Can We Have It All?

Sonoita Creek State Natural Area Field Trip


Hike through this spectacular riparian area for a full day of science. Learn about the surface and groundwater interactions of Sonoita Creek, habitat conservation, contaminant loading, and ecosystem monitoring.

This is a multidisciplinary field trip that will include topics ranging from watershed hydrology, groundwater, riparian ecosystem, flora and fauna of a desert riparian ecosystem, and human impacts, just to name a few. The trip will include two hikes, one downstream and the other upstream from Patagonia Lake. The downstream hike is approximately 3.5 miles and will explore Sonoita Creek from the base of the dam to the beginning of the Cottonwood Loop trail. The return portion of the hike will be along the Sonoita Creek trail. This hike will not be for the faint of heart. Temperatures in the region can approach 100°F, so be prepared.

Support for this workshop is provided by Arizona State Parks.

Field trip leaders:

  • Steven Haas, Sonoita Creek State Natural Area Park Manager
  • Dr. Robert Casavant, Science and Research Manager, Arizona State Parks, and Research Associate Professor, Dept. of Mining and Geological Engineering, University of Arizona
  • Dr. Floyd Gray, U.S. Geological Survey
  • Rob Vansant, Arizona State Parks
  • Dale Armstrong, Golder Associates

Date/Time: Saturday, Sept. 1, 2007, 7:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Participants should meet in La Paloma lobby by 6:45 for a 7 am departure. Cost: $90, includes transportation, field handouts and maps, lunch, snacks, and beverages
Registration deadline: August 10. Workshop will be canceled (and refunds issued) if minimum number of registrants is not met by this date.

What to bring:

  • hiking boots (there may be stream crossings)
  • broad-brimmed hat and sunblock
  • Water bottle (water will be available at the visitors center and provided on the hike)
  • binoculars and camera/li>
  • birding book
  • walking stick if you need one
  • questions for the leaders
Things to remember!
  • September 1st is generally hot in southern Arizona.
  • Be flexible! Monsoon season should be upon us and thunderstorms may force us to change our plans. The hike will require a crossing and getting wet.
  • Snakes may be present.
  • This trip is not for novice hikers (don't worry, we won't leave you behind).