Welcome to our two action-packed days on the Santa Rita Experimental Range. In just 48 hours we have managed to climb 3,500 ft in elevation, celebrate a 20th birthday, get a van stuck and unstuck in some loose desert sand, and of course, study the environment surrounding us.
On our first full day on the range we hiked up the Florida Saddle trail, the fastest way to traverse the Santa Ritas by foot. Field guides in hand, we climbed from the field station (sitting at roughly 4,300 ft) to the Florida saddle (roughly 7,800 ft) which is nestled between two of the range’s tallest peaks. Along the way we stopped to study over 15 plants ranging from ocotillo cacti to Douglas-fir. Climbing up this elevation allowed us to observe unique interactions between ecosystems at different elevations and water concentrations.
Starting in grassy shrub-lands favored by velvet mesquite and prickly pear we climbed first to an oak and juniper ridden range cuddling the small ice melt creek that runs the length of the trail. Further along the trail we encountered trails guiding us through Apache and Chihuahua pines and finally up to the land of charred Douglas firs. The final stretch to the top of the mountain consisted of ice and thin trails. At the top we stretched our calves while munching dried mango, breathing in the fresh air, and admiring the view.
After sliding down the mountain we enjoyed the flat ground eating leftover chili and massaging our feet. This momentous day also marked a group member’s 20th birthday. We celebrated this occasion with a cake, brownies, and a discussion on shifting climate and tree mortality.
Getting a later start than usual (8 o’clock) the next day, we began our journey finding the Range’s repeat photography sites. For 115 years scientists have been using photography to document vegetation changes in the area. After fully enjoying all the site had to offer our vans decided that we needed a bit more education in the way of engineering. After our back tires discovered the properties of the soft desert sand we began to brainstorm ways to release our van from the dirt. With 500 sticks, 6 rocks, 1 car jack, and 15 persons pushing, we recognized defeat. After a quick call, the field station manager pulled us out of our sticky situation and we rattled victoriously back to our lunch on the grill.
In the following days on the range, we look forward to our usual classwork, journals, discussions and meals. We will begin to embark on more adventures exploring the range, nearby copper mine, Sonoran Desert museum and Tucson. Sadly, the end of this trip is in sight. Soon we will begin our individual and group research projects before returning to Decorah to analyze and organize our data.
