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About the Project

What is a regenerative ranch?

    A regenerative ranch is one that manages the land responsibly to restore soil health, protect water, and promote biodiversity, while maintaining viable livestock production, strengthening productivity and resilience.

    Our plan is to reach the entire Sky Islands region. For now, we are starting in the Cananea and Naco area of Sonora.

    Sky Island Alliance offers technical support, training, and conservation assistance, working hand-in-hand with ranchers, ejidatarios, students, and volunteers. This includes guidance on grassland and livestock management, soil and spring restoration, wildlife monitoring, connections to conservation programs, and orientation to diversify the ranch economy in a sustainable way.

    Contact Sky Island Alliance (Karen@skyislandalliance.org or Michell@skyislandalliance.org) to start a dialogue, visit the site, and collaboratively define management and conservation actions.

    It is a long-term project, focused on generating lasting changes in the landscape and in the communities, fostering a culture of more sustainable practices in the region.

    Overgrazing, soil loss, and water scarcity can intensify, reducing productivity and affecting future generations.

    By spreading the word about the project, participating as a volunteer, supporting local initiatives, and promoting the responsible use of natural resources.

    No. In the medium and long term, it can improve productivity by strengthening soil and grassland health.

    In some cases yes, as a preventive measure against droughts and to maintain the balance between livestock and the grassland area.

    Many practices are low-cost and are implemented gradually, using local materials, adapting to each ranch. Projects can even begin using the ranch’s own natural resources.

    It protects habitats, improves ecological connectivity, and promotes coexistence between livestock and wildlife.

    Because they are vital sources of water and refuge for many species, and they sustain the productivity of the landscape.

    They improve water infiltration, reduce erosion, and maintain the vegetation that protects springs, rivers, and streams.

    Some changes are noticeable within a few years, but complete regeneration is a gradual and continuous process.

    It strengthens landscape resilience, captures carbon in the soil and in plants, and helps to purify the air and regulate climatic factors such as temperature and precipitation.