Briefs & Checklists

The National Park Service is implementing the restoration of native amphibians in over 20 sensitive wetlands across eight southwestern national parks. However, there's a particular threat (that croaks) that requires the NPS and partners to collaborate and innovate to find solutions.

Sonoran Desert Network scientists monitor key resources and weather at Organ Pipe Cactus National Monument by taking measurements throughout the year, which helps us notice changes over time. This report summarizes weather, groundwater, and springs data from Water Year 2022. The data indicate the park's springs contained near-average levels of water, but high levels of several water chemistry parameters. WY2022 was warm and dry overall, with fewer cold days than average.

Understanding changes in climate, groundwater, and surface water is key to assessing the condition of natural and cultural resources on national parks. At Fort Bowie National Historic Site we conduct long-term monitoring of climate, groundwater, and springs to provide early warning of potential problems, allowing managers to mitigate them before they become worse. In water year 2022, precipitation was boosted by an above average monsoon season.

Sonoran Desert Network scientists monitor key resources and weather at Tonto National Monument by taking measurements throughout the year, which helps us track changes over time. This report summarizes weather and springs data from Water Year 2022. The data describe a dramatic change to Cave Canyon Spring. WY2022 was the third consecutive year of drought, and the park received less than average precipitation in all but three months.

The Sonoran Desert Network uses remote wildlife cameras to monitor mammals in the Tucson Mountain District of Saguaro National Park. In 2023, we deployed 59 wildlife cameras and collected 3,967 photos of mammals. We analyze the photos using single-season occupancy models to find out how mammals use the park and to understand the pressures that affect mammal distribution across the landscape.

Climate and water shape ecosystems and the services they provide, particularly in arid places like the Sonoran Desert. We monitor climate, groundwater, and 16 springs at the park to help managers protect park resources. Understanding how climate and water may be changing over time can also help explain changes in plants and animals on the park.

The Heliograph is the newsletter of the Sonoran Desert Network (SODN) and Desert Research Learning Center (DRLC). In this issue, discover data-backed tactics to preserve adobe, learn about glowing insects, meet new interns and staff joining the SODN team, catch up on what's happening at the DRLC, find links to the newest Climate and Water reports, and get updates from our long-term protocols and recently added herpetofauna project.

Sonoran Desert Network scientists monitor key resources and weather at Tumacácori National Historical Park by taking measurements throughout the year, which helps us notice changes over time. This report summarizes weather, groundwater, and springs data from Water Year 2022. The data indicate the park's groundwater is rising slightly. WY2022 was warm and wet overall, though most precipitation was due to three extreme months of rainfall making up for otherwise dry conditions.

Sonoran Desert Network scientists monitor key resources and weather at Gila Cliff Dwellings National Monument by taking measurements throughout the year to understand changes over time. This report summarizes analyses of weather and springs data from Water Year 2022. The data indicate the park had a noteworthy heavy monsoon season, and the two monitored springs continue to be wet year-round. Air temperatures were similar to previous averages.

Sonoran Desert Network scientists monitor climate and water at Tuzigoot National Monument by taking measurements throughout the year. This report summarizes climate and springs data from Water Year 2022. Monitoring these key natural resources at the park helps us detect changes over time. The data indicate the park had a relatively dry year, though the spring was wet for all 173 days monitored. Maximum temperatures were warmer than previous averages.