Parker Canyon Seed Collection

Parker Canyon Lake 3200 S Sonoita Hwy, Sonoita, AZ, United States

Sky Island Alliance is partnering with the National Forest Service and Borderlands Restoration to create a diverse pollinator plant palette of native understory plants in Parker Canyon! The seeds we collect will be grown out to be re-planted after we rid the canyon of invasive species.

Free

Walnut Planting in Spencer Canyon

Santa Catalina Mountains Summerhaven, AZ, United States

We need you for a fun day of walnut planting in Spencer Canyon. We will be continuing our project to create more resources for the Santa Catalina gray squirrel by planting more of their very favorite foods! Join us in this cool, high elevation canyon, for a respite from the summer heat.

Audubon Research Ranch Ponds Project

Appleton Whittell Research Ranch 366 Research Ranch Rd, Elgin, AZ, United States

The ponds at Audubon's Research Ranch offer important habitant for a number of rare species including Chiricahua leopard frogs and Mexican gartersnake. However, some of these ponds are in need of a little re-vamping. Join us as we partner with the National Audubon Society, and Tom Biebighauser of Wetland Restoration and Training LLC and work to bring new life to these water sources.

Free

Parker Canyon Seed Collection

Parker Canyon Lake 3200 S Sonoita Hwy, Sonoita, AZ, United States

Our seed collection work continues... Join us for a day as we explore Parker and other nearby canyons in our search for perfect plant materials for our restoration project. What could be better than a day of hiking and playing with plants?

Free

Aravaipa Canyon-June Riparian Restoration

Aravaipa Canyon - East Aravaipa, AZ, United States

Join us for a special four day trip to spectacular Aravaipa Canyon as we continue our work to clear invasive vinca from around The Nature Conservancy's guesthouse. This project is part of our long term goal of removing vinca from throughout the canyon!

Free

Audubon Research Ranch Pond Planting

Appleton Whittell Research Ranch 366 Research Ranch Rd, Elgin, AZ, United States

Help us put some finishing touches on our recent pond building project out at the Audubon Society's Appleton-Whittell Research Ranch! We will be installing native plants that were grown from seed collected right on the ranch.

Free

Native Grass Planting at Bar Boot Ranch

Join us for a weekend of planting native grasses on the Bar Boot Ranch, Southwest of the Chiricahua Mountains. We will be staying at a ranch building with utterly amazing views, but you will need camping gear as there are no beds available.

Free

Pollinator Blitz at Coronado National Memorial

Coronado National Memorial 4101 E Montezuma Canyon Rd, Hereford, United States

Sky Island Alliance and Coronado National Memorial will host a Pollinator BioBlitz in conjunction with the 2017 southeast Arizona iNat-athon. What is a Pollinator Blitz? It is a fun way to document and identify the different species of pollinators in the park using your smartphone (or digital camera) and the iNaturalist app for iOS or...
Read more »

Wilderness Waters: Labor Day in the Galiuros

Galiuro Mountains AZ, United States

SIA has taken on a project to help the Coronado National Forest inventory and assess water resources in the Galiuro, Miller Peak, Rincon, Chiricahua, Mt. Wrightson, Pajarita, and Santa Teresa wilderness areas. This weekend, we will be working to assess springs and other water resources in the Galiuro Wilderness area.

Free

Pollinator Planting at Gila Cliff Dwellings National Monument

Gila Cliff Dwellings National Monument Glenwood, NM, United States

We'll be heading back to Gila Cliff dwellings National Monument to continue planting native, pollinator-friendly plants. Join us for a long weekend in this spectacular National Monument!

Free

National Public Lands Day 2017

Multiple Sites Tucson, AZ, United States

Celebrate National Public Lands Day for 2017 with Sky Island Alliance, and take your pick! We've got two different options for making a difference for your public lands!

Free

Seed Collection & Invasives Removal Weekend in Parker Canyon

Parker Canyon Lake 3200 S Sonoita Hwy, Sonoita, AZ, United States

Help us restore native plants for wildlife and pollinators in Parker Canyon! BACKGROUND Sky Island Alliance is partnering with the Coronado National Forest and Borderlands Restoration to restore a diverse riparian understory of native plants for wildlife and pollinators in Parker Canyon! This weekend we will work to remove invasive species and collect seeds that...
Read more »

Wildlife Tracking Workshop-Fall 2017-Aravaipa Canyon

The Nature Conservancy Guesthouse 40926-40928 Aravaipa Canal, Willcox, United States

Join us for a four-day get-away in a spectacular Sky Island setting with Sky Island Alliance staff and regional guest experts. Participants gain hands-on field instruction, training in a variety of tracking skills and techniques, and are prepared to join our wildlife monitoring projects.

Give a Little, Gift a Lot event at Summit Hut

Summit Hut - Speedway Blvd 5251 E. Speedway Blvd., Tucson, AZ, United States

Sky Island Alliance is honored to be a beneficiary of Patagonia's Give a Little, Gift a Lot campaign! Join us at Summit Hut's Speedway location for an evening with your favorite local nonprofits. There will beer, wine, and snacks on offer, and you can help us get a cut of $20,000 that Patagonia is giving...
Read more »

Days of Caring – Fountain Grass Removal Saturday

join us in beautiful Bear Canyon as we celebrate United Way's Days of Caring. We will be working in the canyon to remove invasive grasses both Friday and Saturday, so please join us for whichever day(s) work for you.

