News & Announcements

Volunteer Days

Dedicated volunteers have been key to preserving the historic Empire Ranch House and Headquarters.  Please join us on Saturday, August 3, 2024.

To volunteer, please submit a Volunteer Opportunities Form, and we will contact you with more details!

New Ranch House Capital Campaign

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.

Christmas at the Empire Ranch

Over 400 visitors enjoyed the  Christmas at the Empire Ranch event on Saturday, December 9th from 10am to 2pm.

Click here to view the program for the day.

ERF Membership Rate is Reduced!

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 reduced 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 contact send an email to admin@empireranchfoundation.org.

Tour the Cienega Watershed

Take a free audio driving tour of the Cienega Watershed and learn about the social and cultural history, ecology, wildlife management, and conservation efforts in the watershed. Start by downloading the TravelStorys.Com App to your phone or other device.   Open TravelStory and select “Tour the Cienega Watershed” to save the tour on your phone. Once you’ve download the app and the tour, no Internet access is needed.

The tour includes 21 podcast-style stories that will automatically play at the appropriate location using your phone’s GPS. The route loop includes the Gabe Zimmerman Trailhead (in Vail), Las Cienegas National Conservation Area, the Empire Ranch Headquarters, wildlife viewing and many other features along Hwy. 83 ending (or beginning) in Sonoita.  And you don’t even have to drive through the watershed to enjoy the tour! You can download the tour to your computer or tablet, listen to each of the site descriptions, and view photos of the sites wherever you are!

Volunteer in our Gift Shop

We seek volunteers to work at our Gift Shop at the historic Empire Ranch.  Volunteers are needed for four 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.