Nina Mason Pulliam Rio Salado Audubon Center — Attraction in Phoenix

We were very excited to visit and learn more about birds for my daughters homeschooling. I am a landscape architect and was also looking forward to learning more about our local birds and what they may be doing this time of the year, as well as answer my daughters question about which birds are migrating through Arizona right now. The three people we talk to could not answer our questions, which were met with annoyance (my almost 6yr old didn’t understand why they were “not being nice”).

The two children were excited to see the gift area, puppets, and the many books and exhibits. By no means were they loud, but the place was hosting a lunch meeting on the other side of a wall, in which people were standing around talking and eating. Even IF the children were being loud, the place had Legos and was clearly set up for children, what do they expect!

As we were checking out and the cashier was answering a bird question, a lady came over and very rudely interrupted; without saying excuse me or anything, she went right to saying we were too loud and needed to keep our conversations low because of the event being hosted. I of course looked at her in disbelief and said we were not being loud, and anyway, we were on our way out.

We were also asked HOW we found the place, why we were there (not in a friendly way), as if we weren’t supposed to be there. We didn’t even make it to the outdoor area before feeling overwhelmed by the unwelcoming looks we received. Part of me wonders why we were treated so poorly, and feel sad for the kids who were very excited to be there after a...

Something amazing for free…yes FREE! Now that I have your attention, let me explain why I believe the Rio Salado Audubon Center is an amazing diamond in the rough! It’s amazing for its purpose and it’s architectural relationship with the environment. The center’s purpose is to educate the community about birds and other animals (focused on birds) that thrive in the desert southwest as well as provide a natural habitat near the urban center of Phoenix. The architecture of the buildings on site visually bridge the rustic forms in the neighboring industrial district with the natural environment of the Rio Salado Restoration Area. The Audubon Center’s steel, concrete, and glass structures are contemporary, but the shape and materials help give it a feel of being at the site forever. Whether you go for the birds, the nature trails, the architecture or all the above, it is one of the best things in Phoenix to...

We had our wedding here this spring! This place was so lovely!! We had a beautiful spring wedding, everything was perfect! Our guests had a wonderful time and loved the unique setting and super unique Mexican food buffet. It was cozy but had plenty of room for 80 guests. It was very private, there is only one wedding at a time so we had the place to ourselves! Not to mention the GREAT price for the wedding and reception! We booked and worked through Ensemble Catering, the lovely Madison has been a DREAM to work with! She was always quick to respond to emails and was there for us every step of the way through the planning process, from handling payments to choosing linen colors :). For a fabulous and cool headed day-of coordinator on a hectic day like wedding day, she’s your girl! We love the Audubon Center and...