On October 26, 2023, 150 4th graders from Desert Willow Elementary School in Vail spent the day at Empire Ranch Headquarters learning about National Public Lands Day and Las Cienegas National Conservation Area. Students rotated through five stations staffed by BLM and Foundation experts. The Empire Ranch history station was located at the Tack Room where the students learned about branding and other ranching equipment.
The Empire Ranch Foundation is reaching out. This important historic site is capturing more and more hearts in the communities in the region. Ironically, most people don’t realize that it takes their support to achieve the worthy goal of preserving these ranch buildings. Foundation membership demonstrates that the Empire Ranch is meaningful to more and more people. The more members we have, the more matching funds we can earn from our partners.
The Foundation has made a big decision. We’ve reducing our basic membership to only $35.00. Now, honestly, we’d love to receive more financial support from everyone for this important piece of Arizona history, but we are taking a chance on you. We are asking you to encourage your friends and acquaintances to take advantage of this reduced rate. Financial support is the one thing you can do that doesn’t require time or energy. We urge you to help in this campaign. Membership means caring and caring means future generations will enjoy the beauty and history that is the Empire Ranch.
If you are not a member, please consider joining by clicking here. If you are a member we hope your membership is current. If you’re unsure of your membership status send an email to admin@empireranchfoundation.org.
Plan to attend our Christmas at the Empire Ranch event on Saturday, December 9th from 10am to 2pm. The Empire Ranch House will be decorated for Christmas, and we have lots of fun activities planned for the day.
Click here to register for a non-profit or vendor booth. 2023 program details will be posted soon.
Dedicated volunteers have been key to preserving the historic Empire Ranch House and Headquarters. Please join us on Saturday, December 1, 2023.
To volunteer, please submit a Volunteer Opportunities Form, and we will contact you with more details!
A bright sunny day greeted the riders and volunteers for the 2023 Empire Ranch Spring Trail Ride on April 1st. ERF President Faith Boice led two 1.5 hour rides through Las Cienegas National Conservation Area. A delicious chuckwagon lunch was dished up by the EZ Cattle Company Cow Camp Cafe’ Chuck Wagon Catering.
Click here to view photos of the ride.
We seek volunteers to work at our Gift Shop at the historic Empire Ranch. Volunteers are needed for five hour shifts on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays from 11:00 am to 3:00 pm.
Responsibilities include stocking, organizing, and cleaning the Gift Shop; processing sales using an iPad and Square software; providing general information about the Empire Ranch and Las Cienegas National Conservation Area; and completing various reports. Training for all tasks provided. Volunteers must be personable and willing to engage with visitors.
Click here to apply.
Explore the Historic Empire Ranch in an exciting new way. It’s called Agents of Discovery, the not-so-secret, secret agency dedicated to learning and playing outdoors.
To get started:
1. Download the free Agents of Discovery app to your mobile device at the Apple App Store, Google Play or visit www.AgentsofDiscovery.com.
2. After downloading the app, click on the Missions button and select the ones you want to play.
3. Preload the missions and head out to the Historic Empire Ranch to start completing your challenges!
You can now shop online for ERF Gift Shop items. Your purchase helps preserve and protect the Empire Ranch!
Items for sale include Empire Ranch Foundation denim shirts, t-shirts and books, souvenir coffee cups, Western jewelry and an ever changing offering of gifts for youngsters and seniors – and everyone else in between!
Click here to start shopping.
Help us create our Western Heritage and Education Center! The Empire Ranch Foundation has begun a capital campaign to renovate the New Ranch House to serve as conference space for education programs, a place for environmental researchers to come stay for a day or two while they study the beautiful area of the Las Cienegas National Conservation Area, and as office space where our board members, or in the future, a new administrative director can work.
Click here to find out how you can help.