Chances are if you are a Tucson local, you understand the threat of buffelgrass (Pennisetum ciliare) to our biologically-diverse Sonoran desert, iconic saguaros, and wildlife habitats. This pesty, invasive plant was first brought from Africa and introduced to the Tucson area in the 1930s. Initially used for cattle feed and later erosion, it has spread rapidly…
Tag: buffelgrass
Community, Collaboration, and Conservation at the Desert Museum
As we wrap up another year and orient toward a new season, we are happy to share major highlights and exciting developments from our diverse range of conservation projects here at the Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum. It’s been a year packed with community partnerships, collaborative conservation initiatives, and innovative research. Invasive Species and Save Our Saguaros Month ‘Tis the season … to Save…
Wildfire Smoke and Our Health
Featured image by Wendy Witzig You may already know that invasive grasses and other invasive species are bad news for the Sonoran Desert’s unique ecology, threatening native species like saguaros and desert tortoises. Invasive grasses like buffelgrass, red brome, and fountain grass not only provide ample fuel for fires but also thrive in their aftermath,…
Practical Tips for Preventing the Spread of Invasive Species
The Sonoran Desert, with its unique ecosystem and breathtaking landscapes, is a haven for diverse plant and animal life. However, this delicate balance is constantly under threat from invasive species that can wreak havoc on its native ecology. The key here is prevention. Prevention, early detection and eradication is the most economical and effective means…
Volunteers Protect The Places We Love
Volunteers all around the Tucson Basin regularly pull buffelgrass, a sometimes strenuous but incredibly rewarding activity. As a result of their efforts, many thriving acres of wild, native desert surround Tucson. Without the consistent work of these dedicated volunteers, buffelgrass, an invasive grass that harms the native flora and fauna of the Sonoran Desert, would…
Mapping Tumamoc Hill
By Aaryn Olsson Sometimes you’ve got to do it the hard way in order to do it the easy way later. This winter we’re mapping buffelgrass on Tumamoc Hill the hard way by walking 50 miles back and forth across its volcanic slopes in a tight grid pattern. While many Tucsonans hike the zigzagging road…
Restoring Tumamoc Hill, the Heart of Tucson
Support the Save Our Saguaros campaign and help us restore Tumamoc Hill Article by Kim Franklin, Conservation Science Manager, Desert Museum and Ben Wilder, Next Generation Sonoran Desert Researchers This past weekend, over seventy-five people showed up on a Saturday morning to help rid “A” Mountain of buffelgrass. For many, this was their first experience…
2022 In Review
As we kick off 2023, we’d like to take some time to reflect on key highlights from the past year. The Desert Museum is working to sustain the incredible biodiversity of The Sonoran Desert by slowing the spread of invasive buffelgrass, discovering the hidden worlds of our native bee pollinators, exploring arid-adapted foods, saving rare…
Desert Biota in a Changing Climate
Katie Predick, Conservation Research and Education Department Earth Day is a time to celebrate the fascinating, biodiverse, resilient nature all around us. And while it’s essential to appreciate and celebrate the unique nature of the Sonoran Desert and beyond, every Earth Day that passes without significant climate or environmental action brings us closer to the…
Desert Museum Science: Knowledge from Nature for People
A Day in the Life of Desert Museum Science Buzz Hoffman, a retired entomologist and founding member of the Museum’s Bee Team volunteers, spends several hours each week staring down a microscope, looking at minute details of native bees to sort them by genus. Isabella, a senior at Sunnyside High School, picks up where Buzz…
Desert Diaries 