Free

Noche del Espiritu Jaguar – Night of the Jaguar Spirits

Tap + Bottle North 7254 N Oracle Rd, Tucson, AZ, United States

Come celebrate the Spirit of the Jaguar with us! Join us for an evening of fun and community at Tap+Bottle North (NE corner of Ina and Oracle) for a Dia de los Muertos celebration. We want to celebrate you and the power of community to preserve the unique beauty and wild nature of our Sky...
Read more »

All Soul’s Procession – Procession of the Jaguars

806 N Grande Ave, Tucson, AZ 85745-2406, United States

Join the Sky Island Alliance, the Northern Jaguar Project, and the Center for Biological Diversity to remember our borderlands jaguars this year at the All Souls Procession. We'll be walking with a huge jaguar puppet, two jaguar statues, and a limited number of jaguar masks and signs to share. Come dressed ready to process in...
Read more »

Track the Jaguars at the Armory Park Historic Home Tour

We're honored to be a part of the Armory Park Historic Home Tour this year. Our offices occupy a beautiful historic home in this thriving neighborhood, and we invite you to stop by and take a tour. Join the self-guided tour and get a glimpse at styles ranging from California bungalow and dainty Victorian to...
Read more »

$20

Track the Jaguars (extended stay) – Macho B at Summit Hut

Summit Hut - Speedway Blvd 5251 E. Speedway Blvd., Tucson, AZ, United States

Sky Island Alliance board member and local artist Pat Frederick created beautiful, life-size metal sculptures of Macho B and Corazon to raise awareness for the plight of jaguars in Arizona and Northern Mexico. The Spirit of Macho B will be enjoying an extended stay at Summit Hut's Speedway location. (Dates are approximate.) Don't miss this...
Read more »

Pond Building in the Southern Galiuros

Join us for a day, or come out for the whole project! There will be plenty of work to do as we team up with Tom Biebighauser again to create ponds for wildlife!

Free

Track the Jaguars (extended stay) – Desert Corridors at Tohono Chul

Tohono Chul 7366 Paseo del Norte, Tucson, AZ, United States

Sky Island Alliance board member and local artist Pat Frederick created two beautiful, life-size metal sculptures of Macho B and Corazon to raise awareness for the plight of jaguars in Arizona and Northern Mexico. The Spirit of Corazon will be showing at the Desert Corridors exhibit at Tohono Chul through February 7, 2018. And come...
Read more »

Walnut Check-Up in the Santa Catalinas

Madera Village Shopping Center 9095 E Tanque Verde Rd, Tucson, AZ, United States

Join us as we check in on walnut trees we planted to improve habitat for the Santa Catalina gray squirrel in gorgeous riparian canyons right in our own backyard! 

Free

Native Plantings at Southern Galiuro Ponds

We are heading out to our newly built ponds in the Southern Galiuros to install native plants for the benefit of pollinators and other wildlife. Join us in a beautiful setting for a day of good work for wildlife!

Free

Beat Back Buffelgrass Month: It begins!

Sabino Canyon Recreation Area 5900 N Sabino Canyon Rd, Tucson, AZ, United States

Join us in Bear Canyon as we kick off not a day, not a week, but a whole month of beating back buffelgrass and fountain grass! We have been working to eradicate fountain grass and buffelgrass from this beautiful area for several years now; steadily working our way up the canyon. We have been doing a great job, but the canyon is long, and we have a lot of ground to cover in our fight against these invasive grasses.

Free

Beat Back Buffelgrass Month: It continues!

Sabino Canyon Recreation Area 5900 N Sabino Canyon Rd, Tucson, AZ, United States

Join us as we continue Beat Back Buffelgrass Month with a day trip in Bear Canyon! We have been working to eradicate fountain grass and buffelgrass from this beautiful area for several years now; steadily working our way up the canyon. We have been doing a great job, but the canyon is long, and we have a lot of ground to cover in our fight against these invasive grasses.

Free

Beat Back Buffelgrass Month: Last Chance!

Sabino Canyon Recreation Area 5900 N Sabino Canyon Rd, Tucson, AZ, United States

Join us on our last trip for Beat Back Buffelgrass Month with a day trip in Bear Canyon! Although this officially ends our Beat Back Buffelgrass Month efforts, we will be back to continue the fight against these invasive grasses.

