​My Summer: Sonoran Field Course 2022

By: Ana Lucía Flores García, SFC Participant

Sonoran Field Course (SFC), you were the best moment of my summer 2022, you exceeded my expectations and knocked down that barrier that had stopped me for so long. I can't believe everything I've learned, everything I've experienced in such a short time, and all the love I've received from the entire team in just nine days, the best nine days spent without a doubt. I would love to have a time machine and relive every moment, from the morning talks, the afternoons at work and the nights full of laughter and memories.

SFC 2022 participants with Perin McNelis of BRN's Native Plant Program.

I would really love for everyone who has this opportunity to enjoy it. It is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity and I am sure you will not want it to end once you see and meet the great team that makes all this possible. I tell you myself, I was always afraid to try new things, to leave home and see the other side of the coin, the real world I would say.

It all started in the City of Hermosillo, Sonora. Like everyone, I arrived with a lot of nerves and with normal expectations so to speak, because I really didn't know what to expect. I never thought I would get so attached and I never thought I would learn so much in such a short time. I think that the first day was something curious. We began by introducing ourselves, talking about Sonoran ethnic groups and meeting last year's graduates, who made us feel even more confident about the incredible decision we had made.

Participants and facilitators in Casa Andamios at the end of the first day of activities of the SFC 2022.

On the second day, the Sonoran Field Course began with a climb to Johnson Hill and a talk with Sergio and Luis from Caminantes del Desierto which is a group that promotes the care and restoration of the desert. Next we visited Palo Alto School to learn more about the native plant nursery project that past Sonoran Field Course interns created. It really caught my attention with the plant propagation and aquaponic workshops they teach to the little ones. Thanks to Director Limón and Leonela, a SFC alumna, for the work that you’re doing at Palo Alto to share these important lessons with children. ​

Aquaponic interpretive material at Palo Alto School in Hermosillo, Sonora.

Next, we talked a bit about green infrastructure, which I sincerely see as the salvation of many countries, since they are ideas that benefit an entire community and region. Thanks to Rogelio Cota, Director at Cota Estévez Arquitectura, for sharing your experience of green infrastructure. After leaving Hermosillo, we arrived at El Aribabi Conservation Ranch in La Casona, where German and Marcia welcomed us with arms wide open and a feast of food for all.

A beautiful view from El Aribabi Conservation Ranch.

​The third day, facilitator and a great human being, Jorge, taught us principle number three of "leave no trace" which talks about being aware of our waste and knowing how to dispose of it properly. I really will not forget that talk, nor the great meaning it can have. Shortly after, German told us a little about what his family has done at El Aribabi Conservation Ranch, which is basically keeping the bioregion in its natural state while continuing to function as a cattle ranch. That same day we met the incomparable Dr. Joaquín Murrieta of Watershed Management Group, who with his fascinating talks and activities, made me fall in love with the subject of rainwater harvesting. He captured my interest within the first five minutes, and I must admit that not only I, but all of us, were a hundred percent attentive to his explanations. As the  day ended, I already felt more connected with everyone.

SFC 2022 facilitator Jorge giving a talk to the group.

We left in the morning for Cuenca los Ojos (CLO), the place that I definitely fell in love with because of the food delicacies that they gave us every day and the great human beings there. Valer Clark, the founder and  José Manuel Pérez, Conservation Director of CLO , are without a doubt  a great inspiration to me and everyone. I have no words to convey the great restoration wonders she has achieved on the ranch over time.  CLO guided us in building nine erosion control structures and educated us about grassland management. We also learned about native plant propagation and seed balls from Francesca Claverie and Perin McNelis of Borderlands Restoration Network's Native Plant Program. I will never forget this place and I will never forget the people who make it up.

Francesca Claverie and Perin McNelis of BRN's Native Plant Program with me, Ana Lucía.

I also appreciate the two great Sonoran Field Course facilitators Jorge and Anays. I know that Jorge will always be the right person to talk about everything, because he knows how to listen and chat with you like a great friend. Then there is Anays with her great intelligence and dedication. I am sure that any barrier that comes my way she will be the one to ask for real advice. Then there is Juliet who is the coordinator of the program, I can only say that wow you know how to handle everything wonderfully, how brave you are and what a great charisma you have. You always made me feel at home every time we talked. I thank them and all my colleagues immensely. I take the best of you, you are phenomenal. I hope the road brings us together again and to live more experiences like these. I admire every talk I have with each one, they are my example to follow. I love them. I LOVE IT HERE. 😊

To read the Spanish version, please click here.