Speaker Series Event

Voices from Across Our Community

Dr. Michael Kotutwa Johnson

Wednesday, August 5th • 6:00–7:00 PM

Oro Valley Public Library

The Living Desert Alliance is excited to welcome Dr. Michael Kotutwa Johnson for our next Speaker Series event — an energetic and inspiring look at how traditional Navajo dryland farming can guide resilient agriculture in the desert Southwest. This evening blends culture, science, and community connection in a way that speaks directly to life in our desert home.

Dr. Johnson is an Assistant Professor in the University of Arizona’s School of Natural Resources and the Environment and a key contributor to the Indigenous Resilience Center. He is also a traditional practitioner of Hopi dryland farming a practice of his people for millennia.

He brings these time‑tested practices to life, showing how reciprocity, stewardship, and long-term ecological balance can help communities navigate drought, climate stress, and shifting conditions across the Southwest. His work highlights how Indigenous food systems offer powerful guidance for building resilience today.

Widely respected for blending scientific insight with lived experience, Dr. Johnson offers a hopeful, forward-looking vision of what agriculture can be in arid environments.

So, mark your calendars, gather your family and friends, and join us on August 5th, for this free community event—an evening you truly won’t want to miss.

Doors open at 5:45pm. Presentation starts at 6:00pm

Major Decisions Ahead for Marana



What’s at Stake for Our Desert Community



Major decisions are moving forward in the Town of Marana, and they carry serious long‑term consequences for the environment, nearby neighborhoods, and the future character of the community.

One proposal is a 600‑acre data center complex planned for northern Marana near North Luckett and West Hardin Roads (plus two others that have also been proposed). This project would convert virgin desert into a large industrial site requiring extremely high amounts of water and electricity use. Many residents and environmental organizations are concerned that the scale of this development could strain local resources and permanently alter the surrounding landscape.

At the same time, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) has announced its intention to reopen an abandoned prison in Marana and convert it into a detention facility.

Many have raised questions about the town’s response, the rezoning process, and the potential impacts such a facility could have on nearby homes and future growth areas.

While the Living Desert Alliance is opposed to both of these initiatives, we encourage residents to stay informed and make their own decisions. In that vein, we offer a link to the June 22 edition of Arizona Luminaria that includes a Marana 2026 election guide outlining candidate positions and background information.

Marana Candidates Forum: TONIGHT: July 9th!

If you would like to hear from the Town Council candidates directly, the League of Women Voters is sponsoring a Marana Candidates Forum 6:00 -7:00pm, at the Wheeler Taft Sr. Library, 7800 N. Schisler Dr. TONIGHT!

With the July 21 primary election fast approaching, this is a critical moment to understand these initiatives, consider their potential impacts, and vote for the candidate you believe best supports Marana’s long‑term well‑being and our desert environment.

Order Your STOP I‑11 Yard Sign

Our Desert Needs Every Voice!

The Coalition for Sonoran Desert Protection is launching a major STOP I‑11 yard‑sign effort, and community visibility is essential.

The Draft Environmental Impact Statement from the Federal Highway Administration and ADOT is expected in a few months, and once the comment period opens, the future of the Sonoran Desert’s wildlife corridors, open spaces, and fragile ecosystems will depend on how strongly our region speaks up.

Yard signs are one of the simplest, most effective ways to show widespread opposition to Interstate 11. Signs are available at pickup sites across Tucson and Picture Rocks. Each 24″×18″ sign includes a stake, STOP I‑11 branding, and your choice of slogan.

This is a donation‑supported effort to gauge printing needs and avoid waste. Donations help, but signs are available to everyone. Pickup instructions will be emailed.

• Order sign(s)
• Learn more about the impact of I-11 on our desert environment.
• 07/09: 13News: Pima County updates Interstate 11 project proposal

Your yard sign is a visible stand for the future of our desert home.

KID NEWS

Missed Summer Camp?

Reid Park Zoo

Has You Covered!

If summer camp slipped past you, don’t worry—Reid Park Zoo still has an exciting Zookeeper Mini‑Camp open for grades 6–8! This three‑hour adventure lets your child step into the world of a real zookeeper. They’ll go behind the scenes, make enrichment puzzles, watch animal training up close, and learn how keepers care for the amazing animals that call the zoo home.

Only the 6th–8th grade session on Friday, July 31 is still available, so check the registration link carefully for more information and pricing. Then grab a spot while you can. This half‑day camp runs from 9:00 a.m. to noon and does not include lunch.

A wild morning awaits!

Important Primary Election Action Dates

TOMORROW, July 10th, is

Last day to request a Mail Ballot.

Tuesday, July 21st is Arizona's 2026 Primary Election. Your chance to make your voice heard by voting for the candidates that best represent you. VOTE!

Here are some important dates to remember.

• Wednesday, June 24: Early Voting began - Early Ballots mailed.
• Friday, July 10: Last day to request Mail Ballot.
• Tuesday, July 14: Recommended deadline to mail back your ballot.
• Tuesday, July 21: Election Day. Last day to vote in person or drop off a mail ballot.

For more information, contact the

Pima County Recorder's Office or

call 520-724-4330

Go Batty at the Rillito with WMG’s

River Run Network!

Wednesday, July 22 • 6:30–8:30 PM

Get ready for an evening of desert magic! Watershed Management Group’s River Run Network invites you and your family to the Rillito River to witness one of Tucson’s most spectacular summer sights—our local bats taking flight at dusk.

This free, family‑friendly outing begins with hands‑on exploration at Tucson Village Farm’s charming “Little Farm,” where kids and adults alike can enjoy fun activities that connect our food, our rivers, and our wildlife. Then bat expert Debbie Buecher will share fascinating insights into the incredible world of these nocturnal pollinators.

As the sun sets, you'll head down into the creek to watch hundreds of bats swoop into the evening sky in search of insects, water, and nectar. Our rivers and riparian corridors are essential habitat for these nighttime neighbors, supporting their role as pollinators and insect‑eaters that help keep our desert ecosystem thriving.

Register here, then bring your family and friends to experience this unforgettable group flight and learn how healthy creeks and rivers support the wildlife that makes our desert so extraordinary. It’s educational, exciting, and a perfect summer adventure for all ages.

Help Support our Mission to

Keep our Desert and Community

Livable and Thriving.

Your tax-deductible gift helps us protect water resources, assist community partners, and empower members to advocate for our environment.



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Every contribution makes a difference!

Thank you for your support.