Free

Community Volunteer Fair

Sky Island Alliance is joining 70 other local Tucson groups representing social, political, and environmental activism and civic causes for the biggest community volunteer event of the year! Once again, we'll gather with tables full of literature, petitions, and passions at The Historic Y. The festive atmosphere will feature food, drink and music in the...
Read more »

Volunteer Appreciation Party

Tucson Hop Shop 3230 N Dodge Blvd, Tucson, AZ, United States

It takes many hands to get our work done—and we want to show our appreciation for your contribution! Please join us for an evening of fun and community at Tucson Hop Shop. Musical entertainment will be provided by the Kevin Pakulis Band, and we’ll be distributing patches for the volunteers who contributed 50+ hours in...
Read more »

Border BioBlitz

Sky Island Alliance is participating in the 2018 Border BioBlitz, a one-day communal citizen-science effort to record as many species as possible along a 1-km stretch on each side of the U.S.-Mexico border. We’ll need your help to record information in iNaturalist, and a small group will be needed to help with springs assessments at...
Read more »

Watering Day in Bear Canyon

Colonia Verde Shopping Center NE corner of Tanque Verde and Sabino Canyon, Tucson, AZ, United States

Join SIA staff in Bear Canyon for a day of habitat restoration! Our work will focus on watering native plants that we've recently installed - helping them to get established until the relief of the monsoon rains come!

Free

Arizona Gives Day Happy Hour

Tap + Bottle North 7254 N Oracle Rd, Tucson, AZ, United States

It takes many voices to protect the Path of the Jaguar. YOU can empower the next generation of conservation leaders and protect pathways for wildlife this Arizona Gives Day! Join us at Tap + Bottle North, 7254 N Oracle Rd, Tucson, for a special Arizona Gives Day happy hour celebration. Come raise a glass with...
Read more »

Rooted: public values and uses for Arizona streams and springs

Sky Island Alliance Office 3127 N Cherry Ave, Tucson, AZ, United States

What does water mean to you? View the recording of Julia's presentation on our YouTube channel. Is water really life, as reflected in public values and principles? Fresh water in an increasingly arid region like ours is important, but seeing or having access to surface water has many different meanings and uses to different people....
Read more »

Watering and Weeding in Bear Canyon

Colonia Verde Shopping Center NE corner of Tanque Verde and Sabino Canyon, Tucson, AZ, United States

If you've been working in Bear Canyon with us recently, you know that we have been working hard to remove invasive grasses from the allong the creek, and planting native plants that will benefit wildlife in our wake. Now we need to make sure our new additions to the canyon are able to get established! Come out and help us hold the space we've cleared of invasive fountain grass! 

Free

Citizen Science Day: Explore your data!

Sky Island Alliance Office 3127 N Cherry Ave, Tucson, AZ, United States

Have you been wanting to take your involvement in our Wildlife Linkage Program a step further and help us determine different ways of presenting and analyzing your wildlife tracking and camera data? We heard this interest at our March 1st Wildlife Stewards Meet-Up, so now is your chance!

Free

Tracking Tuesday

Sky Island Alliance Office 3127 N Cherry Ave, Tucson, AZ, United States

Our inaugural Tracking Tuesday volunteer get-together will be a chance for our current wildlife trackers to get questions answered, to review best practices for gathering data in the field, and to learn how they can use iNaturalist to improve our data set.

Free

Watering and Weeding in Bear Canyon-April 22

Colonia Verde Shopping Center NE corner of Tanque Verde and Sabino Canyon, Tucson, AZ, United States

If you've been working in Bear Canyon with us recently, you know that we have been working hard to remove invasive grasses from the allong the creek, and planting native plants that will benefit wildlife in our wake. Now we need to make sure our new additions to the canyon are able to get established! Come out and help us hold the spaces we've cleared of invasive fountain grass and Bermuda grass! 

Free

Springs in our wildest places: results from 100+ springs surveys in Sky Island wilderness

Borderlands Brewing Co 119 E Toole Ave, Tucson, AZ, United States

Join us at Borderlands Brewing Company, 119 E Toole Ave, Tucson, for a pint and presentation on the interesting things we've been learning about springs in our Sky Island Wilderness areas. Ever wondered what springs in the wilderness look like—or how many are out there?! Sami will take you on a tour of springs surveyed...
Read more »

Snowfall and frogs: Connecting mountain and desert waters

Borderlands Brewing Co 119 E Toole Ave, Tucson, AZ, United States

Join us at Borderlands Brewing Company, 119 E Toole Ave, Tucson, for a pint and presentation on the importance of Sky Island streams to sustaining our lowland water sources. Desert waters are precious and essential for life—and in Tucson, much of it comes from the mountains that surround our city. An important water source in...
Read more »

Watering and Weeding in Bear Canyon-May 5

Colonia Verde Shopping Center NE corner of Tanque Verde and Sabino Canyon, Tucson, AZ, United States

If you've been working in Bear Canyon with us recently, you know that we have been working hard to remove invasive grasses from the allong the creek, and planting native plants that will benefit wildlife in our wake. Now we need to make sure our new additions to the canyon are able to get established! Come out and help us hold the space we've cleared of invasive fountain grass! 

