After a historic year, we had the great opportunity to participate in the inaugural Sonoran Field Course, organized by Borderlands Restoration Network, based at Rancho San Bernardino in Agua Prieta, Sonora. The program covered a wide variety of social, environmental and economic topics from community aid, restorative economics to watershed restoration and native plant propagation.

During the course we learned about the collaborative efforts carried out through different organizations with the aim of integrating sustainable practices into economic growth with the help of community participation. Such is the example of DouglaPrieta Trabaja, a non-profit organization that works to integrate the community in sustainable agricultural practices through workshops and courses throughout the year. On the other hand, our place of stay, Rancho San Bernardino, is a clear example of success that economic activities and sustainable development go hand in hand. ​

Rancho San Bernardino, along with other ranches located on both parts of the border, are part of the Fundación Cuenca de los Ojos A.C. These areas are Voluntarily Declared Conservation Area (ADVC), where for more than 15 years restorative techniques of pasture management have been carried out through prescribed burns, sustainable grazing through the rotation of livestock, restoration of watersheds through construction of gabions, trenches and reforestation with native plants. In addition, we had the experience of getting into the social problems related to the border wall thanks to the work carried out by Frontera de Cristo and the collaboration with Border Arts Corridor (BAC) in the creation of a mural that links art with social perception of the native flora of the region.

Primera Generación de Líderes Ambientalistas en México Inspirados por BRN 
Por: Sophia Vásquez, Graduada del Curso de Campo de Sonora
 
Después de un año histórico, tuvimos la gran oportunidad de participar en el primer Curso de Campo de Sonora, organizado por Borderlands Restoration Network, con sede en Rancho San Bernardino en Agua Prieta, Sonora. El programa cubrió una amplia variedad de temas sociales, ambientales y económicos desde ayuda comunitaria, economía restaurativa hasta restauración de cuencas y propagación de plantas nativas.

Durante el curso conocimos los esfuerzos de colaboración que se realizan a través de diferentes organizaciones con el objetivo de integrar prácticas sostenibles al crecimiento económico con la ayuda de la participación comunitaria. Tal es el ejemplo de Dougla-Prieta Trabaja, organización sin fines de lucro que trata de integrar a la comunidad en prácticas agrícolas sostenibles por medio de talleres y cursos a lo largo del año.  Por otra parte, nuestro lugar de estadía, Rancho San Bernardino, es un claro ejemplo de éxito de que las actividades económicas y el desarrollo sostenible van de la mano. ​

Rancho San Bernardino, junto con otros ranchos ubicados en ambas partes de la frontera, forman parte de la Fundación Cuenca de los Ojos A.C. Estas áreas se encuentran Declaradas Voluntariamente a la Conservación (ADVC, por sus siglas en inglés), donde desde hace más de 15 años se realizan técnicas restaurativas de manejo de pastizales mediante quemas prescritas, pastoreo sustentable por medio de la rotación del ganado, restauración de cuencas a través de la construcción de gaviones y trincheras y reforestación con plantas nativas. Además, tuvimos la experiencia de adentrarnos a los problemas sociales relacionados con el muro fronterizo gracias al trabajo que realiza Frontera de Cristo y a la colaboración con Border Arts Corridor (BAC) en la creación de un mural que vincula el arte con la percepción social de la flora nativa de la región. 

Gracias al contenido del programa obtuve las herramientas necesarias para desarrollar e implementar a futuro un proyecto denominado “Revolución de áreas verdes”, que tiene como objetivo impactar, educar y aumentar las áreas verdes dentro de mi comunidad a través de técnicas restaurativas de construcción de estructuras de control de erosión, así como la colecta de semillas de plantas nativas, limpieza, tratamiento y su propagación con ayuda de la participación ciudadana. ​

It seems that this year's monsoon season keeps giving. For those of you not familiar with the monsoon season in southeastern Arizona, it's from approximately June 15 to September 30, during which moist winds from the ocean are pulled in by low-pressure zones created from the summer heat. This moist air then forms thunderstorms and heavy rain. The monsoon fluctuates yearly, and this year we are having an exceptional abundance of precipitation compared to last year, which was one of the driest years on record.

