Purpose

🌵 Event Recap: On March 22, 2026, Tony Figueroa, Director of the Invasive Plant Program for the Tucson Bird Alliance (formerly the Tucson Audubon Society) discussed how protecting and conserving our native desert habitat saves birds. His presentation was very informative with frequent questions and discussion with attendees. Tony shared that 15 species of birds depend on saguaros so threats to saguaros, such as fire, also threaten these bird populations. For invasive plants, his team’s focus has been on buffelgrass and fountain grass and the change these grasses have brought to our landscape, especially fire. He explained that the Sonoran Desert is not evolved for fire and how these grasses, which can burn at up to 1500F, cause mortality of saguaros. To demonstrate their eradication efforts, Tony presented before and after photos of large buffelgrass areas successfully treated by mechanical reduction of plants with electric power tools followed by strategic application of post-emergent herbicide. Invasive and toxic Stinknet was discussed with maps showing hot spots in the Tucson area, including in The Notch and Saguaro National Park. Stinknet has round, yellow flowers without petals and has carrot-like leaves. To identify, remove and report Stinknet, visit www.stinknet.org. Tony also talked about the Habitat at Home program that uses native plants to attract birds and pollinators. The top three flowering native plants he recommended were Brittlebush, Desert Mallow and Chuparosa.  Tony recommended the Arizona Wildflowers app for finding and identifying native plants for home gardens.  It was an excellent program and we hope to have Tony back again!