Free

Seeking springs in Sonora: New findings from spring surveys and the students working to study them

Exo Roast Coffee Co 403 N 6th Ave, Tucson

Join us at Exo Roast Coffee Co, 403 N 6th Ave, Tucson, for an evening presentation on the amazing work of students in Sonora seeking to protect their unique springs ecosystems. Lea Ibarra and Valeria Cañedo, two of the student leaders from Grupo de Exploración de Manantiales en Sonora, will be joining us too, so...
Read more »

Madrean Conference 2018

DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Tucson - Reid Park 445 South Alvernon Way, Tucson, AZ, United States

Back by popular demand, this will be the fourth symposium on the biologically rich Sky Islands of southeastern Arizona, southwestern New Mexico, and adjacent Mexico. REGISTER ONLINE TO RESERVE YOUR SPOT! The Biodiversity and Management of the Madrean Archipelago Conference (known as the Madrean Conference), is the premier regional event for sharing science and building...
Read more »

Watering and Weeding in Bear Canyon-May 19

Colonia Verde Shopping Center NE corner of Tanque Verde and Sabino Canyon, Tucson, AZ, United States

If you've been working in Bear Canyon with us recently, you know that we have been working hard to remove invasive grasses from the allong the creek, and planting native plants that will benefit wildlife in our wake. Now we need to make sure our new additions to the canyon are able to get established! Come out and help us hold the space we've cleared of invasive fountain grass! 

Free

Southern Galiuro Pond Check-up – June 6

Come with us to check up on some native pond plantings and remove invasive cattails! SIA has partnered with the US Fish and Wildlife Service, and Tom Biebighauser of Wetland Restoration and Training LLC to install ponds near the Muleshoe Ranch in the southern Galiuros to provide habitat for lowland leopard frogs, and potentially endangered...
Read more »

Free

Watering and Weeding in Bear Canyon-June 11

Colonia Verde Shopping Center NE corner of Tanque Verde and Sabino Canyon, Tucson, AZ, United States

Join SIA staff in Bear Canyon for a day of habitat restoration! Our work will focus on watering native plants that we've recently installed - helping them to get established until the relief of the monsoon rains come!

The weather is hot and dry. and this job will entail carrying water for some distance to our waiting plants, so volunteers should be in good physical condition, and comfortable hiking over uneven terrain.

Free

Tracking Tuesday: June 12th

Sky Island Alliance Office 3127 N Cherry Ave, Tucson, AZ, United States

Our Tracking Tuesday volunteer get-together is a chance for our current wildlife trackers to get questions answered, to review best practices for gathering data in the field, and to learn how they can use iNaturalist to improve our data set.

Free

Gila Cliff Dwellings Hillside Restoration – June 14

Help us repopulate a burned hillside at Gila Cliff Dwellings National Monument with native plant species! Sky Island Alliance is teaming up with the National Park Service and Borderlands Restoration to restore a recently-burned slope near the main ruin loop at the Monument. Volunteers will be removing invasive plants that have moved into the site,...
Read more »

Free

San Pedro River Wet-Dry Mapping

Lower San Pedro Preserve Dudleyville, AZ, United States

Sky Island Alliance is putting together a team, or teams, to help out during The Nature Conservancy's annual wet-dry mapping of the San Pedro river. TNC coordinates this mapping annually, every 3rd Saturday of June with their local, industry, state and federal agency partners throughout the watershed. This year’s mapping is scheduled for Saturday, June 16th.

Free

Watering and Weeding in Bear Canyon-June 26

Colonia Verde Shopping Center NE corner of Tanque Verde and Sabino Canyon, Tucson, AZ, United States

Join SIA staff in Bear Canyon for a day of habitat restoration! Our work will focus on watering native plants that we've recently installed - helping them to get established until the relief of the monsoon rains come!

The weather is hot and dry. and this job will entail carrying water for some distance to our waiting plants, so volunteers should be in good physical condition, and comfortable hiking over uneven terrain.

Free

Aravaipa Canyon Vinca Removal: June

Aravaipa Canyon - East Aravaipa, AZ, United States

Sky Island Alliance has been helping TNC and the BLM in Aravaipa Canyon for several years on a variety of projects to increase watershed health along this perennial riparian area. During this trip we are continuing our work to remove the invasive plant vinca (or periwinkle) from the understory of the creek banks. This work is part of our long-term goal of eradicating vinca from the entire canyon!

Free

Water Roots – Water Beats: Reflections in water and music

Public Brewhouse 209 N Hoff Ave, Tucson

Join us at Public Brewhouse, 209 N Hoff Ave, Tucson, for an evening of good brews, good words, and good tunes. Music and art have the power to both inspire and mirror—to motivate action and to show where we have traveled. This Water Roots presentation will be a fun evening of music and water combined....
Read more »

Wilderness Waters: Chiricahuas Short Springs Backpack

Chiricahua Wilderness Chiricahua Mountains, AZ, United States

SIA has taken on a project to help the Coronado National Forest inventory and assess water resources in the Galiuro, Miller Peak, Rincon, Chiricahua, Mt. Wrightson, Pajarita, and Santa Teresa Wilderness Areas. This weekend, we will be working to assess springs and other water resources in the Chiricahua Wilderness.

Free

Aravaipa Canyon Vinca Removal: July

Aravaipa Canyon - East Aravaipa, AZ, United States

Sky Island Alliance has been helping TNC and the BLM in Aravaipa Canyon for several years on a variety of projects to increase watershed health along this perennial riparian area. During this trip we are continuing our work to remove the invasive plant vinca (or periwinkle) from the understory of the creek banks. This work is part of our long-term goal of eradicating vinca from the entire canyon!

