Santa Cruz River
The Santa Cruz River has provided life-sustaining water for more than 12,000 years. Climate aridification and a century of overuse has negatively impacted the river, however we can continue to restore its vitality.
POSTPONED: Santa Cruz River Trash Cleanup
8am-11AM Santa Cruz RiVer at El camino del cerro TUCSON, AZ To our wonderful Santa Cruz River cleanup volunteers, We will be rescheduling our April 19, 2020 cleanup event to prevent the spread… MORE ›
A Living River: Supplementary Data for Nogales Wash to Amado 2008 to 2018 water years
This supplementary report summarizes data from Nogales Wash to Amado from the past eleven water years. The report provides details on the water context and data for 12 indicators of river health.
The Difference Between a ‘Ghost River’ and a Living River
Elise Christmon leans in as if to tell a secret. “If you want to see something cool and unexpected, come see the Santa Cruz River. You think you have an idea of what… MORE ›
When You and the River Meet
Numbers and dots on a map do not say everything about the river’s value. The community’s experiences and stories are equally important. —Amanda Smith, Program Coordinator Over the course of several months, I… MORE ›
Caring for the Santa Cruz River: Making Improvements for Nature and Community
Newly Released Living River Report for Water Year 2018 Highlights Aquatic Invertebrate Diversity Increase and Improved Water Quality The health of the Santa Cruz River continues to improve significantly. The return of aquatic… MORE ›
A Living River: Supplementary Data for Northwest Tucson to Marana 2013 to 2018 water years
This supplementary report summarizes data from the past six water years. The report provides details on the water context and data for 16 indicators of river health.
Dragonfly Day on the Santa Cruz River
9 AM–2 PM Crossroads at Silverbell Park 7548 N Silverbell Rd. • Tucson, AZ 85743 (Ramada #2 near baseball diamonds) Celebrate the colorful dragonflies living along the Santa Cruz River! Event schedule: 9am… MORE ›
Creating Flowing, Living Rivers with Aquifer Recharge Projects
Last week, Arizona’s legislature and Governor Ducey approved the state’s participation in a Drought Contingency Plan that enacts voluntary cutbacks in Colorado River water delivered through the Central Arizona Project canal. Prolonged drought… MORE ›
Setting the Course for New Research on the Santa Cruz River
One of the most interesting parts of this year’s Santa Cruz River Research Days was a special panel and discussion session to determine priorities for future research. The speakers, researchers and community leaders… MORE ›
Ten Years of Research to Improve the Health of the Santa Cruz River
Celebrating increased collaboration Yes, the Santa Cruz River has changed since people first entered the region over 12,000 years ago, but the river is certainly not lost. The Santa Cruz is a Living… MORE ›
Sharing Research to Improve Life Along the Santa Cruz
Tenth annual Research Days includes premiere of new online tool and field trip The Sonoran Institute is hosting the Santa Cruz River Research Days 10th Anniversary event, drawing scientists and community leaders from… MORE ›
Celebrating a Healthy Santa Cruz River
Newly Released Living River Report Highlights Return of the Gila Topminnow The health of the Santa Cruz River continues to improve significantly. The return of aquatic wildlife to the river is proof that… MORE ›
A Living River: Supplementary Data for 2013 to 2017
This supplementary Living River report summarizes data from the past five water years.
Living River Celebration and Report Release
8:00-10:00 am Come celebrate your living Santa Cruz River! Sonoran Institute and Pima County are excited to share our latest Living River annual report on October 14th. We’ll be gathering at the outfall… MORE ›
Santa Cruz River
Join us Sonoran Institute is committed to leading the continued restoration of the Santa Cruz River, our jewel in the desert, and we want everybody in our region to join us. Whether you live in the San Rafael… MORE ›
Gila Topminnow Riverside Picnic Dinner
6-9pm All ages welcome Celebrate the return of the Gila Topminnow and the flowing Santa Cruz River that created its healthy habitat. Toast to the Topminnow and view new artwork on the Loop… MORE ›
Living River Project Receives Award
2018 National Environmental Achievement Award The Pima County Board of Supervisors is scheduled to recognize the Pima County Living River Project Steering Committee and its partners, Sonoran Institute and the United States Environmental… MORE ›
Endangered Fish Returns to Santa Cruz River Near Tucson
Recycled Wastewater Critical for Ecosystem Health TUCSON, Arizona (Dec. 13, 2017) – After an absence of more than 70 years, the endangered Gila topminnow has reappeared in the Santa Cruz River in northwest… MORE ›
From Ghost River to Living River
The Tucson All Souls Procession is moving this year and I couldn’t be happier. This year’s route will parallel a stretch of our Santa Cruz River. In my mind, there is no better… MORE ›