2026–2027 Mesquite Wildlife Oasis
Join us for Community Day!
Discover Mesquite Wildlife Oasis
Mesquite Wildlife Oasis is Wildlife for Tomorrow’s outdoor education program, providing students with hands-on opportunities to explore Arizona’s wildlife, habitats, water resources, renewable energy, and natural heritage.
Established in 2008, the Oasis was created through a land-use agreement and an investment of more than $500,000 by Sempra Renewables. Today, the RWE-owned property serves as both a valuable wildlife habitat and a living outdoor classroom, featuring ponds, wetlands, native vegetation, and interpretive learning resources.
Wildlife for Tomorrow oversees educational programming at the Oasis, serving dozens of schools and more than 3,000 students each year. Through engaging, science-based activities, students build confidence outdoors, strengthen their connection to nature, and develop a greater appreciation for wildlife and natural-resource conservation.
The Oasis offers an authentic, rustic outdoor learning experience. Amenities are intentionally limited so students can experience nature firsthand. The mesquite tree canopy provides shade, the ground becomes the classroom, and portable restrooms and handwashing stations are available on-site. There is no electricity, gift shop, or other modern amenities. Participants should arrive prepared to learn, explore, and experience the natural world in a meaningful and memorable way.
Program Highlights
No Cost: There is no fee to attend field trips at Mesquite Wildlife Oasis.Transportation Stipends: School districts can request transportation stipends of $150 per bus.Capacity: The property can accommodate up to 110 students each day.Facilities: On-site portable restrooms, hand-washing stations, picnic tables and riparian coverage for shade ensure convenience for all visitors.Unique Learning Environment: The Mesquite Wildlife Oasis functions as an outdoor classroom, offering a memorable experience for school groups. By harnessing the power of nature and incorporating hands-on activities, students are able to fully immerse themselves in the learning process.
History of Mesquite Wildlife Oasis
In 2007, a land acquisition agreement led to the creation of Mesquite Wildlife Oasis as a dedicated wildlife refuge, trail system, and outdoor education resource. Today, the property serves as an important link across the surrounding landscape, providing habitat, water, shelter, and movement corridors for wildlife living among nearby agricultural lands and renewable energy facilities. Its two ponds and desert habitat support a wide variety of species, including frogs, snakes, dragonflies, jackrabbits, javelina, coyotes, bobcats, owls, and quail.
Now owned by RWE, Mesquite Wildlife Oasis is surrounded by five solar farms and associated battery-storage projects that generate enough clean energy to power approximately 115,504 homes. In 2024, the complex expanded with an upgraded battery-storage system and an additional solar project. Together, the site demonstrates how renewable energy development, wildlife habitat, and environmental stewardship can coexist within the same working landscape.
Since 2008, Mesquite Wildlife Oasis has also served as an outdoor classroom where students can experience science and conservation firsthand. Through field investigations, wildlife observation, water-quality activities, and habitat-based lessons, students are able to connect classroom concepts with the natural world around them. Supported by Wildlife for Tomorrow and RWE, the program hosts approximately 30 field trips each year.
Since its inception, Mesquite Wildlife Oasis has welcomed an estimated 50,000 students and community members. By bringing education, wildlife conservation, and renewable energy together, the Oasis provides both a vital refuge for local species and a meaningful place for young people to explore, investigate, and develop a lasting connection to Arizona’s natural environment.
Field Trips to Mesquite Wildlife Oasis
Mesquite Wildlife Oasis offers engaging field trips that blend education, enjoyment and exploration. Its science-focused curriculum aligns with Arizona State Standards, ensuring that students in grades 2 through 8 participate in hands-on learning experiences that connect classroom lessons to the wonders of the natural world. Participants rotate through 3-4 interactive lessons covering local flora and fauna, desert wildlife and water resources - equipping them with valuable knowledge about conservation and ecology.
Meet the passionate educators who bring Mesquite Wildlife Oasis to life!
Burrowing Owl Conservation at Mesquite Wildlife Oasis
In 2024, RWE made significant strides in conservation by establishing a specialized habitat for at-risk burrowing owls. With the support of grant funding and dedicated volunteers, burrowing owls were successfully released into constructed burrows, providing a safe and natural environment crucial for the species' survival.
Award Winning Program
In 2016, Sempra Renewables was inducted into the Arizona Outdoor Hall of Fame in recognition of its commitment to preserving the Mesquite Wildlife Oasis as vital wildlife habitat and an outdoor education destination. RWE, the property’s current owner, has continued to honor and uphold that commitment.
