By: Perin McNelis, BRN Native Plant Program Assistant ManagerThis summer, BRN’s Native Plant Program team continued its collaboration with the USDA Forest Service with support from the USDA Agricultural Resource Service to document and collect crop wild relatives (CWR) in the Wild Chile Botanical Area of the Tumacacori Highlands and surrounding public lands for future research and safeguarding of genetic material that may play a role in food security in the face of hotter drier conditions.  Wild Chile Botanical Area What is a crop wild relative, and why are they important, you may be asking. As defined by the United States Forest Service, a crop wild relative is “a plant species occurring in the ‘wild’ that is a species from which the crop was domesticated, or a closely related species in the same genus to a particular domesticated crop species. Crop wild relatives may contribute genetic material to the crop species, which may provide for increased disease resistance, fertility, crop yield or other desirable traits. Almost every species of plant that we humans have domesticated and cultivate has one or more crop wild relatives. When humans find plant characteristics that may be useful to us in crop wild relative individuals, we breed those CWR plants with desirable traits until those traits are maintained in all offspring. During this process of domestication, we focus on bringing out parts of the phenotype, or how the plant appears on the outside, that we like through breeding which in turn slowly alters the genotype. We maintain these traits through continued cultivation. Once we have achieved our cultivar, often the crop wild relatives cease to be used, but usually continue to grow in the wild.  Wild Chiltepines Why are CWRs important? As we face unprecedented climate catastrophe, future food security is more important than ever. Gary Nabhan and Colin Khoury, who have advocated for CWR protection and research in our region for decades, write that “to produce good, affordable food while reducing the environmental impacts of production, more diversity will be needed both in the variety of plants cultivated or foraged for the market, and in the genetic variation within domesticated crops. Crop wild relatives offer the world both of these gifts.” CWRs that have adaptations for surviving and thriving in hot and dry conditions seem especially pertinent for the future of food security in the face of global warming. In their paper “Trans Situ Conservation of Wild Crop Relatives,” Gary Nabhan and Erin Riordan advocate for integrating in situ and ex situ strategies for CWR conservation by ramping up protective measures for landscapes where CWR plants grow, and maintaining ex situ backup in gene banks, while also promoting education, research, and relationship with these plants. BRN CWR work is just a starting point that stemmed from this “trans situ” approach. Our work with CWRs started in 2019 and has primarily been focused in the Wild Chile Botanical Area.  Wild Chile Botanical Area outlined in red. The Wild Chile Botanical Area (WCBA) is a 2,836-acre area under management of CNF and was designated in 1999 to protect the northernmost natural population of the chiltepin pepper (Capsicum annuum), the wild ancestor of many cultivated peppers. The special area was also created to provide protection and research opportunities for both the wild chile and other plants of economic importance or conservation concern. At least 45 species of crop wild relatives (CWR) occur in the watershed containing the WCBA within the east side of the Tumacacori Mountains on the Nogales Ranger District. Many of these CWR species have proven or potential uses as crop genetic resources for improvement of domesticated crops already being grown commercially in Arizona and the rest of the U.S. and the world. The WCBA is also one of the most botanically interesting areas in southern Arizona, providing a fantastic snapshot of the unique biotic community of the Tumacacori Highlands, and is home to numerous plant species that are at the northern extent of their range and grow in few other locations in the United States. For this reason in and of itself, the WCBA deserves protective measures.
In 2019 BRN played a small role in a project that the USFS was working on with support from USDA ARS to conduct a thorough botanical inventory of the WCBA. We supported the survey work which was lead by biologists from the Forest Service Enterprise Program, we then used the geolocations from the surveys to collect voucher specimens and seed that was sent to national germ plasm banks for research focused on the specific crop and its relatives. This year we are continuing and expanding the project with the primary objective to continue locating and inventorying CWR and to collect seeds and voucher specimens of priority species for conservation and research. This is being done primarily in the WCBA and Coronado National Forest land in the Tumacacori Highlands, Santa Rita Mountains and Patagonia Mountains, for species not observed in the WCBA. Results of plant inventories for CWR will be used to determine if further protective designation for the WCBA should be pursued as an Important Genetic Resource Reserve (IGRR) for plant species in addition to the wild chile.  Manihot davisiae or AZ Manihot, a wild relative of cassava. There are over 300 taxa of CWR present in the Tumacacori Highlands area of southeastern Arizona, so BRN has partnered with Erin Riordan, a plant ecologist and researcher, to narrow down such a large list in order to prioritize species that have more urgent research and conservation needs, and to have a more targeted strategy for survey and seed collection work with limited timeline and people power.
