Documenting Ancient Gardens Visible Only from Above
LightHawk partnered with Archaeology Southwest to capture imagery of ancient gardens in Arizona. The gardens are beleived to be around 1,000 years old and are virtually invisible from the ground. From the air however, the lines marking the borders of garden beds become visible. Photo by Jonathan Bailey.
Standing on the ground, a landscape might seem unremarkable. Its patterns, history, and significance are often hidden from view. But from above, its deeper story begins to take shape.
That’s exactly what photographer Jonathan Bailey set out to capture on a recent LightHawk flight piloted by volunteer Will Worthington.
These ancient gardens near Safford span 1.7 million square yards and are believed to be about 1,000 years old. From the ground, they appear to be just another part of the Arizona desert. But from above, you can clearly see a sophisticated network of rock-bordered fields and terraces that defined the gardens all those years ago.
The gardens are located in Arizona, often in areas difficult to access from the ground. Photo by Jonathan Bailey.
Streams and creeks were vital for providing water to the ancient gardens. Photo by Jonathan Bailey.
The flight allowed Bailey to collect digital imagery of the gardens for an upcoming “plants” issue of Archaeology Southwest Magazine. The same images will also support the Safford Bureau of Land Management’s conservation, documentation, and monitoring of the site.
After the flight, Bailey said, “These gardens are a true wonder, encompassing millions of square yards. The photographs will help BLM monitor and manage the gardens. Some new archaeology features may have been seen on the flight.”
In addition to the ancient gardens, the flight path included Aravaipa Canyon, where Bailey captured additional imagery to support the Tucson BLM’s land conservation efforts.
Despite being more than 1,000 years old, the lines of this ancient garden can still be seen from the air. Capturing imagery allows our partners and land managers to make better decisions on managing the landscapes that are home to these historic plots. Photo by Jonathan Bailey.
This mission is a powerful example of how conservation, cultural heritage, and aviation come together. By combining scientific insight with aerial perspective, LightHawk helps make the invisible visible, bringing forgotten stories to light and preserving them for future generations.
Thanks to LightHawk volunteer pilot Will Worthington for making this mission possible and helping preserve a unique piece of our shared history.
The Arizona landscapes can be challenging to access on the ground but from the air, reveal the stunning beauty of the region. Photos by Jonathan Bailey.