Stinknet (Oncosiphon pilulifer) has certain made its mark in Arizona and is a recent (2020) addition to the Arizona State Noxious Weed List. Join us for our first speaker series of 2021 with Michael Chamberland from the Maricopa Cooperative Extension Office as we explore this noxious weed. The invasive threat of stinknet is becoming widely recognized, including its potential to fuel wildfire and harmful effects to human health.
Learn about invasive plants of the Sonoran Desert and the impacts they can have on native ecosystems.
Join us and the Metro Phoenix EcoFlora for this talk with Dr. Molly Hunter to learn about the changing role of fire in southwestern habitats. We live in such a unique place, and as fire become a more common facet of our lives it’s important we understand their role and their impact on our deserts. Dr. Hunter is an Associate Research Professor at the University of Arizona. She serves as the primary science advisor for the Joint Fire Science Program with the U.S. Forest Service and Department of Interior that funds scientific studies to inform wildland fire management. Dr. Hunter also serves as Research Manager for the Southwest Climate Adaptation Science Center
The conservation of natural areas in Arizona require planning and involvement for the community. How does one go about doing this? The mission of the Superstition Area Land Trust (SALT) is to conserve the natural Sonoran Desert open space surrounding the Superstition Wilderness Area (SWA). SALT’s challenge has always been that AZ State Trust land borders much of the southern boundary of the SWA, and that region is in the path of development of Greater Phoenix. This talk will review the active discussions and considerations of how best to protect and fund these important lands.
May is all about Wildfire Awareness! Join us for this talk with Dr. Ben Wilder to learn about the role of invasive plants in wildfires and other facets of fire in the Sonoran Desert. Discover also what recovery and restoration looks like in this unique arid habitat.
It’s is very important to know and understand the different species of plants and how these have changed over time in our local parks and preserves in order to best protect them. In 2016, trained volunteers Cass Blodgett and Dawn Goldman began an inventory of the plants of White Tank Regional Park with the support of Maricopa County Parks. This inventory is unique, it’s been over 50 years ago that a similar one was done! Join us for this update presentation on the plants of the White Tank Regional Park, compare results with the earlier study in 1973, and point out some areas where the current data indicate changes have/are occurring.
The Central Arizona Conservation Alliance hosts a critical public policy and management conversation regarding the future of one of Arizona’s great natural assets –its Sonoran Desert Preserves. Panelists discuss a range of issues, opportunities, and challenges for the desert preserve system of the Phoenix metropolitan area and beyond.
The Greenprint is a mapping tool designed collaboratively with the Trust for Public Land, the Nature Conservancy and Sonoran Institute. This natural infrastructure viewer can help bridge the information gap between various sector and facilitate the inclusion of natural resource data in decision-making. While there are many kinds of data included in the Greenprint, this tool offers particular insight into lands valuable for habitat connectivity, protecting water resources, and addressing both heat vulnerability and equitable access to open spaces.
Explore restoration efforts at Cuenca los Ojos, a conservation area spanning the U.S.- Mexico border and dedicated to restoring and protecting the unique ecosystems of the region.
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