Free

Wilderness Waters: Chiricahuas – Turkey Creek Springs

Chiricahua Wilderness Chiricahua Mountains, AZ, United States

SIA has taken on a project to help the Coronado National Forest inventory and assess water resources in the Galiuro, Miller Peak, Rincon, Chiricahua, Mt. Wrightson, Pajarita, and Santa Teresa Wilderness Areas. This weekend, we will be working to assess springs and other water resources in the Chiricahua Wilderness.

Free

Aravaipa Canyon Planting

Aravaipa Canyon - East Aravaipa, AZ, United States

We are running out to Aravaipa Canyon for a quick trip to install soil moisture monitors and to plant more native plants! We could really use the help of a couple more volunteers to get this work (especially the planting) done.

Free

Border Lecture Series at Borderlands Brewing Co

Borderlands Brewing Co 119 E Toole Ave, Tucson, AZ, United States

Join our very own Emma Fajardo for a presentation on why Sky Islands Alliance's special brand of collaborative conservation is so effective, especially in our Sky Island Borderlands! Good brews, community, and conservation talk. What more could you ask for on a Thursday evening in downtown Tucson?! Hope to see you there.

Native Plantings at Ramsey Canyon Ponds

The Nature Conservancy Ramsey Canyon Preserve 27 E Ramsey Canyon Rd, Hereford, AZ, United States

SIA is partnering with The Nature Conservancy's Ramsey Canyon Preserve to install native plants around some newly created ponds. Many native animals are sure to benefit from this new habitat, and we want to jump start the revegetation process with some plants that will be beneficial to as many species as possible.

Free

Water Roots: Exclusive screening of Andy Goldsworthy’s Rivers & Tides

Loft Cinema 3233 E Speedway Blvd, Tucson, AZ, United States

Join us for a special screening and panel discussion, hosted by the Loft Cinema in partnership with Sky Island Alliance and University of Arizona Water Resources Research Center. Andy Goldsworthy's Rivers and Tides is a truly beautiful, Scottish-German 2001 documentary about artist Goldsworthy, a Scotsman whose medium is nature itself and whose preferred studio is the...
Read more »

Kartchner Caverns Planting and Erosion Control

Kartchner Caverns State Park 2980 AZ-90, Benson, AZ, United States

Join us for a weekend of restoration work at Kartchner Caverns State Park! Recently the park has re-routed some trails, and we will be working to manage erosion and to re-plant these sections with native species. This trip is free of charge and no experience is necessary.

Free

Wilderness Waters: Chiricahuas – Rucker and/or Price Canyon Springs Trip 1

Chiricahua Wilderness Chiricahua Mountains, AZ, United States

SIA has taken on a project to help the Coronado National Forest inventory and assess water resources in the Galiuro, Miller Peak, Rincon, Chiricahua, Mt. Wrightson, Pajarita, and Santa Teresa Wilderness Areas. This weekend, we will be working to assess springs and other water resources in the Chiricahua Wilderness.

Free

Aravaipa Canyon Vinca Removal: August

Aravaipa Canyon - East Aravaipa, AZ, United States

Sky Island Alliance has been helping TNC and the BLM in Aravaipa Canyon for several years on a variety of projects to increase watershed health along this perennial riparian area. During this trip we are continuing our work to remove the invasive plant vinca (or periwinkle) from the understory of the creek banks. This work is part of our long-term goal of eradicating vinca from the entire canyon!

Free

Walnut Collection Trip

Madera Village Shopping Center 9095 E Tanque Verde Rd, Tucson, AZ, United States

Join us for a day of collecting walnuts in Bear Canyon! Walnuts are especially important because they provide food for the Santa Catalina gray squirrel, a sub-species of the Arizona gray squirrel that seems to be less common than it used to be due to habitat changes and competition with the introduced Abert's squirrel. The seeds we collect will be grown out to be re-planted in Bear Canyon, and other nearby canyons.

Free

Wilderness Waters: Chiricahua – Rucker and/or Price Canyon Springs Trip 2

Chiricahua Wilderness Chiricahua Mountains, AZ, United States

SIA has taken on a project to help the Coronado National Forest inventory and assess water resources in the Galiuro, Miller Peak, Rincon, Chiricahua, Mt. Wrightson, Pajarita, and Santa Teresa Wilderness Areas. This weekend, we will be working to assess springs and other water resources in the Chiricahua Wilderness.

Free

Bear Canyon: Planting for Pollinators

Colonia Verde Shopping Center NE corner of Tanque Verde and Sabino Canyon, Tucson, AZ, United States

Spend a day with us in beautiful Bear Canyon. We have been working to create a healthier habitat for pollinators and other wildlife in Bear Canyon by removing fountain grass to make way for native plants. Today will be all about planting beautiful flowering plants in areas that we have cleared!

