Sonoran Field Course

The Sonoran Field Course is a theoretical and practical training course designed to inspire the next generation of environmental leaders in the Sky Islands.

The course takes place in different locations in the state of Sonora such as Hermosillo, Rancho El Aribabi in Imuris, Cananea, and Cuenca Los Ojos in Agua Prieta. The program includes lectures, workshops, field trips, and hands-on learning opportunities covering a wide variety of topics from technical skills in native plant propagation and green infrastructure to the fundamental principles of restorative economics, and is taught almost entirely in Spanish.

Questions? Contact Jordan Sene, Education Program Manager at jsene@borderlandsrestoration.org.

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Early each summer an application process will open for candidates to apply. 8 -10 students will then be selected and notified of their acceptance for the nine-day course taking place in July.

Topics of the program include:

Seed collection and propagation of native plants
Watershed restoration and the impact of the border on water flow
Sustainable practices for grassland management
Restorative economics and ecosystem services
Ecological and cultural perspectives of the US/Mexico border
Cross-border collaboration and humanitarian aid
Green infrastructure for urban communities

Participants will camp for several nights of the trip. Camping supplies will be provided along with all meals. Transportation during the course is provided by BRN, but transportation to and from the initial meeting location is not.

Sonoran Field Course 2021
By: Jorge Chacón & Clarissa Moreno

The week-long 2021 Sonoran Field Course (SFC) was the first taught entirely in Mexico, mostly in Spanish, taking place in and around Agua Prieta at BRN partner organization Cuenca Los Ojos Rancho San Bernardino. Video created by Jorge Chacón, SFC Facilitator & Clarissa Moreno, 2021 SFC graduate.

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Field Course Fosters Restoration, Connection In Arizona-Sonora Borderlands
By: NPR

Anays Blanco buckles her seat belt and puts a large white van into gear, then takes off on the rough dirt road leading to Rancho Los Ojos Calientes. It’s part of the protected Cuenca Los Ojos reserve, where she is co-facilitating a weeklong field course for eight young Sonoran conservationists packed into the back of the van.

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BLOG: THE BEST DAYS OF MY SUMMER
By: Javier NORIEGA

I had an incredible experience in the third Sonoran Field Course in July! My colleagues, facilitators, and educators from Borderlands Restoration Network and I adventured on a nine-day excursion to different institutions and ranches, an experience I will undoubtedly remember with much affection and excitement.

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