Join us this Nov. 23-24 for a volunteer camping weekend at the picturesque Rancho El Sahuaro, just 15 minutes south of the U.S.-Mexico border town of Naco, Sonora. As part of our larger Ranchos Regenerativos program, which aims to integrate traditional ranching practices with land stewardship, we will be working with the landowners on restoration activities at this mixed grassland ranch.
This project is also part of SIA’s work with neotropical migratory bird monitoring, where we will be documenting key habitat for birds that winter in these grasslands of Mexico. Joining us in this project are our partners at Área de Protección de Flora y Fauna Bavispe.
What to Expect
- Activities will include building rock erosion-control structures, light fencing around springs, and seedball making.
- Daytime temps will likely be in the 60s to 70s; nighttime temps in the 30s to 40s. The ranch is in an open valley at 4,850 feet elevation.
- A warm and delicious home-cooked ranch-style dinner will be provided on Saturday, and lunch will be provided on Sunday.
- Beautiful views and a diverse and welcoming group to work with.
- The event will be primarily in Spanish, but at least one English speaker will be present. So come ready to practice your Spanish if you aren’t bilingual.
Where: Rancho El Sahuaro outside Naco, Sonora — 13.5 kilometers south of the border off Naco Highway (also known as Avenida Francisco Madero). Coordinates for the ranch entrance are: 31.219944, -109.911300 (also pinned on this map).
When: We’ll meet and begin the event on Saturday, Nov. 23, at 9 a.m. And we’ll finish up work on Sunday, Nov. 24, by 2 p.m.
What to Bring
- Camping gear (tent, bag, light, etc.)
- Work clothes for temperatures mentioned above.
- Personal gloves if you like (we will also have gloves on site).
- Bag lunch for in the field on Saturday and breakfast for in the field on Sunday.
Sign up below to join us for the event at Rancho El Sahuaro. And make sure to sign this volunteer waiver if you haven’t already. If you have questions, contact SIA Mexico Program Manager Zach Palma.