Before moving to Tucson – everyone who had lived here at some point in their lives would always tell me how great monsoon season was. I didn’t get my hopes up as for the last 2 years, Tucson has experienced especially long, hot and dry summers.

But, to my surprise – I like to imagine it as a wholesome welcome gift to me – the environment has brought not just an early monsoon season but a generous one. The most rewarding part of experiencing this summer’s desert rain is witnessing the ocotillos transition from barren to happy & thriving within just a matter of days – it’s a wonderful reminder of how resilient nature can be.

Within my first few weeks of working on the Coronado crew, we had the opportunity to camp for two nights at the top of Mt. Graham to assist Soil Scientists – Henry and Eric – in identifying plants within their study site. I never been humbled as quickly as being thrown into ID-ing sedges on my first botanizing trip. Never will I ever take my beloved hand lens for grated again.

Overall, my experience work in Coronado NF so far has been equally challenging and exciting – and I’m very grateful I get to do this work.

Some things I’m especially grateful for this week

• hearing Mexican Spotted Owls singing in the night
• liquidIV
• my co-intern/ now friend Bees validating me on my truck driving abilities
• the Mt. Graham meadow where I identified my first graminoid
• monsoon storms lowering the Arizona temp by 10 degrees
• camp site ramen after a long day’s work
• the humidity rehydrating my dry desert skin
• desert sunsets and morning walks to my field office

Can we key in the shade?

Bees SOnday