A Little Help From the Monsoon

To practice restoration, we must be both patient and optimistic. It can take years, decades, or generations to see the impact of our work. With this year’s above-average monsoon, we were lucky to see some accelerated results.

BRN’s Watershed Restoration Field Crew took the opportunity to monitor our erosion control structures in action during this summer’s epic monsoon season. Our team observed the effectiveness of our structures in slowing the force of storm runoff in ephemeral drainages, retaining sediment that would otherwise be washed downstream, and even pooling water for wildlife and soil moisture retention. The team also saw abundant natural vegetation growth, along with plants emerging from our pelletized seed, in areas near our structures that were previously bare ground. Pictured here are examples of working erosion control structures at the Borderlands Wildlife Preserve, Little Casa Blanca Canyon, and the Huachuca Mountains.

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Meanwhile, at the Native Plant Program, our farm plot for native seed was exceptionally productive and attracted a diversity of native pollinators with its blooms. Our seed collection crews have been busy harvesting early-season seeds from farmed and wild populations and admiring the flowers on species that we will harvest seed from later in the fall. Over the years, we have learned the importance of being nimble and taking advantage of favorable precipitation seasons, which may only occur every few years. Our seasonal harvest crews this year have allowed us to do just that, mobilizing quickly when conditions are right to maximize these valuable opportunities.

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Our hydroseeding efforts also got a boost from this season’s abundant rainfall. At a homeowner’s property in Elgin, native grasses from our seed mix began sprouting after the summer rains. In July, we applied the mix using a hydroseeder, a machine that sprays a combination of seeds, mulch, and tackifier to help hold everything in place. Once the mix is on the ground, it takes around 10-14 days to see results. Just two months later, the homeowner captured photos of the diverse grasses emerging across the property. It’s an encouraging example of how the right conditions can bring our restoration efforts to life!

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Hydroseeding is considered the gold standard for seeding large areas, even hillsides, because the mulch helps retain moisture, giving seeds a better chance to germinate. This method can be done any time of year, though success depends on the right conditions, especially soil quality, rainfall, and access to supplemental water. Our team assesses each property’s soil, slope, size, and water availability during a site visit to determine whether hydroseeding is a good fit and if any preparation, such as breaking up compacted soil, is needed first. By helping native grasses take root, hydroseeding supports healthier soils, reduces erosion, and lays the "groundwork" for landscapes that benefit native plants and wildlife.

In a region defined by equal measures of abundance and harshness, each year brings uncertainty and variability. We can expect more severe droughts, alongside floods that reshape the land. Through our daily actions of placing stones and tending seeds, we hedge our bets towards a better future and more resilient landscapes.