Forgive me if this explanation is simple and not entirely accurate as climate science is very complex and deserves a more thorough explanation than a blog can accommodate. For a more detailed and fascinating description of the monsoon, please check out the CLIMAS website (Climate Assessment for the Southwest). 

Borderlands Wildlife Preserve is flourishing with all the additional moisture, and as such, we see fewer animals on our wildlife cameras. This may seem counterintuitive, but the preserve's animals now have many water sources and are not as reliant on the wildlife drinkers where we have many of our camera traps set up. 

Another reason for capturing fewer images is the simple fact that the cameras can no longer see the animals through all the plant growth. The difference in plant growth from last July to this July and even from the first week of this July to the end of the month this year is so dramatic we would like to share the images with you. 

​Enjoy these comparison images of all the greenery taken by our wildlife camera traps!​

​This summer was a success for the Borderlands Earth Care Youth (BECY) program after last year’s hiatus due to the COVID-19 pandemic. As it is our duty to be as safe as possible, this year we limited our participant numbers and took all of the precautions as advised by the CDC, resulting in a very safe, successful and inspiring summer.

The two BECY crews based out of Douglas and Patagonia, including participants from Rio Rico, totaled 16 participants and 4 facilitators that did a wonderful job helping lead the 9th year of this program. ​

Throughout the summer, the BECY interns worked on a wide variety of restoration projects alongside Borderlands Restoration Network staff and our program partners  to repair erosion by building erosion control structures, protect habitat by removing invasive plants, restore a pond, learn about water harvesting, native plants, and planted over 70 trees in Doc Mock Park as well as worked with local ranchers at the Santa Fe Ranch, all while learning valuable skills and developing a deeper understanding of the land and ecosystems of the borderlands region. 
 
After six weeks of hard work the program came to a close on July 15th concluding with a graduation celebration in each community where interns presented each of their individual community restoration projects that are a requirement for successful completion of the program. The interns shared with their family, friends, and the community the hard work and experiences they had and how the program impacted them personally. ​

Community projects spanned many topics including one intern hosting a successful clothing swap event in Douglas where community members exchanged used clothing for free. One intern also worked alongside the BRN Borderlands Wildlife Preserve Lead Technician learning how to identify wildlife through our wildlife cameras, using this experience to teach other interns about fossils, plants, and animals. Others, focused on food and pollinator gardens in their backyards and community spaces.​

Many interns expressed their desire to follow a career path in conservation, or living more consciously and in a more sustainable way. An impactful moment during the celebration included a youth leader congratulating the parents of a stellar intern, while the intern replied, “The works we do matters in the long run.”

But, don't take our word for it, check out this great video created by one of the interns capturing the BECY experience straight from the participants themselves. We thought this was too great not to share. 

We are grateful to all the participants, staff and partners that make this program a reality each year touching the lives of over 150 participants since inception making the borderlands more resilient in more ways than one. 

To support the BECY program or learn more click here.

This incredible little amphibian waits until the monsoon is in full swing to emerge from its underground home, where it resides for most of its life. Spadefoot refers to the spade-shaped projections on their hind legs used to dig in and out of the soft earth. Patagonia received incredibly 4.2 inches of rain in the first week of July alone.

Interestingly, it's not the rain that is believed to awaken the Mexican Spadefoot, but the sounds and vibrations created by the accompanying thunder and lightning. Once the toads are on the surface, they quickly feed on bugs and breed taking advantage of the short-lived pools of water created by the summer monsoon.

The males make a distinct call that resembles the sound of a finger running over a stiff comb. The females lay clutches of around 1,000 eggs, which quickly hatch and develop into fully morphed toads in 15 to 50 days. These fantastic creatures are only visible for such a short time that most people never get the chance to see them. Luckily, we just happened to be at the pond during the breeding phase and captured some photos for you to enjoy. 

