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Photo: Johndedios, CC BY 3.0 via Wikimedia Commons
This unique facility was designed as an artificially closed complete ecology, and was the setting for research on human interaction with natural systems. The site is now owned and maintained by the University of Arizona, which conducts tours for the public.
University of Arizona Biosphere 2 is an American Earth system science research facility located in Oracle, Arizona. Its mission is to serve as a center for research, outreach, teaching, and lifelong learning about Earth, its living systems, and its place in the universe. It is a 3.14-acre (1.27-hectare) structure originally built to be an artificial, materially closed ecological system, or vivarium. It remains the largest closed ecological system ever created. Constructed between 1987 and 1991, Biosphere 2 was planned to experiment with the viability of closed ecological systems to support and maintain human life in outer space as a substitute for Earth's biosphere.
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Has several exhibits relating to the history and culture of Oracle.
A historic 4,000-acre ranch in the northern foothills of the Santa Catalina Mountains. The Kannally ranch now houses the Environmental Learning Center, a small museum. The park offers opportunities for hiking, mountain biking, and horse riding.