Project Mountain Recharge: Moving Rocks to Save the Rain on Mt. Lemmon
July 1, 2025In response to the 2020 Bighorn Fire, Sky Island Alliance has been working with the Arizona Conservation Corps and Coronado National Forest to build more than 250 erosion-control structures out of loose rocks. This helps protect springs, conserve soils, limit fire risk, and infiltrate rainwater and snowmelt in areas that were burned. Now, we’re planning to continue this restoration work around more springs, the community of Summerhaven, and other inhabited areas in the Catalina Mountains. Join SIA Stewardship Manager Bryon Lichtenhan for our next virtual Coffee Break to learn more about this project and how to get involved.
Erosion Control in the Catalinas
June 24, 2025Join us in the Santa Catalina Mountains for a weekend building erosion-control structures in areas burned by the 2020 Bighorn Fire.
Spring Seeker Backpack in Sabino Canyon
June 12, 2025For experienced Spring Seekers only, since we’ll be on and off trail while searching for new springs up side canyons along the West Fork. We’ll start from Gordon Hirabayashi Campground and camp near Hutch’s Pool, which should have good swimming. Over the course of the weekend, we may hike around 25 miles.
Tucson ‘Spring Cleaning’
May 22, 2025Join our campaign to remove invasive species at nine priority springs in the Tucson area. Together, we can restore these crucial wildlife oases! We’ll meet every Tuesday morning and be working mostly in the Sabino Canyon area on the northeast side of town and near Vail and Davidson Canyon on the southeast side. Stay as long as you like, and leave for work if you need to. This is a great way to create an impact, get in a workout, and meet other volunteers.
Fireflies in Arizona and Sonora
May 20, 2025Southern Arizona and northern Sonora are home to the Southwest spring firefly (Bicellonycha wickershamorum), a nocturnal species associated with permanent streams and marshy areas in the Sky Islands. This rare firefly is currently under review for U.S. Endangered Species Act listing and is the subject of several research and survey efforts. Additional information is needed on the distribution of the species in Sonora, and you can help!
Please join biologists with the Xerces Society and Friends of the Verde River to learn more about this firefly and its life history and how you can help contribute to conservation efforts. The presentation will be bilingual for English- and Spanish-speaking participants.
Coffee Break: How Nature Supports Southern Arizona’s Economy
May 16, 2025People from all over the world come to southern Arizona to experience the outdoors, recreate, and just be among the area’s scenic landscapes and wildlife. But how much is that worth, and what are the costs if it’s lost? Join SIA for our next virtual Coffee Break. We’ll be joined by Borderlands Restoration Network board member Chuck Klingenstein, who will share results from the first Nature-Based Restorative Economy study in Santa Cruz County, commissioned by the community and conducted by the University of Arizona.
Tucson ‘Spring Cleaning’
April 24, 2025Join our campaign to remove invasive species at nine priority springs in the Tucson area. Together, we can restore these crucial wildlife oases! We’ll be working mostly in the Sabino Canyon area on the northeast side of town and near Vail and Davidson Canyon on the southeast side. Stay as long as you like, and leave whenever you need to. This is a great way to create an impact, get in a workout, and meet other volunteers.
Open Mic: Summon the Monsoons
April 23, 2025In partnership with the University of Arizona’s Poetry Center, join Sky Island Alliance at Hotel Congress’ Century Room to celebrate and call in the 2025 monsoon season. Participants can share their own work or a rain-themed poem that they love. Expect to read 1-2 poems, based on event participation. Help us augur a good monsoon season with poetry!
Aravaipa Canyon Vinca Removal
April 18, 2025Come join us for a weekend in Aravaipa Canyon Preserve as we resume the fight against invasive vinca!
Aravaipa Canyon Vinca Removal
Come join us for a weekend in Aravaipa Canyon Preserve as we resume the fight against invasive vinca!