Empire Ranch Foundation
Recognition & Awards

Since its founding in 1997, the Empire Ranch Foundation has been honored to be the recipient of numerous awards of recognition. Following is a complete listing of awards and recognitions.

Tucson Audubon Society – Las Cienegas National Conservation Area designated as a Globally Important Birding Area

Pima County Board of Supervisors – July 28th declared “Empire Ranch, Walter L. Vail and Arizona Cowboy Heritage Day”

National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum – Walter L. Vail inducted into the Hall of Great Westerners

Arizona State Preservation Office – Governor’s Heritage Preservation Honor Award – Cienega Watershed Timeline Project

Arizona State Preservation Office – Governor’s Heritage Preservation Honor Award – Empire Ranch Historic American Landscapes Survey

Cienega Watershed Partnership – Wall of Honor

Arizona State Preservation Office – Governor’s Heritage Preservation Honor Award – Adobe Haybarn Project

National Park Service – 2016 Historic American Landscape Survey Challenge

U.S. Department of Interior – Partners in Conservation Award

Arizona Governor’s Archaeology Advisory Committee – Award in Public Archaeology for a Non-Profit Entity

Arizona Centennial Commission – Official Event

Bureau of Land Management – Excellence in Public Lands Partnership

Arizona Preservation Foundation – List of Arizona’s Most Endangered Historic Places

Hands on the Land – Member Site Designation

Bureau of Land Management – Outstanding voluntary service in the conservation and protection of heritage resources on America’s public lands

Bureau of Land Management – Dedicated contribution to the Sonoita Valley Planning Partnership and Las Cienegas Resource Management Plan

Tucson-Pima County Historical Commission – Honoring long-term collaborative preservation and interpretation of the Empire Ranch by ERF & BLM

U.S. Dept. of Interior – Take Pride in America Award 

National Trust for Historic Preservation – Save America’s Treasures – Official Project Designation for Vail Ranch House, Empire-Cienega Resource Conservation Area

National Civilian Community Corps – Appreciation Certificate