Providing a space for local biodiversity to thrive

06 Feb 2025

The Arizona Mobility Test Center (‘AMTC’) Powered by Intertek is one of the premier on- and off-road proving grounds for testing new vehicles, automotive components and transportation technology. However, its grounds are also home to an unexpected gem – five acres of preserved land dedicated to the protection of local biodiversity.

The Environmental Monitoring Area (‘EMA’), originally established by Toyota in 2016, has been managed and upgraded by Intertek since we became AMTC’s operating partner in 2021. This desert ecosystem is home to a variety of plants and animals and provides an important nesting ground for species including bobcats, foxes, coyotes, badgers and owls.

During 2024, we made significant enhancements to the EMA, including replanting vegetation from areas of the AMTC site that were under construction, building a dedicated carpark and refreshing the trail system. We also installed a new waterharvesting roof on a pavilion to collect rainwater for use in irrigation and other activities.

To ensure the wellbeing of all plants, animals and people using the area, we work closely with Patrick Wildlife Services, a leading expert in wildlife conflict resolution, and our own onsite groundskeepers. This has enabled us to safely maintain a natural habitat, designed to meet the challenges of desert life, in which to track and monitor the local wildlife.

In addition to wildlife conservation, the EMA provides the local school district with a safe, well-maintained area to learn about sustainability and the desert ecosystem. The updates we have made – and those planned for the future – will improve the onsite experience for students and enable more schools to use the space moving forward.