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Overview
- Group size25 people
What makes the American Southwest so captivating? Join us for an inspiring presentation that brings the region’s natural beauty and ecological significance to life. Through vivid photography, immersive video, and evocative music, we’ll journey through the Sonoran Desert and its surrounding landscapes, uncovering the unique features that make this area one of the most biologically diverse in North America. We’ll explore the fascinating “sky island” mountain ranges—an extraordinary network of isolated peaks that form the largest such region in the world. You’ll learn how these islands connect ecosystems and support a wide variety of wildlife. We’ll also dive into the powerful influence of the North American Monsoon, a seasonal weather pattern that shapes the desert’s rhythms and sustains its life. From the rugged beauty of the Grand Canyon to the hidden corridors that link habitats across the Southwest, this presentation will reveal how to explore, enjoy, and protect the incredible environment we call home. Whether you're a nature lover, an adventurer, or simply curious about the world around you, this event promises to leave you inspired and informed.
Notes
Presenter Bios: Mitch Stevens is the founder and lead guide of Southwest Discoveries. After growing up surrounded by asphalt, Mitch pursued an education at City College of New York. After graduating with a degree in geology, he eagerly left the confines of the city and he and his wife moved to Tucson, Arizona in 1984. Mitch came to discover the great outdoors and fall in love with Arizona’s special places. Through his countless trips across the state and region, Mitch made it his mission to encourage fellow hikers and enthusiasts to protect the beauty of the desert. After leading Sierra Club outings since 2006, Mitch saw a fresh opportunity to share the beauty of the Southwest through the lens of conservation. Today, Mitch continues to serve as outings chairman for the Rincon Group of the Sierra Club in Tucson while leading personalized guided hiking tours across the Southwestern region of the United States. Russell Lowes has been backpacking since he was 10 years old. He was a firefighter for four years with Tonto National Forest Ranger District. He also has a background in power plant economics and is an author. He is on the Executive Committee of the Sierra Club Rincon Group of Southern Arizona and the Energy Subcommittee Chair.
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