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Volunteers Sara Ransom and Kaya Foss doing wet-dry mapping on the San Pedro River.

How much water is in the San Pedro? Every year, volunteers seek to find out

More than 100 volunteers spent last weekend tracking the presence of intermittent water in the river.
The Colorado River's inability to reach the Pacific Ocean has become one of its defining characteristics, emblematic of the Southwest's reliance on the overallocated river system.

Five Years Later, Effects of Colorado River Pulse Flow Still Linger

While many effects were short-lived, it had a lasting impact on the imaginations of those connected to the river delta.
Many poppies are blooming at Catalina State Park, providing interesting color and shadows in the area, March 4, 2019.

Wildflowers Show Off Their Colors Around Arizona

Fall and winter rains provided a necessary resource for brilliant blooms.
The fishing cat is about twice as big as the domestic cat and can be found in various parts of Asia.

A Fascination for Fishing Cats

A University of Arizona scientist is helping the rare and unique felines.
A changing climate is prolonging and intensifying heat waves, scientists say, driving wildfires.

Study: Droughts Are Growing Hotter Under Climate Change

Stressors may include environmental and social impacts of drought and heatwaves, driving more frequent wildfires, worsening air quality and stressing crops and livestock.

Arizona-based Solar Firm Draws Drinking Water From Air

Says Southwestern skies contain enough water vapor to provide private supply
View northeast from Arizona Falls along the Arizona Canal toward Camelback Mountain, in Phoenix.

Lifeblood of the Desert: Salt River Project Team Turns to ASU Robots to Maintain Canals

The infrastructure poses unique technical and personnel challenges, which could be made more efficient with robotics.
Felis domesticus made it on the list of invasive species.

Feral Cats Make List of Invasive Species in the West

Salt Cedars, mussels and crayfish among the less cuddly pests listed.

'Where the Water Goes': David Owen Looks at the Past, Present & Future of the Colorado River

Also on Arizona Spotlight: members of Tucson's black community share and contrast their experiences; author Victor Shamas explores 'Deep Creativity'.
The US Fish and Wildlife Service says the Sonoyta mud turtle is in danger of going extinct. There are five known populations, one is Arizona and four in Sonora.

Rare Arizona Turtle to Join Endangered Species List

US Fish and Wildlife says the reptile is in danger of extinction.
The fish survey team in the Santa Cruz River in Marana, 2015.

Ecologist: New Fish Swimming in Improving Water of Lower Santa Cruz

Final report shows new fish species, improved water quality.
Crews work to clear Wet Canyon on Mount Graham. The canyon was overrun with debris and sediment when multiple storms brought heavy rainfall to areas that were severely burned during the Frye Fire.

USGS: Wildfire-Caused Erosion Endangers Western Watersheds

Denuded landscapes allow sediment to soak up or contaminate run-off.
Patagonia Lake State Park and surrounding protected areas provide habitats for many species of wildlife.

State Park Benefits from Summer Monsoon

Rain adds welcome water to the popular destination.
A view from the Lake Mead side of the Hoover Dam.

'Smart' Agreements Leave More Water in Lake Mead, Regulators Say

Snow pack will add to reservoirs this spring, but the Colorado basin remains in a drought.
Boulder Basin at Lake Mead.

Satellites Reveal Shrinking Water, Bare Shorelines in Lower Grand Canyon

The drought-driven changes could affect recreation and wildlife.
A naturally-germinated Cottonwood tree pictured with Martha Gomez-Sapiens, research associate at University of Arizona, 2016

Colorado River Delta Still Thrives 2 Years after Dam Flow

It is supporting bird and plant life while recharging groundwater.

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