Southwest Water Resources - The Problems We Face - Across the desert Southwest, our ground- and surface-water supplies are declining. Simultaneously, our population and water demands are growing, and a long-term drought – magnified by global warming – may well be under way. To make things even worse, in some areas, vital underground and surface waters are becoming polluted.   More...

Boron - A Photo Essay - That dog was fast. Twenty-five miles-per-hour fast. I know he was moving at that breakneck speed because I paced him as he chased my car along the fenceline of his property. I hit the brakes right before he slammed into the chicken wire at the end of the real estate. More...

Looking for the Birds? Follow the Water - If you are a birder who has come to the Southwest from the Pacific Northwest, the Great Plains, the Eastern Woodlands or a coastal region, you are likely in for a few surprises. First, you may be taken aback by the number of species that have found year-round or seasonal environmental niches in the Southwest desert basins and mountain ranges.  Second, you might be astonished by the birds' resilience and resourcefulness in coping with an arid and often unforgiving environment.  More...

Fourth of July Hotspots - If you are looking for something fun to do over the Fourth of July holiday, consider one of these trips into the American Southwest. Just after dark on July 4th, the City of Laughlin, Nevada, puts on a huge annual firework display over the Colorado River. Rockets Over The River is one of the most spectacular firework displays in the West. Brilliant colors light up the dark desert sky and reflect in the Colorado River below, creating a memorable and dramatic experience. More...

Attract Hummingbirds and Butterflies to your Backyard - One of the most rewarding experiences of gardening and landscaping is viewing the wildlife that a garden attracts. Butterflies, hummingbirds, bees, insects, rabbits, squirrels and other wildlife find refuge in our backyard gardens. Some are seeking shade, and others are hunting for food, while some species are making our gardens their homes. The vibrant colors of the fluttering butterflies and the graceful dance of the hummingbirds feeding on the nectar-producing flowers adds to the beauty of a garden in bloom.  More...