2020 still looms large, and though we are looking forward to what 2021 will bring, we must acknowledge that the pandemic continues, too many individuals and families are still struggling to meet their basic needs, and businesses and organizations the world over have suffered severe and unprecedented financial loss. Thanks to the generous support of…
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Are perennial intercrops of arid-adapted plants the answer to the agriculture of the future?
As heat waves, drought, and disease challenge food security in the Southwest U.S. and Mexico, scientists set their sights on a novel model for desert farming.
We Love Our Volunteers!
This week is National Volunteer Appreciation Week and we couldn’t be more appreciative of our 600 active volunteers here at the Desert Museum! On average, our volunteers donate over 130,000 hours of their time (which is equivalent to 63 full time employees) a year! We have 39 volunteers who have been with the Museum 15…
50th Anniversary of Earth Day
Happy Earth Day! We thought it would be fun to dive deep into the history of this wonderful day as we commemorate its 50th Anniversary! Read on about Interpretive Programs Coordinator Phil Brown’s first hand experience during the beginnings of what we now celebrate as Earth Day. Today is Earth Day; in fact, it is the 50th Anniversary of…
Our Long Love Affair with the Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum
With COVID-19 causing nonprofits across the nation to struggle, most are trying to adapt to these difficult times. The world as we knew it has changed, including the viability of local nonprofit organizations. Due to ongoing global uncertainty, no one knows when organizations will be allowed to reopen, or what the future looks like even…
11 Reasons We Love Tucson
February may have been the “season of love” but us locals are in love with Tucson every day of the year! Always wondered why Tucsonans are so loyal to their city? Read on to discover why we love where we live! 1. Sunshine With well above the national average of sunny days, the Tucson weather…
Sentinel Peak Buffelgrass Fire Update
Many of you may remember the fire on Sentinel Peak in 2017 during the 4th of July fireworks. That year the slope was dry from the late monsoon season and embers from fireworks sparked a fire on the southern slope of the hill. Tucson Fire put the fire out, but not before about 5 acres…
Can You Sense the Season?
When asked to describe a desert, people usually respond with: dry, hot, null of life. Far from the truth, the Sonoran Desert is actually one of the most diverse desert ecosystems in the world and that is largely due to our weather. Many newcomers are surprised to learn that the Sonoran Desert does not have…
Amazing Arthropods: Creepy Critters or Misunderstood Marvels?
Yes, a butterfly is an arthropod and makes for a cute Halloween costume but let’s dive a little deeper into the often overlooked and misunderstood critters found in this phylum and discover why you should dress up as an amazing arthropod this spooky season! Arthropods are the most diverse group of creatures on the planet,…
Let’s Get to the Fruit of the Matter: Prickly Pear Harvesting 101
Editors Note: We have reworded the paragraph regarding where to harvest prickly pear fruit here in Tucson. We would like to apologize for not including the very relevant fact that harvesting prickly pear fruit has been a traditional practice for generations for Native Americans. We are thankful for the continued education and shared knowledge from…
Desert Diaries 