Water Utility Director to participate in the stakeholder group.
• Consultant is meeting with stakeholders on September 6, 2024, to solicit feedback on a draft concept prior to bringing it forward to Town Council.

August 2024 Update  

• Staff met with Preserve Vistoso to discuss funding opportunities and identify relevant subject matter contacts known to members.
• Staff met with Tucson Audubon to discuss possible funding opportunities they are aware of, as well as discuss Tucson Audubon’s expertise and experience, particularly with large-scale restoration projects.
• Staff met onsite to review cart path work completed by contractor.  Some areas were observed that will be addressed by the contractor to ensure consistency.
• Staff met onsite with members of the Department of Forestry and Fire Management to discuss an existing grant awarded to the Town for $20,000 to assist with the removal of invasive species.
• Storm cleanup was completed for any damaged trees causing a safety issue or blocking the trail.
• On July 22 a grant application for $200,000 was submitted to the Department of Forestry and Fire Management, Invasive Plant Grant, for restoration of disturbed natural areas.
• On July 23 a grant application for $300,000 was submitted to the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation, Monarch Butterfly and Pollinators Conservation Fund, for restoration of disturbed natural areas to pollinator habitat.

July 2024 Update 

• The repair of broken and heaved sections of the trail was completed recently. The project consisted of demolition and replacement of 10 colored concrete sidewalk panels, encompassing roughly 25 cubic yards of concrete, mixed and colored on site. Any additional uneven panels were leveled to remove tripping hazards. In the next step of the process, any previous repair work done with uncolored concrete will be stained to match the existing path.
• Staff attended a site tour with a representative for the Arizona Department of Forestry & Fire Management. The tour was to view invasive species and discuss a possible grant opportunity. Staff is reviewing requirements and drafting a potential grant submission.
• Locks on 2 of the restrooms were installed, resulting in these restrooms being fully opened for public use.
• The Town met with Rocking AR Goats on 6.3.24 regarding the possibility of utilizing goats for weed abatement and eradication of invasive species.
• Staff met with a regional Invasive Plant Species group, which was represented from groups and stakeholders across the region regarding the issue of invasive plants.
  • Town staff inquired about the use of goats in addressing invasive plants, in which consensus was provided from the group that utilization of goats is not a preferred methodology for a variety of reasons. It is recommended that manual and chemical removals of invasive species are the best approaches, both from a cost-effective manner and addressing the issue more promptly. As a result, the Town will proceed with focusing on the latter approaches. 

• Town submitted a $131K grant application from the Tohono O’odham Nation
• Staff met with Archeology Southwest to view the conditions of the property.
• The Request for Qualifications for the Council Directed Projects closed on June 6, and an Intent to Negotiate has been initiated.

Project Timeline – Desert Ecosystem Restoration Project

• April 16, 2025 - The consultant presented two pond concepts. Town Council’s direction is, “to move forward with the 2.5-acre pond concept this year, focusing only on the pond using reclaimed water, and then in future years working on further amenities while currently seeking grant funding and potential donations for those areas. As possible, the project should be brought-in-house and put to bid by the Town to reduce overhead costs. Existing infrastructure should continue to be evaluated for opportunities for repair or reuse to further reduce costs."

• December 4, 2024 - Town Council directed the Town Manager to amend the contract with the town’s consultant Kimley Horn by December 20, 2024, to now include a pond concept with associated cost, and to come back to Town Council for review and approval.

• November 20, 2024 – Town Council reconsidered November 6 direction and placed the item on the December 4, 2024 Council meeting agenda.

  •  Council provides direction to hold $1.5M to maximize Land & Water Conservation Fund grant funding
  • $500,000 allocated to a 3-prong revegetation approach, consultant to review a 3-prong approach to revegetation and return to Council
• November 6, 2024 – Town Council reviews 60% design from Kimley-horn & Associates

•  September 18, 2024 – Town Council approved concept plan, including priority areas and desert garden concept

Presentations & Documents - Desert Ecosystem Restoration Project 

• Desert Ecosystem Restoration Project Pond Concepts – Town Council Presentation, April 16, 2025: Click here(PDF, 6MB)

• Desert Ecosystem Restoration Project – Town Council Presentation, November 6, 2024: Click here(PDF, 14MB)

•  Desert Ecosystem Restoration Project – Town Council Presentation, September 18, 2024: Click here(PDF, 6MB)

Expenses as of 4/16/2025

• November - December 2022

• Site research and data gathering
• Stakeholder meetings
• In-person meetings and workshop, questionnaire
• Findings report

• January – March 2023

• First Master Plan Draft presented to community via Community Workshop and Meeting (January)
• First Master Plan Draft presented to Parks and Recreation Advisory Board (February)
• First Master Plan Draft presented to Town Council (March)

• May – June 2023

• Final Master Plan Draft presented to Parks and Recreation Advisory Board May 9
• Final Master Plan Draft presented to Town Council June 21

• February – March 2024

• Presentation to the Parks & Recreation Advisory Board regarding the most recent surveys and changes to the Master Plan Draft February 20
• Presentation/Study Session with Town Council on March 20 regarding the most recent surveys and changes to the Master Plan Draft March 20

• At the April 17, 2024 Town Council Meeting, the following motion was made:

• “I move that we express appreciation for the work that has been done by Sites Southwest on the Vistoso Nature Trails Preserve Master Plan and release them from further work on this project. The plan provides valuable public input and information to the Town to begin addressing safety issues and restoring the property back to the Sonoran Desert. We do not adopt the plan in its entirety, but provide further direction as follows:
  • The Town shall secure the services of a consultant with detailed landscape design and successful landscape restoration experience in an arid/ semi-arid environment and a proven track record of identifying and securing grant funds. At the appropriate time, engineering and design work shall also be performed for the property.”

• Funding priorities to move forward on this project in the following in order:
  • Cart path repairs and rebuilding not to exceed $43,470 without Council approval.
  • Safety Signage not to exceed $2,700 without Council approval.
  • A desert garden in the former pond area including design, contingency, and permitting not to exceed $950,000 without council approval. The phase one scope of work shall include bulkhead removal, bermuda grass treatment, grading, reseeding, and planting. Designs shall be reviewed by Council.
  • Restoration work on tees, greens, fairways, and the driving range to include design, contingency, and permitting. The scope of work for this shall be limited to Bermuda grass treatment and reseeding based on remaining funds from the Council allocated $2 Million dollar budget. Prioritization of areas receiving treatment will be recommended by the consultant and approved by the Council.

Preliminary Concept Plans

• Vistoso Trails Nature Preserve Master Plan - Parks and Recreation Advisory Board, May 9 2023 Presentation(PDF, 18MB)

Presentations

• Vistoso Trails Master Plan Update - Parks and Recreation Advisory Board Presentation February 20, 2024(PDF, 1MB)
• Vistoso Trails Nature Preserve Master Plan – Town Council Presentation, March 20, 2024(PDF, 8MB)
• Vistoso Trails Nature Preserve Master Plan – Town Council Presentation, April 17, 2024(PDF, 4MB)

Final Master Plan

• Final Vistoso Trails Nature Preserve Master Plan – April 2024(PDF, 16MB)