Science and Community Working Together to Restore the Santa Cruz River

AMOUNT: $15,000 US

PROJECT LEADERS: Gilberto Solis-Garza, Joaquin Murrieta-Saldivar

INSTITUTIONS: Universidad de Sonora and Sonoran Institute

The Universidad de Sonora, the Sonoran Institute and the institute's host community of San Lázaro monitored the microbiological quality of the superficial and subterranean water of the Santa Cruz River. They also analyzed the riverbank vegetation as an indicator of environmental and community health on the portion of the river that borders Sonora. The project involved the "telesecundarias" (distance education secondary schools) to help increase community participation with students helping to disseminate the results. The Sonoran Institute facilitated student exchanges between San Lázaro and Tubac, Arizona; these exchanges, as well as the sharing of scientific information between San Lázaro and Tuacácori NHP needed to be consolidated and better coordinated. Monitoring the quality and quantity of water and vegetation created a link between these two communities that will help them understand, respect, and manage the river and the ecological culture that unites them.