Paige's 'Protect the Santa Ritas' fundraiser

The Santa Rita mountains, home to endangered species like the jaguar, are a beautiful jewel in the Sonoran Desert sky island region. Just 30 miles south of Tucson, their elevation provides a much-needed escape from the heat during summer months, and their natural beauty provides a respite from city life all year round. The Santa Ritas are the perfect place to hike with the dogs, to explore gravel roads via bike, and even to dip your toes into a cold mountain stream.

Unfortunately, these cherised mountains are currently threatened by a proposed massive open-pit copper mining complex. The project, dubbed “Copper World,” would decimate the northern end of the mountain range, destroying precious habitat and polluting the nearby communities of Corona de Tucson, Quail Creek, and Sahuarita. Copper World threatens to waste around 3 billion gallons of groundwater per year, at a time when Arizona is facing significant cuts to our Colorado River water allotment. The mountains have held, and continue to hold, cultural significance for the Tohono O’odham people for countless centuries.

To protect what we love, we must stop Copper World.

Save the Scenic Santa Ritas (SSSR) has been fighting to protect the Santa Rita mountains from the devastation of industrial, open-pit mining for thirty years. By donating to this cause, you are helping SSSR in its multi-pronged approach to stop Copper World. SSSR employs legal action, partnerships with local elected officials, and grassroots activism to protect the Santa Ritas.

Please consider giving today to ensure a brighter future for the mountains for years to come.