By Jack Dash There has been a lot of talk in the news lately about a mass saguaro collapse caused by heat and drought. This claim, and the media storm around it, requires a bit of unpacking. The story begins with the fantastic research team at the Desert Botanical Garden in Phoenix who have been…
Tag: native plants
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…
Endure, Evade, or Evacuate
Climate Change in Tucson and the Surrounding Desert Region by Katie Predick, Conservation Research Scientist February in Tucson Snow dabs mountaintops and our breath puffs visible on morning walks. Last week I considered purchasing an ice scraper to save my debit card some wear and tear. Even so, freezing temperatures are less common than decades…
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…
Transplanting 101: How To Install Potted Plants In Your Southern Arizona Garden
So you’ve purchased a plant from our Fall Plant Sale. What happens next?
Building Your Desert Tortoise Garden
Plants for Desert Tortoise Food and Habitat Adopting a desert tortoise can be a dream that takes years to realize. Properly caring for a tortoise requires more than people understand and planning a habitat is not something many people feel comfortable with. While the process can be daunting, we’ll get you started with this guide!…
Cultivate Backyard Biodiversity
Many people view the built environment and the natural world as two separate entities, but they coexist—all urban and developed areas are also a part of their ecosystems! Making a few simple enhancements around our homes and neighborhoods can greatly increase an urban area’s potential to serve as excellent habitat, especially for pollinators and birds….
Desert Diaries 