"A Watershed of Protection"

Discover how science, community, and conservation come together to protect one of our region’s most important waterways. Santa Cruz River Research Days is a FREE, three‑day event hosted by the Sonoran Institute, featuring engaging talks, bilingual sessions, and hands‑on learning about the river’s natural and cultural resources.

This year’s theme—A Watershed of Protection—celebrates 25 years of public land stewardship and watershed restoration. Hear from leading voices in conservation, connect with researchers and practitioners, and explore the future of the Santa Cruz River.

With diverse speakers, interactive sessions, and opportunities to connect with experts, this event aims to spark new research ideas, strengthen professional networks, and deepen public understanding of the conservation work happening across the watershed.

Keynote Speakers:

Kris Gade, Ph.D., Pima County Conservation Lands and Resources, Director.

Supervisor Andrés Cano, Pima County Board of Supervisors, District 5.

Attend in‑person or virtually (Link provided after registration) Pima Community College Downtown • Amethyst Room 1255 N. Stone Ave., Tucson, AZ 85709

Program:

April 28: 1–5 p.m. — Sonoran Desert Conservation Plan Turns 25

April 29: 9.–5 p.m. — Conservation & Restoration in the San Rafael Valley April 30: 9–12 p.m. — Guided field hike at Borderlands Wildlife Preserve Tangelhead Lane, Patagonia, AZ (Transportation not provided)

Join in, invite your colleagues, and help turn great ideas into real‑world conservation wins for the Santa Cruz River.

Sustainable Tucson Speaker Series

Helping Tucson live smarter,

cleaner, and more resilient!

Small changes at home can make a big difference for our desert community. From cutting down on single‑use plastics to saving water and reducing food waste, everyday actions add up to cleaner air, healthier neighborhoods, and a more sustainable future for Tucson.

If your organization or community group wants to learn practical, easy steps to shrink your carbon footprint—and have fun doing it—Sustainable Tucson’s free Speaker Series is ready to come to you. These lively, approximately one-hour presentations are designed to spark curiosity, inspire action, and show how simple choices at home can help protect the Sonoran Desert we all love.

Featured Speakers

• Kevin Greene: Reducing Single‑Use Products in Your Daily Life. Discover simple swaps that cut waste and save money.
• Dan Stormont: Water in the Desert. Explore the history of water in the Sonoran Desert and what it means for our future.
• Gordon Nuttall: Ditch the Gas at Home. Learn why going electric is better for your health—and the planet.
• Donna Corbin: Waste Not, Want Not. Practical tips for reducing food waste in your kitchen.

If you’d like to bring one of these engaging talks to your group, register here, or contact Donna at donnac724@gmail.com for more information.

Rotary Club

of Tucson Verde

A Tour of Tucson Homes & Buildings

April 26 • 9 a.m.–2 p.m.

Get ready for a day of inspiration, innovation, and desert‑smart creativity. The Rotary Club of Tucson Verde invites you to their third annual Tour of Tucson Homes and Businesses—a creative showcase of how Tucsonans are saving water, conserving energy, honoring history, and building a more sustainable future right at home.

With stops featuring clever design, practical conservation techniques, and real‑world solutions, this tour shows what’s possible when a community comes together to care for the place we call home. Every ticket helps support the club’s mission to invest time and talent into projects that improve the ecological health of our community and our planet.

Click here to get your tickets and join the fun exploring

what a greener Tucson can look like together!

Coalition for Sonoran Desert Protection

Highway Clean-up

April 25 • 8:00–10:00 AM



The Coalition for Sonoran Desert Protection invites volunteers to meaningful Highway Cleanup on April 25, 8–10 AM along the I‑10 frontage road near Avra Valley Road and the Santa Cruz River wildlife ramp.

It’s a fun, social way to meet people who care about the desert while making a visible difference for wildlife and the community.

This family‑friendly event is also a great chance to introduce teens and young adults to environmental stewardship. Bring them along to learn why caring for the Sonoran Desert matters.

Provided: gloves, safety vests, trash bags, grabbers, snacks, drinks, and detailed directions for all RSVPs.

Bring: a reusable water bottle, coffee mug, sun protection, and long sleeves/pants.



Join the effort to Keep Our Desert and Community Livable and Thriving—and enjoy a morning outdoors with neighbors who share your passion.

RSVP today!