Town of Marana celebrates 25 years of the Ironwood Forest

Celebrating 25 years of national recognition.

The town of Marana proclaimed June 9, as Ironwood Forest National Monument Day during a town council meeting in June of 2025 to celebrate the 25th anniversary of this national treasure that lives in Marana’s backyard.

CreditDeirdre Rosenberg

What is the Ironwood Forest National Monument?

The Ironwood Forest National Monument encompasses over 180,000 acres and is home to some of the world’s oldest ironwood trees, a wealth of desert wildlife, and invaluable cultural sites, including ancient petroglyphs and remnants of historic settlements.

President Bill Clinton signed the Proclamation creating the monument on June 9, 2000. It was one of the first national monuments established as part of the Bureau of Land Management's (BLM) National Conservation Land Systems.

Taking its name from one of the longest living trees in the Arizona desert, the Ironwood Forest National Monument is a true Sonoran Desert showcase.

Keeping company with the ironwood trees are mesquite, paloverde, creosote, and saguaro. The Silver Bell, Waterman, and Sawtooth are rugged mountain ranges, from 1,800 to more than 4,200 feet in elevation. Desert valleys filled with diverse wildlife, such as pronghorn and mule deer, complete the setting.

The Ironwood has also become known for its 80-armed saguaro that towers over visitors; it’s a photo-op you won't want to miss.

PicturedPictured (left to right) Christine McVie, Founding FIF Board Member, Tom Hannagan President FIF, Jon Post Mayor of Marana, Jackie Craig FIF Board Member

The Marana Town Council signed the proclamation into action during a June 3, 2025, board meeting, where they recognized the historic and nationally renowned landmark.

Ironwood Forest Photo and Sticker Contest!

Discover Marana invites you to share your view—and your creativity—in our special anniversary contest. Whether you’re a photographer who’s captured the magic of this rugged desert landscape or a designer who can distill the spirit of the Southwest into a sticker, we want to see your work!

Photo Contest

Submit your best original photo taken within the Ironwood Forest National Monument.

We’re looking for landscape shots, wildlife, plant life, or moments that capture the spirit of the place.

Sticker Design Contest

Create an original sticker design inspired by Ironwood Forest—think Ironwood trees, towering saguaros, desert creatures, starry skies, or rugged mountains.

Digital art, hand-drawn work, or hybrid styles welcome! Submit your design as a high-quality JPEG, PNG, or PDF.

click here to enter!

Enjoy these photos of the beautiful Ironwood Forest National Monument

This itinerary/blog post showcases local businesses in our community. We feature partners that serve food and drink, offer recreational opportunities, places to stay, and shopping. We value accuracy, fairness and balance in our advertising and marketing. We would love to showcase your business to our visitors. These advertising and marketing opportunities (social media, articles, website, and ads) are open to all businesses within Marana and the designated two-mile “Pima County Tourism Partner Zone” around the town limits that meet this criteria. If you want to be featured on our website or in social media, please contact us at MaranaInfo@Maranaaz.gov.

Author

Brandon Mejia

Tourism Marketing Specialist

Brandon is a product of the Marana Unified School District and proud Arizona Alumni. His multi-faceted background includes radio and television news, social media distribution, public affairs and communications. He loves spending time outdoors playing in his slow-pitch softball leagues, golfing at Quarry Pines, and being an avid cross-fitter at his local gym, CrossFit Onward.

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