Although the Mexican Spadefoot does benefit from small stock ponds, it does not survive well in heavy development or agriculture. Amphibians face many dire challenges from disease to global climate change and the number one factor loss of habitat. At least 43% of amphibian species are currently in decline worldwide. Arizona has 25 species of native amphibians. Considering the loss of 96% of the state’s surface water over the past 100 years, these animals requiring at minimum seasonal rain are extraordinary when found. So, the next time you are out at Dragonfly Pond, listen carefully for the sounds of toads and use your binoculars to see the birds, but please do not venture too close to the water as you may have a little friend under your feet. ​

​WEEK 4: We loaded up the van and the BECY crew is headed to the Huachuca Mountains this week! In an epic crossover episode, the Patagonia and Douglas BECY crews worked together throughout the week in the Huachuca Mountians. We focused on building rock structures, which support water flow for the local quail populations. Both crews played epic games of ultimate frisbee and capture the flag, surrounded by beautiful mountain views. Many laughs were shared with our sister crew, and many naps were taken on the car rides back home. ​

WEEK 5: We begin at Deep Dirt Farm, learning from the farm’s founder Kate Tirion about permaculture. We toured the farm’s housing and gathering spaces, which utilized materials like handmade adobe bricks, glass bottles, and satellite dishes. Monday was spent mulching and trail building at Deep Dirt, with special guests from the University of Arizona’s MFA Creative Writing program. Our creative writing mentors joined us again on Tuesday in the Borderlands offices to lead us in poetry writing exercises, which helped us form a special presentation for our BECY graduation! Later this week, we also installed a cistern at the Patagonia Youth Enrichment Center, which will harvest rainwater to support the vegetable garden. ​

Looking back at another BECY season gone by, I know exactly why I came back- for the jaguars, the zuni bowls, trees in the park that will be there for years to come, capture the flag with our sister crew, Deep Dirt, poetry workshops, Sonoran hotdogs, meeting new people and seeing new places, and making new memories.

I deeply stand by the notion that everyone should do BECY at least once in their life. While we only spend a short summer together, we spend a year in between each season knowing we did work in our community that made a difference, and it’s the best feeling in the world. So, as we wrap up another season, plant something, take a stroll through Doc Mock Park, and hopefully we’ll see you next summer. 

To learn more about BECY or how to support this program please visit our website.

After two seasons as an intern at Borderlands Earth Care Youth, ‘What made you join BECY?’ is a question that frequently crops up. When I first joined BECY two years ago, it was on a total whim. I think a question that better captures my love for this program is not why I initially joined, but why I came back, and hopefully the answer to that question may be the reason someone else joins- and hopefully I can provide a little insight as to what the BECY crew really does. ​

WEEK ONE: Two facilitators, eight interns met promptly at 6 AM to begin our season. We’re not quite bright eyed nor bushy tailed, but rather half-asleep with serious cases of bedhead. Waking up at 5 AM for work never gets easier, BECY interns just get stronger. This week we’re working in Smith Canyon, learning from watershed restoration technicians how to build rock structures that will eventually slow water from the incoming monsoon season. Slow water replenishes aquifers, which supports plant growth. Smith Canyon is a part of an important wildlife corridor that helps jaguars migrate from Mexico to Arizona- my mind is always blown knowing there might be a couple jaguars roaming around the places I’ve helped restore. ​

WEEK 3: This week we planted 72 trees in Doc Mock park in Patagonia, a task that proved to be meaningful to all of us. This was a town-wide collaboration years in the making, and this week the Patagonia Youth Enrichment Center joined the BECY crew for an awesome week planting native trees, playing ninja, and enjoying blueberry pies (thank you Mrs. Coleman!). We spotted many critters this week- a mole when we were digging a hole, and a vinegaroon, too!

​The past few months we’ve been working hard on restoration and outreach for our climate resilience and adaptation project, Along the Path of the Jaguar. Funded by the Wildlife Conservation Society Climate Adaptation Fund, this project enhances climate resilience and adaptation along a critical wildlife migration corridor between the Huachuca and Santa Rita mountains through ecological restoration work. ​

Looking forward, we will continue building ECS in Smith and Stevens Canyon and we will begin the process of mulching a total of 40 acres across BWP. Mulching increases soil moisture retention and reduces soil erosion on sections of bare ground that have been denuded through the targeted removal of invasive vegetation - primarily Johnsongrass (Sorghum halepense) and Russian thistle (Salsola Tragus)- and by off-road vehicle traffic. Seed pellets and plantings will be distributed throughout the mulched areas, assisting in the re-establishment of native vegetative communities. We will also be hosting planting, watering, and erosion control volunteer days in July, September, and October. 
 