Free

Water Roots – River Walk: A sunset tour to illustrate a new vision for the Rillito

St Phillip's Plaza 4280 N Campbell Ave, Tucson, AZ, United States

Water Roots is on the move with Watershed Management Group! Join us for a special sunset walking tour along the Rillito that will highlight river restoration opportunities and actions and the local flora and fauna, including Mexican free-tail bat viewing from the Campbell Street Bridge. Don’t forget your walking shoes. We will begin at St....
Read more »

Wilderness Waters: Chiricahuas – Portal Springs

Chiricahua Wilderness Chiricahua Mountains, AZ, United States

SIA has taken on a project to help the Coronado National Forest inventory and assess water resources in the Galiuro, Miller Peak, Rincon, Chiricahua, Mt. Wrightson, Pajarita, and Santa Teresa Wilderness Areas. This weekend, we will be working to assess springs and other water resources in the Chiricahua Wilderness.

Free

Wilderness Waters: Springs – Turkey Creek

Chiricahua Wilderness Chiricahua Mountains, AZ, United States

SIA has taken on a project to help the Coronado National Forest inventory and assess water resources in the Galiuro, Miller Peak, Rincon, Chiricahua, Mt. Wrightson, Pajarita, and Santa Teresa Wilderness Areas. This weekend, we will be working to assess springs and other water resources in the Turkey creek area of the Chiricahua Wilderness.

For these assessments, no special skills are necessary, but we are looking for strong hikers, and tracking skills, plant identification skills, invertebrate identification skills can be helpful. Prior spring assessment training or experience is preferred, but not required.

Free

Sabino and Bear Canyon Invasives Pull: September

Colonia Verde Shopping Center NE corner of Tanque Verde and Sabino Canyon, Tucson, AZ, United States

Join us for a day of removing invasive grasses from the Sabino Canyon Recreation Area!

We will be meeting at the South end of the Safeway parking lot on the NE corner of Tanque Verde and Sabino Canyon Rds. Access to our work area on the National Forest is restricted, so we will need to carpool into the canyon in as few vehicles as possible.

Free

San Pedro Rapid Spring Surveys: Sept 11

Sky Island Alliance Office 3127 N Cherry Ave, Tucson, AZ, United States

Come join us for a daytrip somewhere on the Coronado National Forest in the San Pedro watershed. Exact location TBD. We'll be spending just a short amount of time at each site, and trying to get to as many springs and tanks as possible. Spring assessments experience is preferred, but not required. Hiking will vary - it could be on or off trail, for various distances. 4WD vehicles a plus.

Free

Aravaipa Canyon Planting and Vinca Removal: September

Aravaipa Canyon - East Aravaipa, AZ, United States

Sky Island Alliance has been helping TNC and the BLM in Aravaipa Canyon for several years on a variety of projects to increase watershed health along this perennial riparian area. During this trip we are continuing our work to remove the invasive plant vinca (or periwinkle) from the understory of the creek banks and we will plant islands of native vegetation as well. This work is part of our long-term goal of eradicating vinca from the entire canyon!

Free

San Pedro Rapid Spring Surveys: Sept 18

Sky Island Alliance Office 3127 N Cherry Ave, Tucson, AZ, United States

Come join us for a daytrip somewhere on the Coronado National Forest in the San Pedro watershed. Exact location TBD. We'll be spending just a short amount of time at each site, and trying to get to as many springs and tanks as possible. Spring assessments experience is preferred, but not required. Hiking will vary - it could be on or off trail, for various distances. 4WD vehicles a plus.

Free

Wilderness Waters: Chiricahuas – Cave Creek Backpack

Chiricahua Wilderness Chiricahua Mountains, AZ, United States

This will be a backpacking trip to assess some springs in the Chiricahua Wilderness.
For these assessments, no special skills are necessary, but we are looking for strong hikers, and tracking skills, plant identification skills, invertebrate identification skills can be helpful. Prior spring assessment training or experience is preferred, but not required.

Free

National Public Lands Day 2018

Colonia Verde Shopping Center NE corner of Tanque Verde and Sabino Canyon, Tucson, AZ, United States

Join us for National Public Lands Day as we remove invasive grasses from the Sabino Canyon Recreation Area!

We will be meeting at the South end of the Safeway parking lot on the NE corner of Tanque Verde and Sabino Canyon Rds. Access to our work area on the National Forest is restricted, so we will need to carpool into the canyon in as few vehicles as possible.

Free

Aravaipa Canyon Planting: West Side!

Aravaipa Canyon - West Painted Cave Allotment, AZ, United States

Sky Island Alliance has been helping TNC and the BLM in Aravaipa Canyon for several years on a variety of projects to increase watershed health along this perennial riparian area. This trip will mark the first restoration project we have done on the West end of the canyon! Join us as we plant islands of pollen and nectar bearing plants to increase the diversity and availability of resources for our pollinator friends.

Free

Gila Cliff Dwellings Seed Collection and Invasives Removal

Gila Cliff Dwellings National Monument Glenwood, NM, United States

Sky Island Alliance is teaming up with the National Park Service and Borderlands Restoration to restore a recently-burned slope near the main ruin loop at the Monument. Volunteers will be removing invasive plants that have moved into the site, and collecting new seed that can be grown out for future plantings in the park. The slope sits just above the riparian zone of the scenic Gila River and our efforts are essential to make sure these fragile soils are not lost via erosion.

Free

Sabino and Bear Canyon Invasives Pull: October

Colonia Verde Shopping Center NE corner of Tanque Verde and Sabino Canyon, Tucson, AZ, United States

Join us for a day of removing invasive grasses from the Sabino Canyon Recreation Area!

