Below you'll find a list of all posts that have been categorized as “Nature”
Here in the Sonoran Desert, we’re used to extremes of hot and dry weather. Sometimes, this can make the reality of climate change seem abstract and hard to see, but rising global temperatures are setting into motion a cascade of drastic changes to ecosystems and weather patterns. From the severe polar vortex winter storms striking the Midwest to the widespread …
Spring is a great time to hit the road and take a weekend trip. With hundreds of great spots to explore just a short drive from Phoenix, a road trip is just the thing for finding a new adventure. Before the summer starts heating up, it’s also a good time to get out to some off-the-beaten path locations like the …
Have you ever wondered how the native cacti of the Sonoran Desert can survive the hot, arid challenges of Arizona summer? It turns out that many cacti get by with a little help from their friends. In an evolved connection, cacti thrive in conjunction with colonies of ants, both specially adapted to benefit the other. The Generous Cactus Looking close …
If you live in the desert, you’ve probably noticed the sudden burst of color across the hills and roadsides. Not only has the Spring brought an invigorating greenness to the plants of the Sonoran Desert, but thanks to our Winter rainfall, a full rainbow of blooms is now happening across the region. From late February until May expect to encounter …
With the winter chill behind us, springtime in central Arizona is the perfect time to plan an adventure in the vast beauty of the Sonoran Desert. This year, exploring the desert features not only ideal weather but a bursting display of wildflower blooms. The chance to spot birds, animals and other wildlife also increases, especially as desert reptiles emerge from …
Beautiful surroundings are something Arizonans almost take for granted. From our astounding geology to its tenacious ecology, our Sonoran Desert shows us breathtaking beauty and natural wonder. Have you ever wondered what shaped this land? Behind the rock formations, climate patterns, flora and fauna there lies an ancient history that the region is still connected to. Based in part on …
Flat, sandy, arid grasslands characterize the countryside east of Flagstaff, between the wooded hills of the Mogollon Rim and the delicate hues of the Painted Desert. Perhaps the most significant major attraction is the Meteor Crater, which lies 6 miles south of I-40, halfway between Winslow and Winona. This huge depression, 0.74 miles in diameter and 550 feet deep, was …
It seems like summer was just yesterday, but the shorter days and longer nights remind us of winter’s progress. Coming up this December is the Winter Solstice which marks the point in the year where the night is the longest, truly our darkest day. Observing the Solstice has been an aspect of many cultures from ancient times onward, and celebrated …
Here in central Arizona, every road leads to an incredible adventure. From a day in Tombstone to a camping trip at the Grand Canyon, Arizona has an astounding scope of natural wonder on display. If you’re looking for a weekend trip that’s a little off the beaten path, consider heading out to Monument Valley. Monument Valley Tribal Park is part …
The autumn is an active period in the desert – after summer’s heat, things cool down a bit and it’s a great time to catch tarantulas, roadrunners and quail out and about. Behind a flurry of activity are animals, plants and insects making their preparations for the winter. Many of the desert’s insects and animals rely on underground holes to …