by Mary Chisholm | Oct 5, 2026
The Regional Open Space Strategy (ROSS) is a first iteration road map and action agenda. It is in no way exhaustive. It lays out fundamental initial steps toward unified, cohesive, regional open space conservation, but acknowledges there still exists gaps in information, collaboration, and coordination. In the ROSS, we put forward clear, concise objectives and specific on-the-ground, highly achievable strategies inclusive of the social, cultural, environmental values of communities. When fully implemented, the ROSS will deliver a connected, distinctive, well-managed open space network that will enhance the unique character of the region and enable Maricopa County to realize the full benefits of open space for people, environment, and economy. This is the 2019 update.
by Mary Chisholm | Oct 5, 2026
An article by the Sonoran Quarterly on the work the Desert Botanical Desert and the Central Arizona Conservation Alliance for their 80th anniversary edition.
by Mary Chisholm | Oct 5, 2026
An 8 page presentation on social trails by Taylor Riske.
by Mary Chisholm | Oct 5, 2026
A 9 page presentation on wildlife connectivity in the Central Arizona region.
by Mary Chisholm | Oct 5, 2026
A 2 page brief from the field trial network that will be used to showcase dryland restoration techniques at sites distributed across the Southwest.
by Mary Chisholm | Oct 5, 2026
The Restoration Assessment and Monitoring Program for the Southwest (RAMPS) seeks to assist U.S. Department of the Interior (DOI) and other land management agencies in developing successful treatment activities, such as restoration, mitigation, rehabilitation, and land enhancement. This document is a 2-page RAMPS research brief.
by Mary Chisholm | Oct 5, 2026
Do you communicate with your communities about the environment, sustainability or natural systems? You’re an environmental educator! Listen to the discussion with the Arizona Association of Environmental Education about Environmental Education (EE) in Arizona! While EE has a strong presence in K-16 classrooms statewide, EE can happen in lots of different places beyond the formal classroom. We talked about how the work you do can intersect with the work educators do for the environment. We also discussed the definition of environmental education, its role in Arizona and the intersection of equity and inclusion and environmental justice.
by Mary Chisholm | Oct 5, 2026
Networks of natural, open spaces provide cities with a variety of benefits, from recreation to mitigation of air and water pollution. If unchecked, urban development often fragments these areas, resulting in a loss of ecosystems and benefits. Proactive regional planning and policies are needed to protect the most valuable patches in and around these urban areas. Join us as Sara Meerow, Assistant Professor at ASU’s School of Geographical Sciences and Urban Planning and Caleb Carpenter former Master’s student, show how geographic information systems (GIS) modeling can be used to identify potential paths to connect open spaces.
by Andrew Ruelas | Sep 1, 2026
You have heard of invasive plants and you have heard of wildfire, but have you heard of invasive plants as a ‘biological wildfire’? Wildfire and invasive plants have more in common than you might think, from their impact to their management. Join us to hear from Willie Sommers, Invasive Plant Program Coordinator with the Arizona Department of Forestry and Fire Management (DFFM). He will discuss weeds as a ‘biological wildfire’, general considerations for wildfire prevention and recovery for burned areas, and explore the the DFFM Invasive Plant Program.
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