Alexis Stark, who became site manager of the Paton Center for Hummingbirds at the beginning of this year, brings a background in avian research, nature education and volunteer coordination to the role. A lifelong Arizona resident, Stark studied biology and wildlife ecology at Northern Arizona University and focuses her work on wildlife conservation, bird monitoring and community outreach. In this Q&A, Stark reflects on her early months at the Paton Center, sharing her impressions of the Patagonia community, the sense of connection she sees among visitors and volunteers, and the priorities she has set for the site.
What was your official start date?
I officially started as the Paton Center site manager at the beginning of this year, and I am still actively learning and growing into the role. I feel more confident stepping into this position thanks to those who built such a strong foundation before me – past site managers, habitat and field crew staff who have cared for the grounds and native plants, and the dedicated volunteers who have contributed countless hours to habitat restoration, visitor engagement, and maintaining the hummingbird feeders. I am extremely grateful for this opportunity and excited to see what 2026 brings.
Can you tell us a little about your background and what led you to this work?
I became a bird watcher while studying biology and wildlife ecology at Northern Arizona University in Flagstaff, and I was immediately hooked. Since graduating in 2019, I have grown into a dedicated naturalist, with my work centered on wildlife conservation, avian monitoring, and community outreach and education. My past roles and volunteer experiences have included avian research, nature education, volunteer coordination, park ranger work, and more. As a lifelong Arizona resident, I have developed a deep sense of connection to the Sonoran Desert and a special appreciation for the Sky Island region. The diversity of wildlife found in the small border community of Patagonia is truly remarkable and continues to inspire my work.
What drew you to the role at the Paton Center, and what excited you most about the opportunity?
This role felt like a perfect blend of my past work and volunteer experience, which interweaves bird knowledge, education and outreach, volunteer support, wildlife conservation, and a love for natural spaces. The opportunity to bring all of these elements together in such a meaningful place is what excited me most.
What are your early impressions of the community?
I moved to Patagonia in June 2024 and have absolutely loved living in this community. Everyone has been incredibly welcoming and supportive. I look forward to continuing to build connections and am always open to local suggestions on how the Paton Center can better support, represent and serve the community.
The Paton Center has such a special history and sense of place. What has stood out to you most about being on the center grounds day to day?
While the diversity of birds here is truly incredible, what stands out to me most is the constant presence of joy. Every day, I see smiling faces among visitors, volunteers and staff, all sharing their appreciation for birds and nature. That sense of shared excitement and connection is what makes this place so special.
What do you see as your priorities for the center in the coming months or year?
Some of the immediate priorities include important infrastructure improvements, such as new restrooms, a more functional parking area, and upcoming renovations to the interiors of the house and casita. These updates will improve day-to-day operations for volunteers and hopefully help support future opportunities, such as a gift shop. Additional improvements include enhanced wayfinding and interpretive signage. These will help visitors locate the new parking area, reduce traffic along the street, and better navigate the trails to fully experience all that the Paton Center has to offer. On a broader level, one of my personal priorities is to continue building deeper connections within the Patagonia community.
How do you hope the Paton Center continues to connect with the Patagonia community, both longtime residents and visitors?
I hope to expand community engagement through a variety of programs and events, including family and youth-focused nature education, bird walks, and other outreach opportunities. I would love to strengthen partnerships with local schools by inviting students to participate in on-site programs, as well as collaborate with other conservation organizations and local businesses. I also aim to empower community members to engage in conservation by planting native habitat, supporting monitoring efforts, and becoming active stewards of hummingbird conservation. By fostering a strong network of nature enthusiasts and citizen scientists, I hope to contribute to long-term conservation efforts while highlighting the importance of the Sonoita Creek watershed’s health.
Is there anything else you’d like to share?
I spend much of my free time in nature, especially bird watching, which naturally connects both my personal and professional life to hummingbird conservation. I also enjoy volunteering for wildlife conservation and research efforts across Arizona. Recently, much of my energy has been focused on hummingbird monitoring. I have been fortunate to work under the mentorship of Susan Wethington through the Hummingbird Conservation Networks. This past fall, I was trained in hummingbird banding through a grant from the Arizona Game and Fish Department. I am grateful for the opportunity to continue developing my skills in bird handling, ecological research, and data collection, including participating in the Hummingbird Monitoring Network’s 2025 Banding Workshop. I look forward to continuing to contribute to local hummingbird conservation and research efforts in the years to come.
The Paton Center is currently looking for volunteers to help with a range of activities. Email astark@tucsonbirds.org to learn more.