Although the insufficient precipitation during the monsoon season this year has posed a challenge to voucher and seed collection, this project feels urgent and timely, and BRN is thrilled to spearhead this work. Further reading from Erin Riordan on CWR. Watch the zoom presentation by Perin McNelis to the AZ Native Plant Society, Tucson Chapter about our WCR work. By: Cholla Nicoll, BRN Borderlands Wildlife Preserve Lead TechnicianAs October approaches, some of us begin to feel the magic that fall brings cooler temperatures, muted colors, and holidays celebrating the mysteries of life, death, and the unknown. Images of pumpkins, skulls, and owls begin to appear, and life slows down just a touch with the abundance of spring and summer fading. Lately, the preserve wildlife cameras have captured the same feeling highlighting one particularly hauntingly beautiful creature with quite the reputation for mysterious powers, the barn owl. Barn Owl taking a bath. The barn owl (Tyto alba) is a medium-sized owl with a worldwide range and 35 individual races with distinct characteristics depending on location. The North American Barn Owl (Tyto alba pratincola) is the largest of the barn owls, comparable to a crow's size. Barn Owls are strictly nocturnal and mostly prey upon small mammals. Barn Owls are famous in the animal world for having the best-known hearing in existence. Researchers have determined that Barn Owls can successfully capture prey in one hundred percent darkness using sound alone. This unique adaptation allows Barn Owls to avoid hunting at similar times of the night to their natural predator, the Great Horned Owl. Great Horned Owl Other unique characteristics Barn Owls poses include the ability to breed year-round and the vocalization of a screech instead of the typical hoot sound. Barn Owls' ability to produce offspring year-round makes them a great candidate for rodent control in agricultural settings. Research has shown that Barn Owls can significantly reduce rodent populations and at minimal cost to the farmer. Barn Owls are a great alternative to incredibly harmful rodenticides that kill thousands of unintended animals each year. Borderlands Wildlife Preserve provides the ideal habitat for Barn Owls, a rough grassland with large open spaces. We are happy to share these amazing pictures of our local Barn Owls with you all, and for an extra boost of that fall feeling, please enjoy the videos of our precious nocturnal wildlife, including a Barn Owl, Great Horned Owl, and Coyote. For more information on Barn Owls and how to create Barn Owl Boxes for agricultural and conservation uses please visit Barn Owl Box Company. Coyote & Bat
Barn Owl
By: Laura Monti, BRN Senior Fellow On behalf of the Comcáac Health Relief team we are deeply grateful to all of our donors for your generous support. These extraordinary times of Covid-19 have required extraordinary commitment, tenacity and passion on all of our parts. The returns are incalculable: local healthcare teams galvanized and equipped, lives have been saved, and we hope the disease may be starting to diminish. Further, this community engaged approach to Covid-19 care is being used as a model by other indigenous communities in the region. The funds raised and volunteer support has helped to mobilize resources directly to the Comcáac healthcare team, and to equip them to better respond to health care challenges related to Covid-19. The result is that the Covid response clinics are now established in the two Comcáac villages of Desemboque and Punta Chueca, staffed by 13 community health promoters and supported by medical and public health consultation.  Health Promoters Isabela Morales, Omar Casanova, and Yasmin Molina Co-Leaders of the Desemboque Health Team. Each clinic now has satellite internet to allow for consultation and emergency transfers. Two integrative healthcare teams now include six health promoters supported by five expert herbalists bringing together modern medical treatment with traditional desert plant medicine to treat patients with Covid-19. Dr. Laura Monti is overseeing the effort on the ground, working with the Comcáac healthcare teams backed up by medical doctors from the Sonora Public Health and Indigenous Health departments. The health care teams in both villages have been working around the clock, seven days a week to care for patients with Covid-19 in their communities. During early July through August 10th, new cases of Covid-19 continued to rise with an average of 5-8 new cases per week in each village. During late June to mid-August, the number of cumulative cases of Covid-19 cases was just over 100, confirmed during a series of eight testing clinics carried out by the Public Health Secretary. In each village approximately 50 cases were documented through testing, with at least 20 more persons in each village identified with positive Covid symptoms. Our conservative estimates are that since May 2020 in Desemboque (population 300 +-) has experienced a 25% infection rate. Punta Chueca, with over 700 people has had a 10% infection rate. While the numbers seem to have begun to decline, complicated cases have continued to occur, with one recent hospitalization. While unfortunately five persons have died due to Covid-19, as of late August most patients under the care of the Comcáac health promoter team have recovered or are recovering.  