Just as October and November bring the arrival of snowbirds to Southern Arizona, they also offer us the pleasure of observing other particularly special visitors passing through on their long journey south – or west. As you enjoy mistflowers and desert broom blooming in your gardens, keep an eye out because you may be lucky…
What does it mean to be an AZA-Accredited Institution?
As you wander through our grounds amongst a wide array of exhibits from our fierce Mexican gray wolves and whimsical boojum garden, to our gliding Cownose Stingrays and lush riparian forests, it becomes apparent that the Desert Museum is more than just a traditional museum. It is a fusion experience combining a zoo, botanical garden,…
Birds, Saguaros and the Art of Pollination
Most of us know that insects like bees and butterflies perform the important task of pollination, but did you know that there are at least 1,200 species of pollinating birds worldwide—some of which are native to our Sonoran Desert region? Just like our favorite cactus bees and queen butterflies, these birds seek energy-rich nectar, which can result…
The Mexican Gray Wolf is Still Endangered and Needs Your Voice (or Howl!)
For six decades, visitors to the Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum and Phoenix Zoo have been inspired by encounters with the Mexican gray wolf, by locking eyes (even for a moment), by hearing them howl, and by learning their story. The Museum, and our partner institutions, like the Phoenix Zoo, have been involved with recovery efforts from the very beginning. The Desert Museum was home to some of the ancestors of all living…
Border Wall Expansion Endangers Species
Plans for additional primary and secondary border wall and related construction are accelerating rapidly in southern Arizona. While we appreciate the need for border security, wildlife conservation organizations including the Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum and the Phoenix Zoo are concerned about the environmental and cultural impacts of these projects. Physical impediments to wildlife movement alter connectivity in critical habitat…
The Young Naturalists and The Mesquite Tree
At the edge of the parking lot at Sweetwater Wetlands, there’s this massive mesquite tree with gnarled branches that seems to say “Welcome”. I notice this iconic tree every time I visit the Wetlands, but it took on new meaning when I visited with the Young Naturalists in November 2025. Led by myself and Angela Loya-Stoebe, the Young Naturalists program is designed for middle schoolers with a love of nature who are interested…
Map Weeds and Save the Sonoran Desert
Love them or hate them, smartphones are an essential everyday item for most people these days. As technology advances, these devices have made GPS receivers, field guides and cameras optional, if not obsolete. What we carry in our pocket today is not just convenient but a powerful tool that can also support conservation. The Arizona-Sonora…
Saguaros in The Circle of Life
The desert is filled with skeletons. It’s not just the remains of animals, but the inner artistry of plants too. As we humans know all too well, water means life, and water means weight. Life is especially heavy for the saguaro who can carry over a thousand gallons of liquid. But this weight isn’t a burden, it’s a boon. A saguaro skeleton supports a long, creative lifespan of up to about 200 years. Its strong, woody ribs are scaffolding for collaboration, innovation, and generosity. The desert…
2025 in Review
As we wrap up another year and look forward to 2026, we are happy to reflect on some of the Desert Museum’s major milestones and exciting projects. This past year has been filled with collaborative conservation initiatives, community partnerships, and innovative research projects, in addition to breaking ground on our new Spadefoot Splash exhibit and…
Conservation for Kids: Our littlest learners can make a BIG difference!
Conservation actions can seem straightforward – use less plastic, recycle, buy native plants – but for our youngest ones with limited resources and buying power it can be hard to know where to start. However, conservation is an act of empowerment – the more that we can teach young people how they can make a difference in the world around…