Biodiversity, Conservation & Ecosystems

With an unparalleled network of environmental monitoring stations, research field sites and cyber infrastructure, UArizona pioneers fundamental and use-inspired ecosystem science to help save species and conserve the lands, forests and wildlife of the western U.S. and beyond.

Kevon Rhiney drinks his coffee black, with just a hint of honey. He favours a medium-dark roast, especially from Jamaica’s Blue Mountains.

Biodiversity, Conservation & Ecosystems

Bouncing back from the Bighorn Fire: As Mount Lemmon recovers, residents discuss strategies to reduce future risks

The summer of 2020 was hot, even for Tucson.

Biodiversity, Conservation & Ecosystems

Monsoon floods rejuvenate Santa Cruz River ecosystem

After one of Tucson's driest years on record in 2020, recent flooding in the Santa Cruz River spells hope for a recovering riparian ecosystem and the water table lying beneath.

Biodiversity, Conservation & Ecosystems

Buffelgrass battle: What's needed to make sure weeds don't win at saguaros' expense

Total victory might be out of reach, but Tucson’s war on weeds isn’t a hopeless quagmire.

Biodiversity, Conservation & Ecosystems

Ask a Ranger: A.E. Douglass and diaries of the trees

Andrew Ellicott Douglass came to Flagstaff as an astronomer. But he spent his time here looking as much at pine trees as at stars and planets. Ponderosa pine, the most common tree, became the object of his research — leading him to pioneer a revolutionary science.

Biodiversity, Conservation & Ecosystems

Juniper trees usually thrive in Arizona's arid climate. The drought is killing them

Drying juniper berries litter the ground as Rusine Stanley plunges a water hose into empty tanks in her backyard. As bubbles begin to gurgle, each tank fills to the brim.