The Yuma East Wetlands is an innovative restoration project pioneered by the Quechan Indian Tribe and the City of Yuma. Its 1,418 acres include native riparian wetland and aquatic habitats while providing the surrounding community with cultural and low-impact recreational opportunities. The project has led the development of innovative clearing, irrigation, and planting techniques, along with experiments for ground-breaking research in restoration ecology. With the return of fresh water and native habitat, bird abundance and species richness are two times greater than under degraded conditions, and the recovering bird community reflects the success of restoring environmental balance to the Yuma East Wetlands.