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 ›
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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 ›
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.
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 ›
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 ›
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 ›
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 ›
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 ›
An Update From Our CEO
I want to thank each and every one of you for the critical role you play in making our work possible. This past year demonstrated that with perseverance and dedication we will thrive.… 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 ›
Topminnow Returns: An artist, our ecologist and a sustainability expert collaborate
In December 2017, I was fortunate to attend the kick-off workshop of the 2017 Catalyst Initiative teams. Organized by the Center for Performance and Civic Practice (CPCP), this program funds pairs of artists… MORE ›
Gila Topminnow Artwork Comes to Loop Path and Downtown Tucson
Connect the Public with Flowing Santa Cruz River Last November, the endangered Gila topminnow, a native Sonoran Desert fish, was discovered in the Santa Cruz River in Tucson. Now a team of artists,… MORE ›