Honoring our Roots… Reaching to the Future… We’re Turning 30!
From our start in 1990 Sonoran Institute has changed the way the North American West thinks about conservation. By connecting communities to the landscapes and natural resources that sustain them, Stephanie Sklar, CEO,… MORE ›
Celebrating Collaborative Conservation and Twenty Years of the Las Cienegas NCA
In a different time, with a different cast of characters, the fairgrounds could easily have turned into a battleground. Instead, this 1995 meeting proved to be the beginning of one of the most successful and enduring collaborative conservation efforts in the nation.
Water Enough to Drink on the Ranch
“We need to be aware of the connection between our lives and our river. These lands, the river—they are my family’s roots. And, well, family is all we have” —Tony Sedgwick, rancher and… MORE ›
It Just has to be the Place that you Love
Connie Williams has traveled the world, but it’s the Sonoran Desert that calls to her: “I’ve been to places that are more beautiful, places that have a richer life. But I think when… MORE ›
Sonoran Institute takes on the Sublime: A field trip to the Tucson Museum of Art
Four of us from the Tucson office visited a recent exhibition at Tucson Museum of Art: The Western Sublime: Majestic Landscapes of the American West. Here are some takeaways from Elise Christmon, Luke… MORE ›
Waste to Water: Modern Alchemy
Wastewater has been transformed into crystal clear, life-supporting water. John Light is the area operations manager at the Nogales International Wastewater Treatment Plant, and today he’s also the tour guide of this federal facility.
An Update From Our CEO
The breathtaking and diverse landscapes of Colorado inspire me. Aspen leaves ablaze with color in the autumn, the iconic snow-capped Rockies in winter, picturesque cities and towns full of friendly faces—there’s something for everyone here.
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 ›
Coming to Understand Water in the Desert
“You feel like it’s a place that people have had deep meaningful connections to for a long time.” —Roger Dorr, chief of resource management and park archaeologist at Tumacácori National Historic Park Roger… 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 ›
Behind the Lens with Michael Bogan
Michael Bogan is an assistant professor at the University of Arizona using his camera lens to change the way we think about aquatic and riparian research. Michael Bogan has dedicated his career to… 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.
Our Filmmaker on Conservation, Good Stories and Tough Shots
Valuing the conservation of natural spaces benefits the people of the region as much as it does the plants and animals, and filmmaking is the perfect medium to digest the complex intricacies of… MORE ›
An Update From Our CEO
A Splash of Summer It’s summertime! That time of year, when we all like to get away and enjoy friends, family, or just some quiet time alone. It’s time to visit new places and favorite,… MORE ›
The Magic of Flowing Water
Sonoran Institute’s headquarters are right downtown, so I thought no problem, I’ll give myself 15-20 minutes and have plenty of time to jump on my bike and get there. In hindsight, I should… MORE ›
Just Add Water
A new flow for the Santa Cruz River in Downtown Tucson On June 24th Tucson Water will launch the Santa Cruz River Heritage Project with the release of highly treated recycled water into the… MORE ›
Día de San Juan Fiesta
4:30–10 PM Mercado san agustin annex 267 s. avenida del convento tucson, az 85745 Fiesta and Santa Cruz River Heritage Project Launch El Día de San Juan is a traditional, family-friendly event welcoming… MORE ›
A Border is not a Barrier: Shared strengths, goals and pride
Being a binational organization One thing that often surprises people when I describe Sonoran Institute is when I say that our office in Mexico is larger than our offices in the US combined—by… MORE ›
Conserve2Enhance: Harnessing the Power of Neighbors to Fix Flooding Problems
“For me, one of the coolest parts about the project is that we’re creating something beautiful.” —Allie Silber, teacher at Tucson’s Sky Islands High School Water is the Southwest’s most precious resource, but… MORE ›