Welcome!

What is ANHA?

The Arizona Natural History Association (ANHA) is the Interpretive Association responsible for the entire Coconino National Forest, as well as selected Ranger Districts in the Tonto, Prescott and Apache-Sitgreaves National Forests. ANHA was created by private citizens in 1988.

What is the role of an interpretive association?

Interpretive associations are private, not-for-profit organizations formed to work with the organizations and agencies that are responsible for managing public lands (e.g. the US Forest Service, National Park Service, Bureau of Land Management). ANHA's objectives as an interpretive association are to:

• assist public agencies in interpreting cultural and natural history through interpretive materials, programs, and funding.
• promote general respect for public lands in the Southwest
• sponsor research on the natural and cultural history of the Southwest
• offer the opportunity for public involvement in accomplishing ANHA's objectives
• generate a continuous flow of income to fund ANHA's mission and objectives

How does ANHA accomplish its objectives?

Membership dues, private contributions, corporate and foundation funding all help, but ANHA's primary source of income is sales of books, maps, and other interpretive materials at outlets located at National Forest visitor centers. Net proceeds are distributed amongst the various National Forests to help fund programs that cannot or will not be funded through the federal budget.

What are some examples of ANHA-funded projects?

In the past, ANHA has funded a wide range of projects, including:

• Archaeological programs at Elden Pueblo
• Interpretive trail signs
• Van Deren Cabin stabilization
• Salaries for interpreters of natural and cultural history
• Publication of The Fort Valley Experimental Station: Where Forest Research Began
• Wildlife habitat studies
• Production of a Desert Cactus and Wildflower Notebook
• Survey of a cave containing an endangered bat species (Coconino)
• Map table (Apache-Sitgreaves - Alpine Ranger District)
• Donating publications to maintain forest reference collections
• Eagle habitat restoration and interpretive signage (Prescott)
• Wildlife displays and interpretive projects (Tonto)

How is ANHA run?

Policy decisions are made by a volunteer Board of Directors in consultation with the employees and representatives of the Forest Service.

How can I help ANHA and the National Forests?

There are many opportunities to help ANHA, including:

• Membership and contributions (tax-deductible) Click on image for printable Membership Brochure.
• Volunteer work
• Serving on the Board of Directors

For more information on how you can help, click on the links above, contact ANHA directly by e-mail, or call ANHA at (928)527-3450.