Patient Eleazar Lopez and Laura Monti RN, NP The Health Promoters of Desemboque and Punta Chueca have provided the following services and activities: ● 125 consultations evaluating and caring for patients with Covid-19 symptoms. ● 50 oxygen and respiratory therapy treatments have been delivered. ● The herbalists have gathered bushels of medicinal plants traveling to remote areas where specific plants are found. ● 100 patients have received a “Covid Kit” with hand sanitizer, masks and a two week supply of plants known to be effective for Covid-related symptoms. ● 120 home visits to provide follow-up treatment and preventative care from July through mid-August to patients with Covid and their families. ● 24-hour care for 7 patients ranging from 1-3 days to 4 weeks. In addition, Dr. Monti and the healthcare teams have initiated contact tracing mapping the locations of cases of Covid-19 by neighborhood and are providing follow-up care and prevention for Covid+ patients, families and neighbors in their native language. This outreach has reached dozens of individuals and families who have not approached the clinic or participated in the Covid testing clinics. The health care team doubled their efforts in “hotspot” areas distributing protective gear, masks, face shields and hand sanitizer to all of the stores, fishing sector and their families living closest to the beach area, and to vulnerable groups that have not contracted the disease. This science and community based public health approach, combined with excellent clinical care has reduced deaths and prevented many hospitalizations for Covid-19 patients in the Comcáac communities of Desemboque and Punta Chueca. To date, no deaths have occurred under the care of the health promoters since the beginning of the Comcáac Health Relief Fund, a fact that Indigenous Health Coordinator of Sonora, Dr. Martin Maldonado says has made this indigenous Covid response program a model in the state and the nation. “We send profound gratitude to our many friends that have supported us. Before this program began we were alone, without experience or knowledge confronting a situation that seemed impossible. We had no protective gear and were exhausted. Now it is a different story completely. We have a team and a circle of friends. Now we feel confident because many have recovered under our care.” -Desemboque health promoters-- Omar Casanova and Isabela Morales. Thanks to the following individuals for their support:
 Herbalists have gathered bushels of medicinal plants traveling to remote areas where specific plants are found. Comcaac authorities and leaders Francisco Fonseca, Rogelio Montaño, Leonel Hoeffer and Reynaldo Estrella are currently providing ongoing logistical support. Work has begun to restore adjacent buildings to the clinics. Additional safe space is essential to keep the healthcare team healthy, to provide adequate space for patient isolation, a work room for the herbalists and equipment storage. The clinic water pump in Desemboque has been repaired and the clinic now has running water thanks to Solarex company workers. Restoration of additional safe space will begin soon with installation of electricity and running water to these much needed areas.  Punta Cheuca Health Team, Pati Barnett, Dr Holguien, Gemma Torres, Yuniva Barnett. Our next steps of this project are to continue health promoter support, renovate structures adjacent to the clinics to assure safe space and working conditions for the health promoters and patients; support nutrition and home gardens and achieve affordable clean water for both community. We have raised approximately $31,000 at this point along with thousands of dollars of in-kind supplies.
Your continued contributions are needed as we move to the next phase and are greatly appreciated! Questions? Contact Dr. Laura Monti, BRN Senior Fellow, Researcher, University of Arizona, College of Public Health and The Southwest Center Read in Spanish here. By: Francesca Claverie, Native Plant Program Manager |
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These efforts on the U.S. side of the border are coordinated with plantings of agaves in both Sonora, Mexico and Nuevo Leon, in northeastern Mexico, where a different endangered species of nectar-feeding bats, Leptonycteris nivalis (Greater long-nosed bat), migrate.
Restoring agaves in our borderlands region is critical as they disappear from the landscape with increased production of the regional agave distillate, bacanora. To address threats to bats and to agaves, including the sustainability of bacanora production, policy changes need to incentivize practices that prevent further ecological degradation and restore nectar landscape connectivity, while celebrating regional food heritages and supporting restorative economies.
Restoring agaves in our borderlands region is critical as they disappear from the landscape with increased production of the regional agave distillate, bacanora. To address threats to bats and to agaves, including the sustainability of bacanora production, policy changes need to incentivize practices that prevent further ecological degradation and restore nectar landscape connectivity, while celebrating regional food heritages and supporting restorative economies.
BRN and one of our Sonoran partners, the Colectivo Sonora Silvestre, are working to strengthen community-based restoration of bacanora agaves through policy change by collaborating with universities, herbaria, government agencies, local policy regulators, non-profits, producers, and consumers in Mexico and the USA. Together we will evaluate connectivity of wild agave populations and impacts to pollinators on both sides of the border, supporting the creation of a cooperative, science-based, sustainability certification for bacanora production.
If you missed it, we are in the running to potentially fund our certification efforts with an award from Colorado State University Salazar Center’s Connectivity Challenge. The BRN Native Plant program is one of five finalists from across the nation competing for a $100,000 prize to fund projects that support landscape connectivity.
