Tons of things can be used to define an ecosystem. Scientifically, only one generally is. What is it?
PLANTS! Due to their stationary tendencies and general lack of climate adaptability, plants can be used to define ecosystems and ecozones more easily than just about anything else. As living things, plants are unquestionably part of the ecosystem, unlike things like weather, climate, or geology which some people may not consider to be part of a living system. Unlike animals, plants are unlikely to simply wander away if conditions turn unfavorable, making it easier to use them to draw boundaries and keep track of where they are without resorting to expensive, invasive, or difficult tracking techniques like radio collars or helicopter surveys.
Come along with Ranger Shaun to learn about some of the plants of the Sonoran Ecosystem and find out which micro-habitats you can easily find around Lake Pleasant. We’ll discuss the plants themselves, some of their adaptations to the lives they live here in the desert, and some of the various animals that live with, on, around, under, in, and because of them.
This will be a roughly 2.0-mile hike from Wild Burro Day Use Area to Pipeline Day Use Area. Participants are welcome to walk back to the starting point with the Ranger if desired. Water and restrooms are available at both beginning and end of the hike at each Day Use Area but must be carried between. For this reason, water bottles are required. Due to the rocky (and sometimes prickly) nature of the terrain, closed toe shoes are also required. Walking or hiking poles are welcome but generally not needed. No pets please.
MEETING LOCATION: Wild Burro Day Use Area
Limit 20 participants. To register, please email Ranger Shaun at shaun.barnett@maricopa.gov with your name, phone number and number of people attending. If you find you cannot attend a program after you have registered, please email back ASAP so we may contact those on the waiting list. Registration for this program will close on 12/2.