Field Trips: Saturday, September 14th
After spending a couple of days indoors presenting, learning, and connecting, we really need to get out on the ground! We are developing several field trip opportunities to cover a wide variety of projects and locations.
No need to commit now - you will be able to sign up for a field trip when you arrive and check in. There is no extra fee to attend field trips - we will be carpooling and caravanning to sites.
Tumamoc Hill Hike - Herps & Plants!
Hike the famous Tumamoc Hill with herpetology and botany expert Robert Villa. Tumamoc Hill is a steep 1.5 mile (3 mile round trip) hike on a paved road that takes you from desert bottom to one of the best view points in the entire city. See native plants and the creatures that rely on them. Wear sneakers and a hat and bring water.
Borderlands Nursery & Seed Farm Field Trip
The Borderlands Restoration Network Native Plant Program was founded in 2012 when a group of restoration practitioners identified and responded to the need for locally produced native plants.
Borderlands Nursery & Seed, the Native Plant Program of Borderlands Restoration Network includes the seed barn, a seed storage and processing facility and the native plant nursery production facility, both located on a 60 acre native seed farm with three acres under production (and growing!) in Patagonia, AZ, one hour south of Tucson.
Our mission is to promote and protect biodiversity by providing individuals, communities, and land managers access to restoration-quality plant materials and guidance for effective use. We offer organically grown plants and seeds specific to the Madrean Archipelago’s semi-arid highlands, focusing on those with high habitat value and in-situ survival rates.
Oracle Road Wildlife Crossings
Field Trip Host: Coalition for Sonoran Desert Protection
After many years of research and planning, two wildlife crossings (one bridge and one tunnel) were constructed on Oracle Road just north of Tucson in 2016. These crossings allow wildlife to travel between the Santa Catalina and Tortolita Mountains safely. Learn about the animals that use the crossings and the restoration efforts that have been underway!
Santa Rita Experimental Range
Trip host: UA Gornish Lab
Join us at the Santa Rita Experimental Range (SRER) to see firsthand some of the most cutting edge experiments in aridland restoration! This field trip will include stops to several experiments including a large restoration experiment associated with the USGS RestoreNet coordinate study and rock luna installations for erosion control and native plant fertile island development. Bring a hat and water bottle. Approximately 2 and a half hours total.
