While they are a regular springtime occurrence, milder-than-usual winter and spring weather has created ideal conditions for a tent caterpillar population explosion, said Bill Cook, horticulture program coordinator for UA Cooperative Extension in Greenlee County.
With an unparalleled network of environmental monitoring stations, research field sites, data, and interdisciplinary scientists, the UA is pioneering use-inspired ecosystem research that helps manage and conserve the lands, forests, oceans, landscapes, and wildlife of the western U.S. and beyond for those who enjoy and depend upon them.
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Recent News
The bat, one of three nectar-feeding bats in the U.S., has been delisted as an endangered species and is flourishing. Efforts such as Flowers for Bats will ensure that it continues to thrive.
As Arizona heads into wildfire season, concerns remain due to the vulnerability of the Mount Graham red squirrel. This summer, the Fish and Wildlife Service is partnering with the UA to analyze aerial footage of the Mount Graham area.
More than 150 scientists, students and volunteers participated in a BioBlitz that explored the diversity of the area surrounding the U.S.-Mexico Border.
Many agricultural crops such as blueberries, chili peppers and tomatoes rely on bees that have adapted a vibration technique to access hidden pollen. Stephen L. Buchmann, a research associate in the Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, discusses his work to study sonicating bees and their evolutionary influence on flowering plants.
Events
Visit the UA's Boyce Thompson Arboretum in Superior for a guided butterfly walk each month of spring and summer. The walking tour will allow participants to see, photograph and learn about colorful butterfly species ranging from Empress Leilia to queen, spring azure and more. Marceline VandeWater guides this leisurely, slow-paced tour that proceeds along wheelchair-accessible paths, exploring the arboretum's Hummingbird-Butterfly Garden, Demonstration Garden and Children's Garden collections.