About SAAWR
Mission
SAAWR is devoted to providing individuals of diverse abilities opportunities to access the unique ecosystem of the Sonoran Desert, and educating them about the role they play in maintaining a healthy ecosystem. As an accessible wildlife refuge, we foster respect and understanding for biodiversity, and we are committed to ensuring that everyone has access to this unique ecosystem.
Our Team
Meet our Board members.
Kimberly Aikins
President/CEO
Kimberly is a Special Education teacher of 18 years, and is currently teaching at Arizona State Schools for the Deaf and Blind. While her passion is working with and advocating for individuals with disabilities, she also enjoys being in nature and birding with her husband, Vernie. Her dream is to be able to share her passion of nature and the outdoors with more people.
Vernie Aikins
Vice President
Vernie has been birding for a decade, and fell in love with the birds and wildlife of Southern Arizona from the seat of his bike. He has been an avid mountain biker for over 20 years. This is also not his first foray into non-profit work, as he is one of the co-founders of TORCA, a non-profit which specializes in reopening and maintaining multi-use trails in the Catalina Ranger district. He has a passion for spreading the joy of all things Southern Arizona, but especially loves sharing the amazing nature we are surrounded by. He is just as happy to share his passion with a beginner as he is a seasoned veteran.