If you missed it, we are in the running to potentially fund our certification efforts with an award from Colorado State University Salazar Center’s Connectivity Challenge. The BRN Native Plant program is one of five finalists from across the nation competing for a $100,000 prize to fund projects that support landscape connectivity.
By: Cholla Nicoll, BRN Wildlife Intern
One of the six wildlife cameras set up at Borderlands Wildlife Preserve monitors wildlife using the Casa Blanca Road underpass. This camera just happens to be my least favorite to check. Its location is not easy to access forcing me to either bushwhack through thick allergy-inducing foliage, or walk along the highway with the anxiety-inducing traffic reminding me that I am far smaller than a sixteen wheeler.
Frequently the reward for this effort is small, the camera images only showing a lonely raven or sunflowers blowing in the wind. Rarely though, the reward is well worth the effort giving me a glimpse into the lives of our wildlife and the daily paths chosen for survival.
Frequently the reward for this effort is small, the camera images only showing a lonely raven or sunflowers blowing in the wind. Rarely though, the reward is well worth the effort giving me a glimpse into the lives of our wildlife and the daily paths chosen for survival.
Most of my rewards come from the pictures collected on an SD card. A family of turkeys who found their way to the underpass or a stealthy bobcat moving almost unseen through the creek bed. On my most recent outing, I had a rewarding in-person experience that rang home the importance of the underpass.
As I sat crouched checking the camera, a female white-tailed deer sprinted towards me from the opposite embankment headed towards the underpass. Upon seeing me she changed course and fled in the opposite direction. Seconds later her urgency was justified as a large coyote came bounding in my direction, also changing course due to my presence. They both hesitated and then deciding hunger and survival were of more importance than my presence. They took off to meet each other’s fate.
As I sat crouched checking the camera, a female white-tailed deer sprinted towards me from the opposite embankment headed towards the underpass. Upon seeing me she changed course and fled in the opposite direction. Seconds later her urgency was justified as a large coyote came bounding in my direction, also changing course due to my presence. They both hesitated and then deciding hunger and survival were of more importance than my presence. They took off to meet each other’s fate.
This experience left me pondering many things. If I hadn’t been there would the outcome of the chase be different? If the road hadn’t been there would the deer have had a better escape route? If the underpass hadn’t been there would there have been a car accident? I will never know the answers to these questions, but one thing I can say is that all three of us avoided the road that day.
Avoiding those heavily traveled roads can save many, many lives and wildlife underpasses and overpasses have proven to save not only animals, but also the unfortunate people whose cars encounter them.
Communities around the world are considering the lives of migrating wildlife by constructing more overpasses and underpasses. Driving less overall also saves animals' lives. As the COVID19 pandemic drags on studies are showing that tens of thousands of animals have been spared deaths on roads. The Patagonia community faces the potential for future mining traffic headed north passing directly by the Borderlands Wildlife Preserve.
More overpasses and underpasses along with making the choice to drive less will undoubtedly save lives. As the famous Robert Frost poem “The Road Not Taken“ says, “Two roads diverged in a wood, and I took the one less traveled by, and that has made all the difference.”
Avoiding those heavily traveled roads can save many, many lives and wildlife underpasses and overpasses have proven to save not only animals, but also the unfortunate people whose cars encounter them.
Communities around the world are considering the lives of migrating wildlife by constructing more overpasses and underpasses. Driving less overall also saves animals' lives. As the COVID19 pandemic drags on studies are showing that tens of thousands of animals have been spared deaths on roads. The Patagonia community faces the potential for future mining traffic headed north passing directly by the Borderlands Wildlife Preserve.
More overpasses and underpasses along with making the choice to drive less will undoubtedly save lives. As the famous Robert Frost poem “The Road Not Taken“ says, “Two roads diverged in a wood, and I took the one less traveled by, and that has made all the difference.”
For more information on declining roadkill rates see this recent study:
Roadkill Declines as COVID-19 Continues
For more information on recent wildlife overpass/underpass news see these links:
Bill to fund wildlife crossings in US
Wildlife overpass legislation in Mexico
Tucson wildlife crossings
Roadkill Declines as COVID-19 Continues
For more information on recent wildlife overpass/underpass news see these links:
Bill to fund wildlife crossings in US
Wildlife overpass legislation in Mexico
Tucson wildlife crossings
By: Sarah Ramirez, BRN Oak Intern
I was first introduced to Borderland Restorations Network (BRN) through a tour I took with them in the summer of 2019. As a student in the horticulture field who is from a border area where I have seen the destruction that infrastructure from border wall construction and agricultural development can do, seeing BRN in action is nothing short of inspiring. To see an organization doing restoration horticulture in so many cool and different ways and working on really important projects motivated and assured me in any doubts I might have had about my career field choice.
