When
Where
Sonoran Desert: View from Aravaipa Canyon
The Sonoran Desert covers much of southern Arizona and is indicated by the iconic columnar saguaro cactus. Aravaipa Creek and the surrounding area are unusual in the Sonoran Desert because it is one of the very few places with perennial water and its related plants and animals.
Aravaipa Canyon is remote and located about 70 miles northeast of Tucson and about 120 miles southeast of Phoenix. Aravaipa Creek has eroded a canyon up to 1,000 feet deep in this section of the Galiuro Mountains, creating a natural vegetation and wildlife preserve. Phil will talk about the early and recent history of Aravaipa, native and invasive plants, animals, and threats to Aravaipa. Phil has just published the book Aravaipa Canyon: A Natural and Cultural History by Vishnu Temple Press.