We will be meeting at the South end of the Safeway parking lot on the NE corner of Tanque Verde and Sabino Canyon Rds. Access to our work area on the National Forest is restricted, so we will need to carpool into the canyon in as few vehicles as possible.

Free

Fall Wildlife Tracking Workshop 2018

Aravaipa Canyon - East Aravaipa, AZ, United States

Join us for a four-day get-away in a spectacular Sky Island setting with Sky Island Alliance staff for our renowned wildlife tracking workshop! Participants gain hands-on field instruction and theory in a variety of skills and techniques for monitoring wildlife in a non-invasive manner.

$195 – $295

Sabino and Bear Canyon Invasives Pull: November

Colonia Verde Shopping Center NE corner of Tanque Verde and Sabino Canyon, Tucson, AZ, United States

Join us for a day of removing invasive grasses from the Sabino Canyon Recreation Area!

We will be meeting at the South end of the Safeway parking lot on the NE corner of Tanque Verde and Sabino Canyon Rds. Access to our work area on the National Forest is restricted, so we will need to carpool into the canyon in as few vehicles as possible.

Free

Wilderness Waters: Powers Garden Backpack

REGISTER HERE: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/wilderness-waters-powers-garden-backpack-registration-50879867052 DESCRIPTION IF YOU HAVE NOT DONE A BACKPACK WITH SKY ISLAND ALLIANCE PREVIOUSLY, PLEASE CHECK WITH SAMI (CONTACT INFO BELOW) BEFORE REGISTERING!!! That said, the Galiuros are really beautiful to get out in, so come join us! As part of Sky Island Alliance's work to collect water rights validations for the Forest, we...
Read more »

Fertile Islands at Rancho Los Fresnos Mexico

THE WORK: Sky Island Alliance has been helping Naturalia Sonora in implementing restoration strategies on the TNC owned working ranch Rancho Los Fresnos near Cananea, Sonora, Mexico. This ranch is a demonstration site used to model feasible projects that other private landowners in the area can implement to increase watershed health along the San Pedro...
Read more »

Galiuro or Huachuca Rapid Water Survey

Come join us for a daytrip somewhere on the Coronado National Forest in the San Pedro watershed. We'll be spending just a short amount of time at each site, and trying to get to as many springs and tanks as possible. Spring assessments experience is preferred, but not required. Hiking will vary - it could be on or off trail, for various distances. 4WD vehicles a plus.

Free

Aravaipa Canyon Vinca Removal: January

Aravaipa Canyon - East Aravaipa, AZ, United States

During this trip we are continuing our work to eradicate invasive plant vinca (or periwinkle) from the riparian understory of the creek banks. This will require digging and fastidious removal of vegetative material and roots with tools provided by Sky Island Alliance.

Free

Wilderness Waters: Kennedy Peak Car Camp

Galiuro Mountains AZ, United States

As part of Sky Island Alliance's work to collect water rights validations for the Forest, we are doing a weekend dayhike to reach an old dam. We tried this in December, but changed our plans due to the weather. Let's hope this time works out!

Bear Canyon Fountain Grass Pull

Join us for a day of removing invasive grasses from the Sabino Canyon Recreation Area as we take part in Tucson's annual Save Our Saguaros event!

Free

“Springs” Break Backpack

Galiuro Mountains AZ, United States

For several years Sky Island Alliance has been working to document springs and their surrounding ecosystems in the Sky Islands. We are planning a backpacking expedition into the Galiuro Mountains, one of the least documented of the Arizona Sky Islands, from March 2-8 to continue our springs assessments and water rights validations for the Forest Service. Due to the current government shutdown, there are still some particulars that need to be determined before everything is entirely nailed down (for instance the dates could shift a day or two), but we want to start getting interested folks in the loop.

Free

Aravaipa Canyon Vinca Removal: March

Aravaipa Canyon - East Aravaipa, AZ, United States

We had to reschedule our February vinca pulling trip due to sloppy wet roads in the canyon, so you get another chance to go out to this amazingly beautiful place. Join us as we work to clear vinca right along the banks of Aravaipa Creek! We will be wading in and out of the water throughout each day; getting dirty and getting wet. This work is part of our long-term goal of removing vinca from the entire canyon!

Free

Aravaipa Canyon Vinca Removal: Memorial Day Weekend

Aravaipa Canyon - East Aravaipa, AZ, United States

Join us for a long weekend in beautiful Aravaipa Canyon. During this trip we are continuing our work to eradicate the invasive plant vinca (or periwinkle) from the riparian understory of the creek banks. This will require digging and fastidious removal of vegetative material and roots with tools provided by Sky Island Alliance.

Free

Zapatos: The Incredible Journey of a Borderlands Jaguar

Borderlands Brewing Co 119 E Toole Ave, Tucson, AZ, United States

An event in conjunction with Northern Jaguar Project and Center for Biological Diversity to celebrate jaguars and share the amazing news of Zapatos, a jaguar who was photographed on Rancho El Aribabi in 2010 and 2011 and then on the Northern Jaguar Reserve in 2018 and 2019! His movement indicates the connection between the Northern...
Read more »

National Public Lands Day 2019

Colonia Verde Shopping Center NE corner of Tanque Verde and Sabino Canyon, Tucson, AZ, United States

Celebrate National Public Lands Day with Sky Island Alliance as we remove invasive grasses from the Sabino Canyon Recreation Area!

