Buffelgrass Removal, Fire, and Climate Adaptation at Saguaro National Park

Saguaro National Park, in the Sonoran Desert near Tuscon, Arizona, is threatened by invasive perennial grasses. These grasses outcompete native plants and heighten the risk of wildfires, a disturbance that the park’s ecosystem is not adapted to. Park managers want to remove invasive grasses and restore native species landscapes. The main invasive species target is Buffelgrass (Cenchrus ciliaris). This project utilized chemical treatments and community volunteer grass-pulling events to reduce groundcover of Buffelgrass. Managers also created a ground mapping system to track the presence and spread of invasives. Finally, this project involves increased public engagement and outreach to educate the public about impacts on the park from invasive grasses.