Visit the Wetland
The Leonora Curtin Wetland Preserve is accessible through the main entrance of El Rancho de Las Golondrinas (not accessible from Frontage Road).
Access to the wetland preserve for self-guided walks is included with your museum admission. Your entrance fee helps to fund maintenance, restoration efforts, and educational programming for the wetlands. Learn more about the Wetland Preserve and restoration efforts.
The entrance to the wetlands is an approximately 15–20 minute walk from the museum entrance and the trail around the preserve is approximately 1 mile long. Please bring water, sun protection, and comfortable footwear.
Tours and Special Arrangements
We offer several guided tours and programs at the Wetland Preserve (see details below). Private tours of the wetland preserve are also available upon request (complete our Private Tour Request Form).
Special arrangements may be made for people with mobility limitations. Please contact us for more information about planning your visit.
Seasonal Hours
Open June–October
Wednesday–Sunday
10am–3pm
Rules and Policies
The Leonora Curtin Wetland Preserve is a delicate ecosystem, so please respect the following policies when visiting:
Stay on the trails (walking off-trail disturbs delicate biocrust soils)
No Dogs
No Littering
No Foraging or Picking Plants
No Smoking
No Fishing or Hunting
No Camping or Fires
Wetland Tours and Programs
Reservations are required for these tours, and capacity is set at 25 participants.
To sign up, fill out the Wetland Tour Request Form or contact our Tour Coordinator at [email protected].
Plant Phenology Walk at Leonora Curtin Wetland Preserve
Phenology is the timing of plant life cycle events such as leafing out, flowering and producing seeds. Come learn about why tracking plant phenology is important, and what plants are being tracked at the Leonora Curtin Wetland Preserve. Sylvan Kaufman is a Citizen Scientist volunteer and Master Naturalist who has been tracking plant phenology at the wetland for the last 3 years.
Date: Saturday, August 16
Time: 8am (Tour will last approx. 1.5 – 2 hours)
Fee: $20 per person / $15 for museum members and volunteers. Reservations required.
Prints and Scat: Animal Tracking at Leonora Curtin Wetland Preserve
Guided by animal tracking specialist and Citizen Scientist, Ann Hunkins, you’ll learn about the skill of identifying and tracking animals and why the 35-acre preserve is home to a myriad of animal species.
Date: Saturday, October 11
Time: 9am (Tour will last approx. 1.5 – 2 hours)
Fee: $20 per person / $15 for museum members and volunteers. Reservations required.
“Fall” in Love with Wetlands: A Walking Tour of Leonora Curtin Wetland Preserve
Leaf your worries behind and enjoy a a seasonal tour with Citizen Scientist, Zac Carlson. Stroll amid radiant golden cottonwood trees and learn about the changes that autumn brings to the preserve.
Date: Saturday, October 25
Time: 10am (Tour will last approx. 1.5 – 2 hours)
Fee: $20 per person / $15 for museum members and volunteers. Reservations required.Â
