Arizona: Wilderness and the Sonoran Desert
About the Issue 
Arizona is known throughout the world as the Grand Canyon State, the lands of this state offer an overwhelming array of variety: lofty volcanic peaks, large glittering blue lakes, and forests of distinctive saguaro cactus.
Wild places in Arizona also serve to protect other vital parts of the history and natural beauty of the state. It protects some of Arizona’s critical watersheds from contamination and depletion, and provides ideal habitat and migration corridors for some of the Southwest’s most endangered animals, birds, and plants, where they can thrive without competition from non-native species.
Wilderness safeguards archaeological artifacts and cultural history icons from disturbance, discourages vandalism, and preserves the aura and peace of cultural sites found extensively throughout Arizona. And wilderness benefits a broad range of human uses. Because it protects wildlife habitat, wilderness draws wildlife watchers, fisherman, hunters, and hikers. In our noisy, busy world, we can rely on wilderness for soothing scenery and solitude, education, and spiritual renewal.
Our Resources and Links
- The Eco-Justice Program has partnered with the Arizona Ecumenical Council to help to protect wilderness in Arizona including the Sonoran Desert. By lifting the faith voice on land protection through statements and letters, the program aims to educate others about the importance of
wilderness and land stewardship from a faith perspective. - Check out The Wilderness Society web site and their series title "Pocket of Wonder" on the glories of Arizona.
- Arizona Wilderness Coalition coordinates and conducts inventories and educates citizens about the unique features of Arizona's landscape, while advocating and building support for their lasting protection.
- Bureau of Land Management provides vast amounts of information on the lands in Arizona.
- Sky Island Alliance - Sky Island Alliance is a grassroots organization dedicated to the protection and restoration of the rich natural heritage of native species and habitats in the Sky Island region of the southwestern United States and northwestern Mexico.
- The Sonoran Desert is a beautiful and rugged place like nowhere else on earth. But also is in one of the fastest growing regions in the country, and has been since World War II. Most of this growth has occurred without much planning or taking into account its impacts. We must ensure that future growth will not destroy the wild and rugged areas that we have all come to love. Click here to see the NCC's fact sheet on the Sonoran Desert.
- The Sonoran Institute inspires and enables community decisions and public policies that respect the land and people of western North America.
- Click here, to learn how to get more involved in our campaign to protect public lands in Arizona and partner with the Eco-Justice Program and the Arizona Ecumenical Council.