Sky Island Region

The 70,000 square- mile Sky Island region of southeastern Arizona, southwestern New Mexico, and northwestern Mexico is globally unique because of its rich diversity of species and habitats, its history as the birthplace of Aldo Leopold's powerful conservation ethic, and as the last North American stronghold for such magnificent predators as the Mexican wolf and jaguar. Southeast Arizona, with mountain ranges such as the Chiricahuas, Dragoons, Pinalenos, and Tumacacori's, represent about one-fourth of more than forty Sky Islands that make up the region.

Mexican gray wolf photo.
The Sky Island region’s
wilderness areas provide
a home for the Mexican gray wolf.
Credit: USFWS

A member group of AWC, the Sky Island Alliance is an organization dedicated to the preservation and restoration of native biological diversity in the sky islands of the southwestern United States and northwestern Mexico. The Alliance is located in Tucson, among one of the most diverse ecosystems in North America. Visit them at www.skyislandalliance.org.

Species Diversity

Nightjar. Photo by Jim Burns.
A buff-collared nightjar can be heard
chirping in the Sky Island twilight.
Credit: Jim Burns

The Sky Islands are forested mountain ranges surrounded by seas of desert and grassland. The Blue Range to the north is a huge expanse of highlands typified by ponderosa pine forests, unfragmented habitat, and the largest remaining roadless area in the state. Serving as an intersection between the Rocky Mountains and the Sierra Madres, these mountains and their lush watered canyons provide breathtaking views, superior wilderness adventures, and biological strongholds for a wide array of temperate and tropical species.
Because of the Sky Island’s geographical location at the crossroads of the temperate and sub-tropical realms, rare species found nowhere else in the United States occur here. The elegant trogon, gray hawk, buff-collared nightjar, and thick-billed parrot are just a small sample of the birds found in the Sky Islands. Jaguars, coatis, and other unique, tropically-oriented mammals call the Sky Islands home. Large tracts of roadless and wilderness lands are essential to the survival of many of these spectacular species – together, we work to preserve our natural heritage.

Cultural History

Figurine Photo.
This figurine was modeled in clay
over a thousand years ago by an
artisan living along the San Pedro
River of southeastern Arizona.
Credit: Center for Desert Archaeology

Humans have inhabited the Sky Island region for thousands of years. In present-day Tucson on the banks of the Santa Cruz River, archeologists have concluded that sites found there represent the oldest, continuously inhabited area in the United States. The Sky Island region, in more recent times, has mirrored the historical range of the Chiricahua Apaches, the most famous of Apache tribes. Because of conflict between Spanish and western European settlers, the Apaches were successful in delaying settlement of the region for 150 years. It wasn’t until 1886 that the great warrior Geronimo surrendered for the last time to General Miles in the Peloncillo Mountains. Until that time, southeastern Arizona remained largely a wilderness occupied by few people who dared to eek out a living in fear of raids. Today, an incredible amount of archeological sites dot the landscape, reminding us of those who walked before our time.

Recreational Opportunities

Southeastern Arizona is known worldwide for its unparralled bird watching opportunities. Birdwatchers from all corners of the globe seek out five-striped sparrows, blue grosbeaks, Mexican chickadees, over 18 species of hummingbirds, and many more.

Birdwatching. Photo by Mark Miller.
A plethora of exotic and unique
feathered friends makes birding
a popular activity in the Sky Island region.
Photo: Mark Miller

Hiking and backpacking, whether in the pine-clad Chiricahuas, rose-colored Dragoons, or elsewhere, is extremely popular. The Arizona Trail, originating at the Mexican Border south of the Huachuca Mountains, travels through the region offering visitors a wide range of outdoor experiences. Starting on one trail, hikers may begin in upper Sonoran Desert and travel through 6 distinct vegetation zones before resting in spruce-fir forests at higher elevations. Horseback riding, photography, nature watching, and hunting are all popular recreational activities compatible with wilderness designation.

Our Regional Work

The Sky Island Alliance and the Arizona Wilderness Coalition are currently working on road and biological surveys within the Coronado and Apache National Forests, assessing potential Wilderness Areas, and working to protect the fragile biological components of the region. Proliferation of wildcat roads, overgrazing, recreational development and indiscriminate use of off-road vehicles threaten the integrity of the area. Through road closures and restoration projects precipitated from the road surveys, the Sky Island Alliance--in cooperation with the Arizona Wilderness Coalition—is succeeding in its work to enlarge roadless areas, restore landscape connectivity, and involve the public in conservation planning.

Get Involved

As most of the work accomplished here and elsewhere depends heavily on the participation of volunteers, you can directly get involved in our exciting fieldwork. While surveying areas for potential wilderness, participants experience landscapes that are little traveled, beautiful, and remote. The Arizona Wilderness Coalition newsletter and Sky Island Alliance website provide regular updates on volunteer opportunities, action alerts, and exciting information that will involve you in the protection of our natural heritage. There are numerous opportunities to get involved every month - help us preserve our wild lands for future generations!

To learn more and to volunteer, please contact Matt Skroch, our Sky Island/Blue Range Regional Coordinator at 520-624-7080, or visit the Sky Island Alliance website at: www.skyislandalliance.org.