An Update From Our CEO
A Clear Mandate for Nature More people voted in this year’s election than the last 100 years. Now is the time to hold elected officials accountable for promises to conserve Nature. The 2020… MORE ›
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A Fresh Set of Colorado Communities Dive into Water-Smart Growth
Northglenn has a great quality of life for its residents and businesses and is a vibrant community, but its economy depends on a limited water supply that may run dry during times of… MORE ›
Planning for an Uncertain Future around Water
In the arid West, there is much uncertainty around water. Falling water supplies. Growing cities and towns. Competing needs of farmers, cities, and tribes. Having enough water for wildlife. These factors underscore that we live in a world rife with uncertainty—who would have guessed we… MORE ›
An Opportunity to Create an Inclusive, Transparent Process for Water-Sharing
In prior basin-wide agreements, tribal water rights and water use were not given enough consideration. And yet, tribes hold legal rights to over 20 percent of the river—comprising some of the most senior… MORE ›
With Careful Planning, the Gila Topminnow Could Move Downtown
The diminutive Gila topminnow is a big indicator of change. This endangered fish, no bigger than your thumb, is native to the region but disappeared from the Santa Cruz River near Tucson decades… MORE ›
How Water Crosses Borders: Collaboration for a Binational Solution for Nogales Wash
Born a block from the border, Guillermo Valencia dedicates his time and career to benefit Ambos Nogales, the twin cities on either side of the U.S.- Mexico border. As a child, he remembers riding on… MORE ›
A Bridge Without Its River
It would be an easy site to miss, compared to nearby attractions like the de Anza Trail and the Santa Cruz River, but this cement ruin means something more to Diana. It was once a pedestrian bridge that spanned the wide Santa Cruz River, and Diana used to walk across this bridge to visit her grandmother on the other side. The bridge has been partially removed and is now almost completely forgotten; the river is no longer wide enough to need it.
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 ›
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 ›
Team Wins Honorable Recognition for Conservation
This winter we received the national Honorable Recognition on Conservation of Nature 2019 from the federal government of Mexico.
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 ›
A Narrow victory for Colorado Proposition DD
Let’s roll up our sleeves for water resilience… “Now that Proposition DD has passed, we stand ready to work with state and local officials and our partners to ensure that funds allocated to… 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 ›
Colorado Leaders Face Conservation Challenges. Growing Water Smart Workshops Provide Resilient Solutions
This September, five community teams comprised of Colorado’s Front Range leaders kicked-off our 4th Growing Water Smart workshop, a collaborative environment to develop water and climate resiliency strategies that encourage local economic, social, and… 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 ›