To learn more about this project or to sign up for volunteer opportunities, please visit the project page here. 

​I was born in Tucson, AZ, in the 1980s. During my preschool years, we lived off Old Nogales Highway in a small adobe house. I grew up playing on huge stumps of long-dead mesquite trees from the once-famous mesquite bosque south of town, long-vanished due to over-harvesting and draining groundwater. Later in my childhood, we lived in central Tucson, and I remember when the city switched from groundwater to Colorado River water, our taps flowed brown for days as the new highly treated water stripped the old pipes. Many hot summers were spent standing two feet in front of the swamp cooler and climbing the one tree in the back yard to watch the monsoon clouds roll in, praying for rain. When the rain did come, it was the best feeling in the world, and my dad would drive us through the flooded streets to see the unfathomable torrent of water coming down the Rialto and Santa Cruz Rivers. Growing up in the desert creates a deep connection with the importance of water.  My daughter seemed to love the rain from the time she could walk, instinctively knowing the joy it brings.

This past year we have all been missing the rain in a substantial way. According to drought.gov, the ongoing drought in southern Arizona has been at its highest level, exceptional drought, since the fall of 2020. One of Borderland's regional partners, Sky Island Alliance, is beginning to see a dramatic decline in vegetation and wildlife monitored through wildlife trail cameras as part of their Border Wildlife Study. Wildlife is facing a double-edged sword right now, not only needing to find ways around new stretches of a border wall, but also trying to survive an exceptional drought. Supporting organizations working to restore watersheds, protect wildlife and vegetation is vital right now. There are also some simple things you can do to help wildlife in your backyard too.

If you live in town, you want to be careful to attract small animals who will not cause conflict with neighbors and pets. Putting out fresh water daily for birds is a great idea. Adding a simple dripper to the birdbath creating a "drip" sound will attract even more birds than just a still pool of water (Google birdbath drip jug or bubbler for ideas). If you have a garden, use an extra thick layer of mulch, this will hold more water in the soil protecting micro-organisms and small creatures like worms who are extra sensitive to dry conditions. If you own a large enough piece of land that wildlife conflict is not an issue, consider installing or creating a wildlife drinker. Make sure small animals have a ramp to escape from the water. Lastly, if you own big or small livestock, be conscious of the drought. Wild animals may be desperate for food and water. Protect your domestic animals by keeping your property well-trimmed, removing outdoor food sources, housing animals in proper enclosures, or using other predator-friendly means such as guard dogs and electric fences.

​Borderland Wildlife Preserve currently has four wildlife drinkers and two small ponds. Restoring the watershed and creating more surface and groundwater for plants and wildlife is at the core of what Borderlands Restoration Network does. Hopefully, with the help of many others, we will restore water to the region and help our wild friends along the way. We will always pray for rain in the desert, but with any luck and a ton of hard work, maybe my daughter's memories will be ones of lessening droughts, returning mesquite bosques, groundwater, and rivers.

​Wildlife Monitoring at the BWP during 20201 - 2022, supported by the Wildlife Conservation, Climate Adaptation Fund, supported by funding from the Doris Duke Charitable Foundation. The WCS Climate Adaptation Fund supports projects helping ecosystems adapt to climate change, including urban environments and projects incorporating joint mitigation and adaptation approaches.

​Some of the most striking photographs captured at BWP are of gray foxes (Urocyon cinereoargenteus). These beautiful foxes are one of five fox species found in North America. Gray foxes are part of the Canid or dog family distantly related to wolves. They are one of only two Canids with semi-retractable claws allowing them to easily climb up trees. Gray foxes are known to live about 7 to 10 years in the wild. They have a litter of kits once a year that number one to seven. Gray foxes are small omnivorous predators taking advantage of eating various foods from nuts and berries to eggs, lizards, and rodents. The gray foxes' thick gray, red and white coat with a black stripe along the back gives the fox a more significant appearance than they are, weighing around 5 pounds.

