Historically, the Salt River was a perennial stream fed by snowmelt from the mountains to the east and the highlands to the northwest. Beginning in the early 1900's, the historical conditions of the river were radically altered by man-made constructions. The most significant of these was the U.S. Bureau of Reclamation's Salt River Project, in which a series of dams in the Salt and Verde River watersheds were built. The Indian Bend Wash (IBW) flood control project, completed in 1982, also changed and controlled the flow of water into the river. Channelization, sand and gravel mining adjacent to the river channel and landfills within and along the riverbanks have affected the river and its wildlife.

Due to dams and diversions, perennial flows in the Salt River have ceased. The natural condition of the river has been drastically degraded compared to historic conditions. The elimination of natural base flows has caused the groundwater table beneath the river to drop, resulting in the death of much of the river's cottonwood-willow ecosystem.

Today, most areas of the Salt River are barren or contain mainly non-native species, such as salt cedar. The dense riparian vegetation and abundant wildlife that historically characterized the Salt River in Tempe is now relegated to small, widely spaced areas. The purpose of Tempe's habitat restoration project is to restore the native plant communities and natural wildlife habitat that historically existed along the Salt River before flows were diverted..

Indian Bend Wash Habitat- PHASE I

The Indian Bend Wash from Tempe Town Lake's east dam to McKellips Road serves as the initial phase of the three restoration areas. South of Curry Road the project has re-established a riparian forest dominated by a combination of cottonwood and willow trees.

This plant community is typically found along the edge of active streambeds. The understory includes desert broom, elderberry, and other native plants. Small wetland marsh areas are established with a mix of emergent vegetation and open water ponds. The edges outside of the cottonwood-willow habitat transition to mesquite bosque habitat dominated by honey, velvet or screwbean mesquite trees and with elderberry, greythorn and wolfberry used in the understory. The central channel of the Indian Bend Wash (Rio Salado Golf Course), contain mesquite bosque habitat plantings.

Salt River Downstream Habitat - PHASE II

The Salt River Downstream Habitat Project has allowed the City or Tempe to extend the lake by creating a natural riparian habitat from the west end of Town Lake to Priest Road. Drought-tolerant plants, flowering shrubs and native trees were used to create a beautiful park environment. As portions of this habitat lie within 10,000 feet of the Sky Harbor Airport, the needs of wildlife will be balanced with the need for aviation safety. 

The Phase II Habitat highlights the delicate balance between the connection of landscape and community development. The habitat connects nature by creating migration corridors and connects people through surrounding communities while promoting healthy multi-modal activity. Amenities include multi-use paths outside of the habitat, viewing areas for watching animals, ramadas, picnic areas, and interpretive signs detailing the types of trees and vegetation that can be found along the lake edge.