|
WHY HERE, WHY NOW?Today only 4% of the historic rivers and streams still flow in Arizona. As a result, riparian (riverside) tree roots can no longer access year-round water in one of the three most biodiverse regions in the United States. It's difficult to overstate the importance of riparian habitats, which produce 100 times more plant mass than the surrounding desert. The rich habitat of mesquite, oak, ash, cottonwood, sycamore, and other plant life translates into food, nesting sites, and cover for both native and migration wildlife.
By paying culturally diverse youth in the economically depressed region within 50-miles of the US/Mexico border to restore rivers, we can empower the next generation to re-imagine the border’s future. By working on cross-border watersheds with Mexican and American landowners alike, we can heal the perceived divide between our deeply connected countries. By teaching youth how to harvest rainwater, grow plants, and work together – we can rediscover how vibrant a place the border can be. |
BECY Institute provides paid internships for youth, ages 15-18, to learn practical, marketable skills in watershed restoration, ecosystem restoration, and community restoration. Currently there are programs based out of the Douglas and Patagonia communities. Crews are comprised of 10 youth, with two designated as youth leaders.
Each crew develops experiences and vocabulary in teamwork, leadership, and empathy, while following a curriculum of habitat restoration in the following structure: Watershed Restoration, Ecosystem Restoration, and Community Restoration. Those interested in applying should be prepared for physically strenuous, but fulfilling activities in some of the most beautiful locations the Arizona/Sonora border has to offer. |
|
|
PAST ACTIVITIES & PROJECTSWatershed Restoration:
Ecosystem Restoration:
Community Restoration:
|
"I believe in what Borderlands Restoration is doing for small towns in southern Arizona. Youth don't have many job opportunities in high school, and they may not know exactly what career they want to get into. BECY has answered this for me by getting me a job outside of class during the summer and introducing me to so many new people with such interesting, specialized careers." - Jacob Paun, intern with BECY Douglas in 2015, youth leader in 2016, and facilitator in 2017, 2019 and 2020. "This summer not only impacted my knowledge of environmental restoration, but changed how I interact with my community. BECY showed me how we can support our environment, and how that is crucial to our livelihoods. After the program I am excited to continue with restoration efforts, which has turned into a passion of mine." - Chesed Chap, intern with BECY Patagonia in 2019 |
LocationPhysical Address:
1 School Street Patagonia, AZ 85624 Mailing Address: P.O. Box 121 Patagonia, AZ 85624 |
|