The agave restoration project was initially what hooked me, so I reached out for a possible internship to work and learn with BRN. I was lucky enough to be accepted for the position and have learned so much in my short time here. I have learned about how the “network” part of BRN is so crucial and how true restoration science is a collaborative effort of multiple, innovative approaches.
The agave restoration project was initially what hooked me, so I reached out for a possible internship to work and learn with BRN. I was lucky enough to be accepted for the position and have learned so much in my short time here. I have learned about how the “network” part of BRN is so crucial and how true restoration science is a collaborative effort of multiple, innovative approaches.
This internship has shown me how rare and special the particular oaks native to Arizona are compared to oaks in different parts of the country, specifically, Quercus emoryi. The emoryi oak is native and prolific in the Santa Cruz County and is one of the oaks indicative of the Sky Island ecosystem. Using mapping resources from SEInet I have been able to familiarize myself a little more with the Madrean mountains area, understanding the habitats that oaks grow in as well as their importance in these unique Sky Island systems.
Oaks as well as pines are the largest tree generas in the Northern Sierra Madre Occidental (Fleger et at.) and that translates to the regions in and around the Patagonia region. With the ever-changing climate, the monsoon rains are not as predictable and yielding as they once were, the changing of climate, along with lost practices of tree maintenance (controlled fire regimes) has stacked the odds against new generations of oaks for the future.
Having the position as “the oak intern” has been a fun and rewarding experience, from acorn collecting to oak hunting and identifying, acorn germinating and planting, this project has been a lot of fun and I hope that my contributions have been able to help this organization in their restoration efforts.
Having the position as “the oak intern” has been a fun and rewarding experience, from acorn collecting to oak hunting and identifying, acorn germinating and planting, this project has been a lot of fun and I hope that my contributions have been able to help this organization in their restoration efforts.
By: Audrey Rader, BRN Restoration Program Manager
We are pleased to announce that Borderlands Restoration Network is a recipient of an Arizona Department of Water Resources Watershed Management Assistance Program grant! The Arizona Department of Water Resources will provide roughly $105,000 in support over three years with the express purpose of preventing the Santa Cruz water table from experiencing long-term declines.
This project will take place on the T4 Ranch, a working ranch midway between Patagonia and Nogales, AZ. Borderlands Earth Care Youth and Watershed Restoration Program crews will work together to install erosion control structures across twelve degrading drainages of this 300-acre property.
In addition to restoring the physical processes of this site, we will also spread native, pelletized seed and mulch across bare ground. These activities will mitigate soil loss, increase water infiltration, and enhance native plant abundance and diversity while simultaneously educating and empowering our local youth.
In addition to restoring the physical processes of this site, we will also spread native, pelletized seed and mulch across bare ground. These activities will mitigate soil loss, increase water infiltration, and enhance native plant abundance and diversity while simultaneously educating and empowering our local youth.
ADEQ drone documenting the landscape on the project site.
During July, the Arizona Department of Environmental Quality (ADEQ) staff flew drones over T4 Ranch to obtain imagery establishing the baseline conditions of this site to better inform restoration activities. After restoration work is completed, ADEQ will again fly T4 Ranch to document and survey the land. These surveys may aid ongoing efforts by the United States Geological Survey to track gullying rates with and without erosion control structures. In tracking these rates, we will garner a better understanding of the effectiveness of erosion control efforts in this special area.
As proud occupants of these gorgeous Sky Islands, we are grateful when our work can continue through the generous support of our funders. We greatly appreciate the Santa Cruz Groundwater Users Advisory Council and Arizona Department of Water Resources Watershed Management in their support of the restoration of this vital region.
By: Cholla Nicoll, BRN Wildlife Intern
One of the most amazing and diverse families lives right here in our local environment, and sometimes even our home. This family consists of 38 different species, the smallest of which is the domestic house cat (Felis catus). Cats have captivated humanity as far back as records exist. Cultures all over the world have revered cats for their power, beauty and mysterious ways. Luckily for us, four different species of wild cats make their homes right here in Southeastern Arizona. The Mountain Lion (Felis concolor) and Bobcat (Felis rufus) are commonly found here, while the Jaguar (Felis onca) and Ocelot (Felis pardalis) are considered endangered and rarely seen.
All cats are obligate carnivores, meaning that their bodies require certain nutrients that can only be acquired through eating meat. Large cats like mountain lions eat approximately one deer every two weeks, or smaller animals more frequently if deer are not present. Since large cats require large meals their presence often indicates an abundant ecosystem.
Mountain Lions travel great distances to meet their caloric requirements and their territory can easily encompass 20 square miles. Protecting non-endangered cats, like mountain lions, is vital because it also protects a large habitat containing many different plants and animals. To learn more about mountain lions and how to safely coexist with them please visit Mountain Lion Foundation.
