Coalition for Sonoran Desert Protection

About us

The Coalition for Sonoran Desert Protection works tirelessly to protect the biodiversity of the Sonoran Desert in Southern Arizona through science-based advocacy, education, and collaboration. We are one of the leading organizers of nature and environmental groups that work here in Southern Arizona.

We build our success on over 27 years of experience and strong working relationships with local government, planners, developers, and state and federal agencies, as well as our 31 coalition members, volunteers, and many supporters.

“One of the most successful advocacy organizations in the history of Southern Arizona”. 

- City of Tucson's Mayor Regina Romero, 2024

Your donation on Arizona Gives Day will support our work to:

• Advocate with local government, developers, and landowners for existing and newly protected open spaces
• Input on several 10, 20 and 30 year long-term land use plans in draft right now across our region
• Push for better connectivity between our open spaces, including with research-backed wildlife crossings
• Fight against destructive projects such as Interstate 11 (read more on our lawsuit against the Federal Highway Administration!) and mining in the Santa Rita Mountains
• Invest in ongoing community science to help us make stronger arguments, improve our landscape, build community and spread the word

Please consider giving generously today. Your support is critical to fight against the many threats the Sonoran Desert faces in the years ahead — and we rely on grassroots donors such as you to help us maintain our independent voice.

Let's work together for a protected and connected Sonoran Desert!

A gorgeous scene south of Sinagua Road and west of the Tucson Mountains — one of the areas at risk from the Interstate 11 proposal. Photo credit: Frank Staub.

Testimonials

"The Coalition's work epitomizes the best sort of advocacy: gentle persuasion, relentlessly applied, utilizing the scientific and political expertise of many segments of the community."
 -Judith Meyer, donor

"The Coalition's work is essential and effective and its staff is tirelessly (and inspiringly) can-do."
 -Julie St. John, monthly donor

"The desert is full of contradictions - tough, thorny, poisonous and at the same time, fragile, delicate and sweet. I wanted to help preserve this most amazing place. I wanted to get involved with an effective group and I found one. Supporting the Coalition through volunteering time and money is for me a strong antidote for the powerlessness I can feel watching the disappearing wilderness."
 -Sarah McKenzie, volunteer and monthly donor