This time of year, after a long period of drought in our landscape and before the arrival of the monsoon rains, it’s important to recognize the key role springs have in the Sky Islands, as many plants and animals depend on these water sources.
In the Sky Island region, periods of drought are becoming longer, but springs can act as a natural buffer against inclement weather. As rivers dry up and dam levels drop, these water sources can maintain moisture or a constant flow. That’s why, at Sky Island Alliance, we continue to prioritize and push forward with our Spring Seeker project to document and advocate for the conservation of these vital water sources in our ecosystem.
Recently, for the second time, an expedition was conducted in the Sierra Los Ajos east of Cananea, Sonora, to find and assess springs in this part of the Bavispe Flora and Fauna Protection Area. The team consisted of enthusiastic SIA staff, volunteers, and experienced CONANP personnel.
A few words about this special place from two of the folks who joined the trip:
“The Sierra Los Ajos is a haven of impressive biodiversity, and each spring we discovered was like finding a hidden gem among the rocks. Although many might imagine it’s just a matter of hiking and taking notes, the reality was much more challenging…but beautiful. The toughest day was also the most unforgettable. We had hiked for hours across uneven and demanding terrain. Although I briefly worried about my physical condition, that moment became a forced pause that allowed me to see my surroundings through new eyes. The mountains opened up before us with a silent, majestic beauty. Amid my exhaustion, I felt deeply grateful to be there.”
— Mónica Montaño, SIA environmental outreach coordinator
“It’s a magical mountain range, with incredible views, lush forests, and riverbeds teeming with life; it seems like a pristine ecosystem. What I could observe on most of the slopes we hiked was a low human impact. I feel like the climate has shaped the ecosystem. It seems like the drought has been prolonged, and it may have contributed to the disease of many trees.”
— Luis Eduardo Gómez, SIA volunteer
After a long, challenging journey exploring the area, more than 40 springs were eventually recorded. Some had more water; others were barely visible. Luis Eduardo shared that the springs appeared to be in good condition and unaltered, but most had little water, and in some only a thin trickle could be seen flowing.
As he put it: “It’s important to keep records of these water sources and monitor them because they give us an idea of the state of conservation of the area. I was surprised to see axolotls in some springs and also to see maple trees along the streams.”
Through the Spring Seeker project, we seek precisely that: to document and understand how these water sources function and their importance to our ecosystems’ health, and to determine the needs that can be addressed to extend the life of these vital resources.
Thank you to everyone who makes this important project possible: to the volunteers who contribute their time and effort on each field trip, to Mexico’s CONANP staff, and to the Sky Island Alliance team for working so hard to monitor these lifegiving springs.
Ángel Garcia is SIA’s springs fellow and has worked with the organization over the years in various positions related to springs conservation in Sonora. He is currently studying folkloric dance in Mexicali.