On October 2, 2010, Valley Forward Association gave its highest honor, the President’s Award for Special Achievement in Environmental Excellence, to the Nina Mason Pulliam Rio Salado Audubon Center.

For over forty years, Valley Forward Association has worked to bring business and civic leaders together to promote cooperative efforts to improve the environment and livability of Phoenix and surrounding communities. This year marks the thirtieth anniversary of Valley Forward's annual Environmental Excellence Awards program, Arizona's oldest and largest environmental competition. More than 700 people attended this year’s awards program.

According to Valley Forward, the Río Salado Audubon Center “illustrates how innovative design, thoughtful construction, exciting educational programs, and a community committed to the environment can work together to create an educational and environmental success story.”

In addition to the President’s Award, Valley Forward also recognized the Nina Mason Pulliam Río Salado Audubon Center with a prestigious Crescordia award in the buildings and structures category. The awards committee noted that the Audubon Center “represents far more than an amazing physical structure that epitomizes environmental design.” One of the Center’s education programs, Water’s Changing Journey, received an Award of Merit for outstanding environmental education.

Audubon Arizona is greatly honored to receive these awards and deeply grateful to our many volunteers, supporters and friends.

Come celebrate our first anniversary with us on our Enchanted Trail evenings, October 22nd, 23rd, 29th and 30th, from 5:30 pm to 8 pm!