Flora of the Upper Sonoran

At an elevation of 1,975 feet, the region gets annual average of 8 to 16 inches of rainfall and is considered part of the upland Sonoran Desert scrubland.  The vegetation is primarily Mogollon shrubland or low Sonoran woodland mixed with palo verde, ironwood, mesquite and cat-claw acacia as common dominant woody tree and shrub species on the upland hillsides.

The riparian areas bordering the drainages are dominated by Fremont cottonwood and Godding willow.  Cacti are also common with saguaro, prickly pear, cholla’s and barrel cacti which surround the site primarily in the upland rocky areas.

Open areas are described as the Apacherian-Chihuahuan semi-desert grassland that extends above the canyons to the north and east of the site. 

 Fauna of the Upper Sonoran

Regionally the area is unique because the structural geography created by mountainous terrain, desert hills topped by open grasslands, and rocky canyons with perennial water support a unique combination of ecosystems. Because the preserve sits at the confluence of two of the region’s major drainage systems that are likely serving as biological corridors, it is possible to encounter an incredible diversity of endemic species, resident populations, and migrants.

Below are the species lists of birds, mammals, amphibians, and reptiles that can be found on or near the preserve. Some of the species are habitat specialists and were included because suitable conditions exist nearby or they are known to fly over or pass through the area during seasonal movements. Many domestic or introduced species such as the domestic house cat were not included but are undoubtedly present on the preserve.