Save the Springs!

A’al Vaipia (more commonly known as Quitobaquito Springs) is a rare desert oasis in southern Arizona near the U.S.–Mexico border. Surrounded by the Sonoran Desert, the spring and reservoir provide a vital source of water for wildlife and support unique plant and animal species, including several found nowhere else in the world. It has been an important heritage site and waypoint for Indigenous peoples and travelers for thousands of years. A’al Vaipia, a historic Hia Ced O’odham settlement, holds deep cultural and ceremonial importance for that community.

This irreplacable site lies directly in the planned path of a secondary border barrier. Construction activity and planned infrastructure will affect groundwater resources, ecological systems, and public access to the area. Groundwater extraction could alter the delicate hydrological system that sustains the spring. Heavy equipment and excavation work will damage the fragile retention structure that so many have worked to preserve. Help us to #SavetheSprings!

Events:

• Border Wall Town Hall with Congresswoman Adelita Grijalva (AZ-07): Please join us on Monday, August 24th at 4:30PM in the Ajo Plaza Rec Hall (38 N Plaza ST, Ajo, AZ) for a Town Hall and Listening Session to discuss ongoing and planned construction along the US-Mexico border.

• Beyond Borders is a short form documentary capturing a community arts process in 2025 that highlights an extraordinary sense of regional community that transcends borders. The beauty and importance of A’al Vaipia are highlighted in the film. Curley School Creative campus hosted the premiere on July 26, 2026, It is available to view online.

• Hands Around the Springs - following the Beyond Borders Premiere in July 2026, attendees caravaned down to A’al Vaipia / Quitobaquito Springs to join hands around the pond. Traditional singers and O’odham culture bearers set the tone for the event as community members encircled the pond. This was a powerful moment of collective action demonstrating deep love and commitment to preserving the Springs.

What Can You Do?

1. Contact officials that have been elected to represent you at the state and federal level. The 5 Calls website makes it easy to contact your members of congress: 5 Calls Page for Quitobaquito Springs

2. Donate to support artists, culture bearers, and community members working to bring more attention to this issue.

3. Offer your skills to the movement by completing a short survey.

4. Spread the word!