Danny Lopez Park Ecological Survey

Help us collect data on a growing riparian forest within our city!

Historically, Tucson’s rivers, creeks, and arroyos were natural cooling areas, with riparian forests supported by natural floodplains and shallow groundwater areas. With development, flooding, and groundwater pumping, much of this riparian forest has been lost. As WMG plans for riparian forest restoration and natural cooling along the Santa Cruz River at Danny Lopez Park, we would like to call on the local community to help conduct a preliminary ecological survey around Silverbell Lake. Tall Fremont cottonwoods, Goodding’s willows, and velvet mesquites are growing across their historic floodplain from a time when the Santa Cruz flowed year-round. Using Survey 123 on your phone, you can help us collect data before native riparian plantings begin this fall. Together, we have the opportunity to document, preserve, and protect this new riparian forest while engaging with the park’s rich ecology and natural history.

This event is organized through WMG’s River Run Network (RRN). The RRN is a program that honors the heritage of our rivers and the value that water holds for the peoples of Southern Arizona. We acknowledge the indigenous communities that have respected and stewarded our rivers for thousands of years and the Pascua Yaqui, Tohono O’odham, and Latino communities that continue to steward the rivers today. Members work together to learn about and steward our rivers through creek walks, restoration activities, river clean-ups, and educational workshops. If you are not yet a member, we will add you to the RRN when you register for this event. Membership is free and includes a regular e-newsletter with upcoming events.