Springs, Seeps, and Tinajas

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.

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.

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.

The American bullfrog is a great threat to aquatic ecosystems in the Southwest. They are voracious predators of aquatic animals and carry diseases that kill native species. We will implement three main actions in this project funded by the Inflation Reduction Act, Invasive Species Grant: bullfrog control, native species recovery and reintroduction, and development of early detection/rapid response protocols for bullfrogs.

This report summarizes the Sonoran Desert Network’s analyses of weather, groundwater, and springs data from Water Year 2022 in Chiricahua National Monument. Monitoring these important natural resources at the park helps us understand changes over time. The data indicate the park had a heavy monsoon season and is not in drought, though most months had far below average precipitation. The groundwater was higher than in WY2021, though surface water springs show signs of drying.

At nine southwestern parks, Sonoran Desert Network staff are performing environmental DNA (eDNA) sampling. By analyzing the genomes present in a water sample, eDNA sampling allows us to learn which species use a given area without the use of capture, hair snares, or cameras. The results of this inventory will help NPS staff to prioritize springs for monitoring and conservation.

At Montezuma Castle National Monument, the precontact built environment reflects the importance of reliable water sources. At this parks, the Sonoran Desert Network monitors climate, groundwater, and springs. Understanding changes in these closely linked factors helps managers make informed decisions affecting both natural and cultural resources. Learn about our findings for water year 2022.