Cochise County in particular is full of wildlife areas and nongame species. Some of the most popular areas to view wildlife are in the Chiricahua and Huachuca Mountains, and at the San Pedro River.

Arizona is one of 41 states that allows taxpayers to contribute to wildlife conservation by way of tax donations.

The Arizona Wildlife Fund, also known as the Nongame Checkoff Fund, established in 1982, is a program that enables Arizona taxpayers to aid conservation and the reintroduction of hundreds of nongame species through donations.

"Many folks probably think that their taxes already help to pay for wildlife conservation," said Angie McIntire, bat specialist at the Arizona Game and Fish Department, "but the department does not receive any tax money to fund the work we do.

"For those who value wildlife conservation and want to support the important programs we have, their donation is their voice that wildlife conservation is important to Arizonans," she added.

Residents have not let the fund go unnoticed.

"I donate money to the fund every year because we have to protect the wildlife," said Teresa Benjamin, an eight-year resident of Tombstone.

"[Donating] should be at the top of everyone's list; if we lose the conservation, then we lose it forever."

In the last 30 years Arizona residents have donated more than $5 million to conservation efforts. Annually, the Fund collects about $250,000. The average donation is $21.

"The average donation has increased slightly over time, but fewer people donate," said Eric Gardner, the nongame branch chief.

Unfortunately, not everybody who wants to protect the environment can afford to.

"I think it is important if you can afford it because wildlife does need to be preserved," said Rick Butler of Trails West Trail Riders.

"The great thing about these funds is that they are non-federal dollars, so they can be used as match for a grant from the State Wildlife Funds multi-state grant," Gardner said. "An important message here is that these funds have the ability to multiply."

The most recent grant given to the AGFD toward conservation was $71,000 in December of last year; an additional $62,200 was granted in April. These grants are currently going toward the reintroduction effort for the black-tailed prairie dog and the Chiricahua Leopard Frog Recovery Plan.

The tax donations also contribute to low-cost recreation opportunities for Arizona residents. It includes wildlife watching, hiking, camping and geocaching – a modern day, GPS-assisted treasure hunt.

"I like to take the kids out around Tombstone to teach them about wildlife, conservation and outdoor techniques," said Tom Clark, a member of the Chiricahua Preservation Society. "The great thing about our area is that you don't have to drive more than two hours and you can go somewhere different to view wildlife everyday of the month."

Arizona has 35 species of native fish, six species of native turtles, 28 species of bats (18 known in Cochise County) and 37 endangered species.

"Arizona has two important pollinating bats, both can be found in Cochise County," McIntire said. "The lesser long-nosed and Mexican long-tongued bats are important pollinators of several species of agaves and columnar cacti."

"The Chiricahuas are known to be one of the most diverse hotspots for bats in the U.S.," she said.

There are also six important bird areas (IBA's) in Cochise County, including the Huachuca and Chiricahua Mountains on the Coronado National Forest, as well as portions of the San Pedro River according to Edwin Juarez, a bird specialist.

"The Huachucas and Chiricahuas IBA's support an incredible number of populations of avian species, some of which are found only in the U.S. in the border "Sky Island" mountain ranges or southeastern Arizona," he said.

Protecting the environment may not be a task that is immediately rewarding, but many see the long-term importance.

"I am not the owner of the land, I am the caretaker for my grandchildren," Clark said.