*Myth:*Arizona is an amalgam of dry endless sand and cacti. Yawn. 
*Fact:*Water flows through Arizona and breathes life into the ecosystem. This article is the first of my articles for this year’s #WayOfWater- bringing awareness to the geography of water in Arizona. 
This also serves as the study guide for April’s #bardchallenge trivia, and the facts were written and researched in conjunction with AI.
Along the Interstate 17 (commonly abbreviated as I-17, a north-south interstate highway through the state of Arizona), there are two bodies of water.
Agua Fria National Monument lies to the northwest of Phoenix, and shortly after you exit the highway, you have to drive for about 5 minutes down a bumpy dirt road to reach the parking area, from where you can further explore the rugged terrain.In contrast, Anthem Lake sits on the northeastern outskirts of Phoenix.
Below we explore some quick facts about both:
Natural History
- Agua Fria National Monument is characterized by a diverse semi-desert landscape, featuring rugged canyons, mesas, and desert grasslands. Anthem Lake is located in the Anthem Community within an urban park and is surrounded by lush green grass and rolling hills.
- Agua Fria National Monument spans approximately 71,100 acres of protected land, while Anthem Lake has over 4 acres of scenic shoreline and surrounding parkland.
- Over 240 species of birds have been documented within Agua Fria National Monument, which makes it a great spot to visit for birdwatchers. There are resident species (those that permanently live there such as cactus wren as well as migratory birds passing through the area. Meanwhile, Anthem Lake attracts a variety of waterfowl like ducks and songbirds.
- The prominent geological feature in Agua Fria National Monument is the Agua Fria River Canyon, which cuts through the terrain, while Anthem Lake is situated within a natural basin.
- Common wildlife sightings in Agua Fria National Monument include mule deer, javelina, coyotes, bobcats, and various species of reptiles and rodents, whereas Anthem Lake is home to species such as waterfowl, turtles, and small mammals.
Cultural History
- Agua Fria National Monument was designated as a protected area by presidential proclamation in 2000, to preserve its cultural, historical, and natural resources, whereas Anthem Lake area has been managed for recreational use since the late 20th century.
- The area around Agua Fria National Monument has been historically inhabited by indigenous peoples, including the Hohokam, Yavapai, and Tonto Apache tribes, while the Anthem area was traditionally inhabited by the Hohokam and later settled by European pioneers.
- The petroglyphs (or rock carvings) scattered throughout Agua Fria National Monument are remnants of ancient Native American cultures.
- Explorer John C. Frémont crossed the Agua Fria River during his explorations of the American West in the mid-1800s, contributing to the mapping and understanding of the region’s geography, while Anthem Lake area was explored by early Spanish and American settlers.
- The prehistoric structures, such as pit houses, discovered within Agua Fria National Monument, were built by indigenous peoples for shelter and communal living, whereas Anthem Lake area was primarily used for agriculture and grazing by early settlers.
Recreation and Activities
- Visitors at Anthem Lake enjoy fishing, boating, picnicking, and wildlife viewing, while Agua Fria National Monument offers hiking, camping, birdwatching, and exploring ancient petroglyphs for outdoor enthusiasts.
- Anthem Lake is home to various fish species including largemouth bass, catfish, sunfish, and rainbow trout, providing ample opportunities for anglers. Agua Fria National Monument, however, doesn’t feature stocked fish populations due to its semi-desert landscape that primarily consists of dry washes and rugged terrain.
- Visitors at Anthem Lake can enjoy various amenities like picnic areas, restrooms, playgrounds for a day of outdoor fun whereas Agua Fria National Monument offers limited amenities such as primitive camping areas.
- Anthem Lake features mostly concrete sidewalk paths surrounding its shores, while Agua Fria National Monument has rocky trails.
Conservation Efforts
- Agua Fria National Monument faces various conservation challenges, including wildfire risk and impacts from recreational activities.
- Anthem Lake does not face the same conservation concerns as Agua Fria National Monument as the lake is man-made. Anthem Lake is managed by local park authorities who maintain the lake’s ecosystem through stocking fish, regulating boating activities, and ensuring visitor safety
- The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) oversees the management of Agua Fria National Monument, implementing conservation strategies to maintain ecosystem health. These include habitat restoration, invasive species control, and sensitive species monitoring.
Here are two brief video that offer a quick peek into these two water spots. 
Agua Fria National Monument
Anthem Community Lake
Loved that wonderful suggestion you gave us and look forward to seeing you in our next trivia. 
