Help Shape the Future of

Oro Valley’s Trails



Attend the Trails Stakeholder Group Zoom Meeting

Today...Jan. 15 at 5:30 p.m.



Help shape the future of Oro Valley's path and trail network by contributing your insight to the OV Trails Connect 90% Master Plan Draft. 

Join town staff this evening at 5:30 p.m. for the Trails Stakeholder Group Meeting. They will host a discussion of the draft plan and collect community input. This is your chance to help make sure they’ve got it right! Review the draft plan and maps on the OVTrailsConnect.com website ahead of time to ensure a productive discussion for all attendees.

For those unable to attend, click here to provide input directly to the project's website.

Zoom Meeting details:

The Trails Stakeholder Group Meeting is set for Jan. 15 at 5:30 p.m. via Zoom. The Zoom meeting ID is 835-0870-6713, and the passcode is 725703.

Photo: yurview.com

SSSR Reschedules Open Pit Mine Community Meeting

New Time:

1 p.m., Saturday, Jan. 31

Sahuarita Unified School District Auditorium

Save the Scenic Santa Ritas (SSSR) has rescheduled a community meeting to discuss the impact of the proposed Copper World mine’s massive groundwater pumping on the area aquifer. The new time and date is 1 p.m., Saturday, Jan. 31, at the Sahuarita Unified School District Auditorium. (The meeting was originally scheduled for Jan. 10.)

SSSR postponed the meeting after sending a Dec. 30 letter to the Sahuarita Town Council requesting they determine if Toronto-based Hudbay Minerals is in violation of a 2013 agreement to replenish 105% of the groundwater Copper World will use with Central Arizona Project water. The agreement requires Hudbay to replenish the aquifer beneath Sahuarita and the immediate surrounding area.

Click here to review their Jan. 6 press release describing the 2013 Right-of-Way Encroachment Agreement signed by Rosemont Copper Company.

The SSSR has compiled substantial evidence indicating it is virtually impossible for Hudbay to use CAP water to replenish the area aquifer with 105% of the groundwater it will withdraw to operate Copper World.

Please plan to attend this important event to learn more and

support the incredible efforts of the SSSR.

Project Blue Opponents Sue

Pima County

Complaint claims county failed to disclose advanced negotiations tied to the data center.

The January 14^th edition of Luminaria, reports that attorneys representing the No Desert Data Center Coalition filed a legal complaint in Pima County Superior Court Wednesday alleging that county staff failed to give adequate public notice of how far along planning for the Project Blue data center was when the county land came up for a rezoning vote. The effort seeks to have the rezoning of the county land needed for the data center declared invalid. 

Click here to read the report outlining the timeline of events from 2023 and 2024, as well as the NDDCC Special Action Complaint. 

Secrets to Successful Spring Wildflowers



Wildflowers are one of the most rewarding additions to a desert landscape. Their bursts of seasonal color not only beautify yards and open spaces – they also support pollinators and promote local biodiversity. But to enjoy those stunning spring blooms, a little planning is key. Click here to learn from Water – Use It Wisely (WUIW) how to get it right, from seed to bloom. 

Also available from WUIW

• Importance of Conserving Water
• 100+ Ways to Conserve Water
• Saving Water Indoors
• Saving Water Outdoors

Multiple Buffelgrass Removal

Opportunities Available!

It's time to start the annual grass attack!

On Saturday, January 17th, come join Friends of Danny Lopez Park, Tucson Clean and Beautiful and other groups for a Day of Connection. Included in the day’s activities is an easy, flat buffelgrass removal site perfect for newbies. This event brings together multiple groups and individuals passionate about the natural world and environmental stewardship. Click here for more information and to sign up.

Day of Connection at Danny Lopez Park · Tucson Clean & Beautiful.

On Monday, January 19^th, Sonoran Desert Weedwackers - Pima County Conservation Lands & Resources is hosting a morning of Buffelgrass removal in Tucson Mountain Park from 9:00 am - noon, 4300 N Silverbell Rd. Volunteers will hike to an area with buffelgrass plants, dig up the plants with hand picks and digging bars, and carefully pile the plants to decompose on site. Volunteers should be comfortable with physically strenuous work, including hiking up and down hill slopes off-trail on rocky terrain. Event organizers will provide snacks and drinks.

Click here to volunteer.

If these events don’t work for you, click on Arizona-Sonoran Desert Museum Save Our Saguaros for additional weed removal opportunities.

Click here to learn how invasive plant species threaten native plant and wildlife populations, increase the risk and severity of fires, and can adversely affect human health and infrastructure.

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Photo: Arizona-Sonoran Desert Museum

Join the WMG

Tanque Verde Bosque Adventure

Saturday, January 31st @ 1pm - 3pm

The Tanque Verde Creek is a vibrant riparian oasis. With seasonal flows that often last much of the year, the creek is full of life—lush plants, diverse wildlife, and people enjoying this special desert waterway.



Join Lauren Knight, River Run Network Program Manager, for a guided walk through the creek, where you'll learn about one of the key challenges facing Tanque Verde Creek and many creeks across our region: invasive species. In particular, Arundo donax (giant reed) poses a serious threat to desert waterways by consuming three to four times more water than native plants, crowding out important habitat, and increasing the risk of flooding and wildfire.

Come experience Tanque Verde Creek firsthand, see the progress River Run Network members have already made, and learn how you can be part of this ongoing restoration effort.

Thank you, Lauren, and the entire WMG River Run team for their on-going efforts to educate and preserve the heritage and value that water holds for the people of Southern Arizona. 

Register Here

Environmental Day at the

Arizona Capitol

Wed, Feb 11th

8:30 AM - 2:00 PM 

The Sierra Club Grand Canyon Chapter invites you to join them along with the Living Desert Alliance and numerous environmental groups for their annual Environmental Day at the Arizona Capitol.

This year's theme is "People Power for the Planet!"



Meet with your legislators, hear great speakers, and connect with others who are doing advocacy work both inside and outside the Arizona.

RSVP here so they can plan materials, and, if interested, put you on a team for legislative meetings, and can plan for food.

Also, the Coalition for Sonoran Desert Protection will be organizing a bus from Tucson to Phoenix. So please RSVP to save a seat.



Make sure to stop by the Living Desert Alliance table for a visit.

We’d love to meet you!

Marana 2026

Hiking Challenge

Saturday, February 21, 2026.

Marana’s 14th Edition MOVE Across 2 Ranges Hiking Challenge is set for Saturday, February 21, 2026.

As their website states, “This event is an awesome way to explore nature and get active. Hit the trails and experience the challenge and beauty of Southern Arizona's Tortolita and Catalina Mountains in one day! Trail run, hike, or stroll through this fun event. Join us for another year of fun and adventure.”

Starting at the Wild Burro Trailhead - 14810 N. Secret Spring Road, (trailhead located inside the Ritz-Carlton gate) attendees can register for different participation levels ranging from Mighty to Major to Mega to Massive, depending on skill levels and experience.

Register now to reserve a space for this exciting Sonoran Desert event.