Invasive Plant Mitigation

Invasive plants outcompete native plants and can create increased fire risk. The Parsons Field Institute is working to control key problematic species both in the McDowell Sonoran Preserve and the region with the help of citizen science volunteers like you!

Experiments

Mapping & Removing in the Preserve

Beyond the Preserve

Experiments

We help land managers understand and use the best methods to remove invasive plant species. We are currently conducting an extension of an experiment designed to find the best method(s) to control buffelgrass. We also recently published two peer-reviewed research papers on methods to control fountain grass and buffelgrass, which takes into consideration the costs, time requirements and the effects on the native plants in the area. You can read about those findings here.

Mapping and Removing in the Preserve

Invasive plant species are a major threat to the Sonoran Desert, so it’s important that we take action now. Our science team includes dedicated staff and citizen science volunteers who work to control invasive plant species in the Preserve in partnership with the City of Scottsdale. Each year our volunteers dedicate thousands of hours to map, remove, monitor and teach others to identify invasive plants in the Preserve. In 2022, our volunteers were honored by the Southwest Vegetation Management Association as the Weed Managers of the Year. Become a steward and join our intrepid team.

Beyond The Preserve

Our work extends beyond the McDowell Sonoran Preserve. We take leadership in regional programs to help control invasive plant species. By working with other dedicated conservation organizations and land managers, we can amplify our impacts and make a difference to protect the Sonoran Desert across the Valley. Learn about the major regional efforts we are involved in and find out how you can help! The Central Arizona Conservation Alliance Desert Defenders Program is a community science project to map and remove invasive species across the Valley. We also take leadership in the Southwest Vegetation Management Association which is dedicated to providing information to land managers on how to remove invasive plants across Arizona. In addition to our collaborations, the Conservancy hosts the Invasive Species Clearinghouse as a central repository of resources to better manage invasive plants.

Research Findings

Donate

Support the McDowell Sonoran Conservancy

The threats to our natural world have never been greater. It is only with the support of donors like you that we can protect the Sonoran Desert for future generations.