The Paton Center was acquired by Tucson Bird Alliance in 2014 but was established as an international birding destination several decades earlier by Wally and Marion Paton.

Wally and Marion Paton first began inviting birders into their yard shortly after moving to Patagonia in 1973. They eventually put up a canopy and set out benches, bird books, and a chalkboard for people to record their sightings. The Patons had a special vision for supporting their backyard birds with an array of feeding stations—and supporting the wider birding community by sharing the riches of their yard. After Wally passed away in 2001 and Marion in 2009, the birding community was left with an inspiring legacy upon which to build.

Many people and events conspired to bring the Patons’ home safely under the direction of Tucson Bird Alliance. It began when 104 year-old Ann Cullen Smith contacted Victor Emanuel with news that the house was for sale. Victor, then a board member of the American Bird Conservancy (ABC), worked with George Fenwick, President of ABC, to initiate an international fundraising campaign led by the Board of ABC, to raise the funds for the purchase of the property. George called the then Executive Director, Paul Green, to ask if Tucson Bird Alliance would accept the gift of the property and manage it for the birding community. To make that feasible, Tucson Bird Alliance needed additional funds. Dorothy Fitch and John Munier were the first to donate to begin that process, with many generous donors following suit. Marcia Grand sealed the deal with a significant donation made in the nick of time. 

To celebrate the life of her late husband, Marcia Grand donated funds through the Richard Grand Foundation, to secure the Paton Center and the adjacent Richard Grand Memorial Meadow. Richard was an attorney who loved to support and protect the vulnerable—not only his clients, but also his backyard birds, and especially hummingbirds. 

We are grateful for the generosity and commitment of all those involved in securing the Paton Center’s fate.