All cats are obligate carnivores, meaning that their bodies require certain nutrients that can only be acquired through eating meat. Large cats like mountain lions eat approximately one deer every two weeks, or smaller animals more frequently if deer are not present. Since large cats require large meals their presence often indicates an abundant ecosystem.
Mountain Lions travel great distances to meet their caloric requirements and their territory can easily encompass 20 square miles. Protecting non-endangered cats, like mountain lions, is vital because it also protects a large habitat containing many different plants and animals. To learn more about mountain lions and how to safely coexist with them please visit Mountain Lion Foundation.
Mountain Lion captured on one of our wildlife monitoring cameras last fall in the Borderlands Wildlife Preserve.
As elusive as our feline friends can be, we do frequently find tracks and scat indicating their presence at the Borderlands Wildlife Preserve. Occasionally we are lucky enough to capture a picture of a cat on our wildlife cameras like this mountain lion image from last fall. These beautiful predators help maintain the balance of wildlife in our area and still strike up a feeling of awe in the lucky few who catch a glimpse of them in their natural surroundings.
In celebration of our local wild cats, Borderlands Restoration Network in collaboration with the Patagonia Creative Arts Association will be holding a wild cat drawing contest for local elementary-aged students. This contest will take place in September and the winners will have their art featured on one of the trail signs located within the Borderlands Wildlife Preserve.
Be on the lookout for more details as September approaches!
In celebration of our local wild cats, Borderlands Restoration Network in collaboration with the Patagonia Creative Arts Association will be holding a wild cat drawing contest for local elementary-aged students. This contest will take place in September and the winners will have their art featured on one of the trail signs located within the Borderlands Wildlife Preserve.
Be on the lookout for more details as September approaches!
By: Laura Monti, BRN Senior Fellow
Because of the support of many generous donors, myself, Jesús Armando Haro Encinas and Gary Paul Nabhan made a trip to Desemboque, Sonora on July 2nd to deliver medical equipment, supplies and medicine to assist in setting up a COVID-19 response clinic.
The equipment and supplies that were brought to Desemboque included six oxygen concentrators including two high flow 10 liter/minute machines, disposable masks, tubing, a sterilization unit, oximeters, personal protective gear, sanitizer, and medications. The high flow oxygen concentrators are scarce due to the rising levels of COVID-19 in both Arizona and Sonora. We would like to purchase two more as they become available to be able to supply the clinics in each village.
The equipment and supplies that were brought to Desemboque included six oxygen concentrators including two high flow 10 liter/minute machines, disposable masks, tubing, a sterilization unit, oximeters, personal protective gear, sanitizer, and medications. The high flow oxygen concentrators are scarce due to the rising levels of COVID-19 in both Arizona and Sonora. We would like to purchase two more as they become available to be able to supply the clinics in each village.
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We worked together with four healthcare providers of the Municipal Secretary of Health of Pitiquito and five local health promoters to initiate a COVID-19 response clinic. The team assessed, tested and provided healthcare to over 70 community members. The health care promoters received training on the use of the different oxygen concentrating machines and in the therapeutic administration of oxygen. The machines were put to immediate use and provided life saving support for patients in respiratory distress. The local health promoters were filled with pride and hope as they experienced tangible support, appreciation and accompaniment. They and all the Comcáac send greetings along with their deep gratitude for the support.
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In addition to the clinic, arrangements are being developed to provide support from medical health care providers via phone and through video calls. We have also been assisting in the costs of transporting patients to hospitals, as needed, and funeral costs. Much of this work has required an enormous amount of coordination and communication which has generously been provided by Leonel Hoeffer, Coordinator of the Kino Bay Center Indigenous Community Partnership Program.
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As well as providing ongoing support for the health promoters and health clinic operations, one of our next steps is to help improve the physical condition of the clinic in Desemboque. If funding permits we will restore access to water by repairing the water pump and tubing and purchase filters to assure potable water. To address the space limitations and overcrowded conditions of the clinic we will use temporary pop-up tents for a waiting area outside, as well as restore and ventilate several rooms in the clinic.
We would like to recognize the generous support of the following individuals and organizations:
Thank you to all for your generous donations -- this effort would not be possible without your support!
Interested in supporting this effort? Click here to donate!
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Laura Monti, Jesús Armando Haro Encinas y Gary Paul Nabhan hicieron un viaje a Desemboque, Sonora, el pasado 2 de julio para entregar equipos médicos, suministros y medicamentos para ayudar a establecer la clínica de respuesta COVID-19.