​Of the five foxes found in North America, gray foxes and red foxes frequent human-developed areas. Although gray foxes to a lesser degree. Towns may draw gray foxes in by the abundance of food and lack of large predators such as mountain lions who prey upon foxes along with smaller predators such as coyotes and bobcats. The gray fox is considered not quite as bold as the red fox and is rarely seen due to its excellently camouflaged coat and nocturnal behavior. Gray foxes can sometimes be seen near bird feeders, drawn in by the abundant rodent life seeking the free seeds.

Gray foxes are abundant, but they face many challenges that revolve around human activity. Over 500,000 gray foxes are killed yearly to fulfill the fur trade. Gray foxes may also get into trouble trying to eat backyard chickens. To avoid this conflict, build covered chicken enclosures and bury the surrounding wire at least 8 inches deep to prevent small predators from digging into the coop. Gray foxes are not a threat to humans, including children, if they are not rabid. Gray foxes also do not usually prey on full-grown cats. However, kittens may be small enough to be preyed upon. Like all our region's native animals, Gray foxes have intrinsic value and deserve our patience, respect, and adaptation to their presence. Please enjoy these beautiful pictures of our local gray foxes.

Wildlife Monitoring at the BWP during 20201 - 2022, supported by the Wildlife Conservation, Climate Adaptation Fund, supported by funding from the Doris Duke Charitable Foundation. The WCS Climate Adaptation Fund supports projects helping ecosystems adapt to climate change, including urban environments and projects incorporating joint mitigation and adaptation approaches.

​A recent review paper in the journal Global Change Biology titled “Tropicalization of temperate ecosystems in North America: The northward range expansion of tropical organisms in response to warming winter temperatures” explains how tropical organisms are beginning to move northward in response to global climate change. One of the species on the move in our region is the Opossum.

​The name "opossum" originates from the Algonquian word "apasum," meaning white animal. There are over 100 different opossum species found in the Americas. Yet, the Virginia Opossum and the common opossum are the only two species of opossum and only marsupials naturally occurring in the United States and Canada. (Just in case you are wondering, the correct term is "Opossum", "Possum" is the term used for a different marsupial family found in Australia.) As climate change increases average winter temperatures, the range for the opossum and other tropical species is also expanding into these recently warmer and less snow-covered areas.

​The opossum has many superpowers. This fantastic creature enters the world about the same size as a honeybee and lives out its life span in the matter of one to two years. Opossums are gentle creatures. Although they have 50 sharp teeth when a bite does not deter a predator, their primary defense when threatened is to drool, appear unappetizing, and play dead. Playing dead is thought to be an involuntary response and, unfortunately, does not work on domestic dogs. Outside of this well-known unique behavior, opossums also build nests using their tail as a fifth appendage to gather materials. Opossums also seldom contract rabies due to a naturally low body temperature and are resistant to venomous snake bites. To top off their superpowers, opossums consume many pests, including snails, slugs, mice, and 95% of ticks that they meet by some estimates.

As we accept the reality of a changing climate, I would like to suggest keeping the famous quote from Fred Rodger's mother in mind “Look for the helpers. You will always find people who are helping.” Remember, people are not the only helpers. We also have many animals like the opossum who are on the move and ready to help.

​Valuing helping animals like the opossum, which can help with pest mitigation, will be essential to our survival and maintaining a balanced ecosystem. If you encounter an opossum, the best thing to do is to leave them alone. They are rarely in any one area for more than a few days. Help opossums avoid humans and dogs by keeping a tidy outdoor space free of pet food, clutter, and trash. If you find an injured opossum contact your local animal control or wildlife rehabilitation center. 

 Our local wildlife rehabilitation center is the Tucson Wildlife Center.

For more information on how to live with opossums, please visit the Opossum Society of the United States.

Opossum trail camera video and pictures courtesy of the TNC Patagonia Sonoita Creek Preserve.

BWP wildlife monitoring during 2021- 2022 supported by the Wildlife Conservation Society Climate Adaptation Fund established by the Doris Duke Charitable Foundation to fund critical ecological restoration work along the path of the jaguar in southeast Arizona.

​Read more about this project.