Free

Jefferson Carter’s Birkenstock Blues: Reading and Benefit

Hotel Congress 311 Congress St, Tucson, AZ, United States

Join Jefferson Carter for his release and reading of his new book Birkenstock Blues. With part of the sales benefiting Sky Island Alliance. September 29, 2019, 6-9 pm in the Hotel Congress Lobby. "Carter has long captured the subtleties of every person’s life with humor, irony, and a touch of charming cynicism that brings home...
Read more »

Coronado Memorial Borderlands Festival

Coronado National Memorial 4101 E Montezuma Canyon Rd, Hereford, United States

Help us celebrate the diversity of the region at this year’s Borderlands Festival Fronterizo! This outdoor fiesta will include music, dancing, and performers. We hope you can join us to celebrate the landscape and culture we share along the borderlands. Join Sky Island Alliance in our Celebration of Crossborder Cats, come learn about our wildlife...
Read more »

Free

Fall Wildlife Tracking Workshop: 2019

The Nature Conservancy Guesthouse 40926-40928 Aravaipa Canal, Willcox, United States

Join us for a four-day get-away in a spectacular Sky Island setting with Sky Island Alliance staff and regional guest experts. Participants gain hands-on field instruction and theory in a variety of wildlife tracking skills and techniques.

$195 – $295

Envision Tucson Sustainable Festival

Read about the Festival on their Website! Envision Tucson Sustainable Festival is taking place on Saturday, October 26, from 11 AM to 4 PM, in Armory Park, 221 S. 6th Avenue, in Downtown Tucson. Envision Tucson Sustainable Festival provides a popular annual event that brings together individuals, organizations, and companies in our community who are working to help...
Read more »

Aravaipa Canyon Vinca Removal: November

Aravaipa Canyon - East Aravaipa, AZ, United States

Sky Island Alliance has been helping The Nature Conservancy in Aravaipa Canyon for several years on a variety of projects to increase watershed health along this perennial riparian area. Join us as we work to ramp up our efforts to address the threat of invasive periwinkle (Vinca major) throughout the canyon.

Free

Sky Island Alliance Thanks YOU! Sky Island IPA release party

Thunder Canyon Brewery 220 E Broadway Blvd, Tucson, Arizona

Come to Thunder Canyon Brewery on December 3rd from 5-8 pm to enjoy of night of fun! We would like to thank all of our supporters on Giving Tuesday. Giving Tuesday is a global movement that inspires hundreds of millions of people to give, collaborate, and celebrate generosity. While you are there, celebrate and enjoy...
Read more »

Saguaro Census Survey: 3-mile Hike December 7th @ Saguaro East

Saguaro National Park East 3693 S Old Spanish Trail, Tucson, AZ, United States

Join Sky Island Alliance in helping Saguaro National Park with their 2020 saguaro census! This will be a longer hike in Saguaro East Please Register on our Eventbrite Page About the Event: Saguaro National Park conducts a saguaro census every 10 years using citizen science. This effort is to help determine the health and vitality...
Read more »

Saguaro Census Survey: 1-mile Hike December 10th @ Saguaro East

Saguaro National Park East 3693 S Old Spanish Trail, Tucson, AZ, United States

Join Sky Island Alliance in helping Saguaro National Park with their 2020 saguaro census! This will be a shorter hike in Saguaro East Please Register on our Eventbrite Page About the Event: Saguaro National Park conducts a saguaro census every 10 years using citizen science. This effort is to help determine the health and vitality...
Read more »

Saguaro Census Survey: 1-mile Hike January 10th @ Saguaro West

Saguaro National Park East 3693 S Old Spanish Trail, Tucson, AZ, United States

Join Sky Island Alliance in helping Saguaro National Park with their 2020 saguaro census! This will be a shorter hike in Saguaro West Click Here Register on our Eventbrite Page About the Event: Saguaro National Park conducts a saguaro census every 10 years using citizen science. This effort is to help determine the health and...
Read more »

Saguaro Census Survey: 3-mile Hike January 11th @ Saguaro West

Saguaro National Park East 3693 S Old Spanish Trail, Tucson, AZ, United States

Join Sky Island Alliance in helping Saguaro National Park with their 2020 saguaro census! This will be a longer hike in Saguaro West Click Here Register on our Eventbrite Page About the Event: Saguaro National Park conducts a saguaro census every 10 years using citizen science. This effort is to help determine the health and...
Read more »

Aravaipa Canyon Vinca Removal: Jan 31 – Feb 2

Aravaipa Canyon - East Aravaipa, AZ, United States

Come join us January 31st to February 2nd in Aravaipa Canyon Preserve! TO REGISTER CLICK HERE! THE WORK: Sky Island Alliance has been helping The Nature Conservancy in Aravaipa Canyon for several years on a variety of projects to increase watershed health along this perennial riparian area. Recently we've been working on addressing the threat...
Read more »