El equipo y los suministros que se llevaron a Desemboque incluían 6 compresores de oxígeno que incluían 2 máquinas de alto flujo de 10 litros / minuto, máscaras desechables, tubos, una unidad de esterilización, oxímetros, equipo de protección personal, desinfectante y medicamentos. Los concentradores de oxígeno de alto flujo son escasos debido a los niveles crecientes de COVID-19 tanto en Arizona como en Sonora. Nos gustaría comprar dos más a medida que estén disponibles para poder suministrar las clínicas en cada pueblo.
Los proveedores de atención médica Laura Monti y Jesús Armando Haro Encinas trabajaron junto con 4 proveedores de atención médica de la Secretaría Municipal de Salud de Pitiquito y 5 promotores locales de salud para iniciar una clínica de respuesta COVID-19.
El equipo evaluó y realizó pruebas a más de 70 miembros de la comunidad para COVID-19 y proporcionó atención médica. Los promotores de atención médica recibieron capacitación sobre el uso de las diferentes máquinas compresoras de oxígeno y en la administración terapéutica de oxígeno, y las máquinas se pusieron en uso inmediato, brindando apoyo vital a los pacientes con dificultad respiratoria. Los promotores locales de salud se llenaron de orgullo y esperanza al experimentar un apoyo tangible, aprecio y acompañamiento. Ellos y todos los Comcaac envían saludos junto con su profunda gratitud por el apoyo.
Además de la clínica, se están desarrollando acuerdos para brindar apoyo de los proveedores de atención médica a través del teléfono y, si es posible, a través de videollamadas. También hemos estado ayudando con costos de transporte de pacientes a hospitales, y también en los costos de los funerales según sea necesario. Gran parte de este trabajo ha requerido una enorme cantidad de coordinación y comunicación que ha sido generosamente proporcionada por Leonel Hoeffer, Coordinador del Programa de Colaboración con Comunidades Indígenas del Centro Prescott de Bahía de Kino.
Además de proporcionar apoyo continuo para los promotores de salud y las operaciones de la clínica de salud, uno de nuestros próximos pasos es ayudar a mejorar la condición física de la clínica en Desemboque. Si el financiamiento lo permite, restauraremos el acceso de agua reparando la bomba de agua y los tubos, además compraremos filtros para asegurar el agua potable. Para abordar las limitaciones de espacio y las condiciones de conglomeración en la clínica, utilizaremos carpas emergentes temporales para un área de espera afuera, así como también restauraremos y ventilaremos varias habitaciones en la clínica.
Nos gustaría reconocer el generoso apoyo de las siguientes personas y organizaciones:
- Prescott College Kino Bay Center for providing logistical support as well as providing access to relevant equipment.
- Borderlands Restoration Network for the amazing support, receiving U.S. tax deductible donations and processing donations.
- 11th Hour Racing, a program of The Schmidt Family Foundation, for their generous support.
- Santiago Aguirre García and his staff of the solar panel business Solarex in Hermosillo. He and his staff worked tirelessly to locate, purchase and deliver supplies to Desemboque.
- The Secretary of Indigenous Health of the State of Sonora and the Municipal Public Health Departments of Pitiquito and Hermosillo for their ongoing collaboration.
- Diana Luque for her tireless work procuring food, water and in advice on economic recovery.
Thank you to all for your generous donations -- this effort would not be possible without your support!
Interested in supporting this effort? Click here to donate!
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Laura Monti, Jesús Armando Haro Encinas y Gary Paul Nabhan hicieron un viaje a Desemboque, Sonora, el pasado 2 de julio para entregar equipos médicos, suministros y medicamentos para ayudar a establecer la clínica de respuesta COVID-19.
El equipo y los suministros que se llevaron a Desemboque incluían 6 compresores de oxígeno que incluían 2 máquinas de alto flujo de 10 litros / minuto, máscaras desechables, tubos, una unidad de esterilización, oxímetros, equipo de protección personal, desinfectante y medicamentos. Los concentradores de oxígeno de alto flujo son escasos debido a los niveles crecientes de COVID-19 tanto en Arizona como en Sonora. Nos gustaría comprar dos más a medida que estén disponibles para poder suministrar las clínicas en cada pueblo.
Los proveedores de atención médica Laura Monti y Jesús Armando Haro Encinas trabajaron junto con 4 proveedores de atención médica de la Secretaría Municipal de Salud de Pitiquito y 5 promotores locales de salud para iniciar una clínica de respuesta COVID-19.
El equipo evaluó y realizó pruebas a más de 70 miembros de la comunidad para COVID-19 y proporcionó atención médica. Los promotores de atención médica recibieron capacitación sobre el uso de las diferentes máquinas compresoras de oxígeno y en la administración terapéutica de oxígeno, y las máquinas se pusieron en uso inmediato, brindando apoyo vital a los pacientes con dificultad respiratoria. Los promotores locales de salud se llenaron de orgullo y esperanza al experimentar un apoyo tangible, aprecio y acompañamiento. Ellos y todos los Comcaac envían saludos junto con su profunda gratitud por el apoyo.
Además de la clínica, se están desarrollando acuerdos para brindar apoyo de los proveedores de atención médica a través del teléfono y, si es posible, a través de videollamadas. También hemos estado ayudando con costos de transporte de pacientes a hospitales, y también en los costos de los funerales según sea necesario. Gran parte de este trabajo ha requerido una enorme cantidad de coordinación y comunicación que ha sido generosamente proporcionada por Leonel Hoeffer, Coordinador del Programa de Colaboración con Comunidades Indígenas del Centro Prescott de Bahía de Kino.
Además de proporcionar apoyo continuo para los promotores de salud y las operaciones de la clínica de salud, uno de nuestros próximos pasos es ayudar a mejorar la condición física de la clínica en Desemboque. Si el financiamiento lo permite, restauraremos el acceso de agua reparando la bomba de agua y los tubos, además compraremos filtros para asegurar el agua potable. Para abordar las limitaciones de espacio y las condiciones de conglomeración en la clínica, utilizaremos carpas emergentes temporales para un área de espera afuera, así como también restauraremos y ventilaremos varias habitaciones en la clínica.
Nos gustaría reconocer el generoso apoyo de las siguientes personas y organizaciones:
- Prescott College Kino Bay Center (Centro Prescott) por brindar apoyo logístico y brindar acceso a equipos relevantes
- Borderlands Restoration Network por su increíble apoyo, recibiendo donaciones deducibles de impuestos de EE. UU. y procesando donaciones.
- Santiago Aguirre García y su personal de negocio de paneles solares Solarex en Hermosillo. Él y su personal trabajaron incansablemente para localizar, comprar y entregar suministros a Desemboque.
- El Secretario de Salud Indígena del estado de Sonora y los Departamentos Municipales de Salud Pública de Pitiquito y Hermosillo por su continua colaboración.
- Diana Luque por su incansable trabajo en la obtención de agua y alimentos, recuperación económica y asesoría en desarrollo comunitario.
By: Cholla Nicoll, BRN Wildlife Intern
What is more American than the Fourth of July? How about an animal that has existed on this continent for over a million years, the coyote. The coyote arose in the Middle Pleistocene, and today there are 19 subspecies ranging from Central America to Alaska. Coyotes can be solitary or pack animals, frequently forming pair bonds that can last a lifetime. Coyotes are attentive parents and generally have pups once per year. They communicate with each other through vocalizations and scent marking. The scientific name for coyote is Canis latrans which means “barking dog”.
Coyotes continue to thrive after centuries of persecution and have even expanded their historic range filling gaps left behind by the elimination of other predators such as the wolf. The removal of coyotes leads to new coyotes breeding faster in the absence of resource competition. Although it has been well documented that killing coyotes is an ineffective and costly means of control, nearly a half million coyotes are still killed annually in the U.S.
Coyotes continue to thrive after centuries of persecution and have even expanded their historic range filling gaps left behind by the elimination of other predators such as the wolf. The removal of coyotes leads to new coyotes breeding faster in the absence of resource competition. Although it has been well documented that killing coyotes is an ineffective and costly means of control, nearly a half million coyotes are still killed annually in the U.S.
A mated pair of coyotes who safely reside within the Borderlands Wildlife Preserve.
These misunderstood animals are vital to our ecosystems and coexistence is more effective than lethal means of population control. Coyotes keep smaller predator populations such as feral cats and skunks in check, allowing birds a greater opportunity to reproduce. Coyotes also keep rodent and rabbit populations under control which benefits both urban and rural human communities. To learn more about how to coexist with coyotes please check out Project Coyote.
Arizona is now under a second round of shutdowns, due to an increase in COVID19 cases. This Fourth of July some of us will be missing our familiar routine of looking towards the sky for fireworks and laughing with friends and family. I suggest in place of our usual traditions we celebrate one of the greatest American survival stories known and turn our heads to the sky and howl.
If we can’t be together, we can take note from the coyotes and at least hear each other’s call of survival and continued endurance. Please enjoy the picture of a mated pair of coyotes who safely reside within the Borderlands Wildlife Preserve.
Arizona is now under a second round of shutdowns, due to an increase in COVID19 cases. This Fourth of July some of us will be missing our familiar routine of looking towards the sky for fireworks and laughing with friends and family. I suggest in place of our usual traditions we celebrate one of the greatest American survival stories known and turn our heads to the sky and howl.
If we can’t be together, we can take note from the coyotes and at least hear each other’s call of survival and continued endurance. Please enjoy the picture of a mated pair of coyotes who safely reside within the Borderlands Wildlife Preserve.