Round River was born in the American West, and we continue to partner with like minded communities and organizations to steward these lands. Our latest partnership with Sky Island Alliance furthers our commitment to large landscape conservation in North America. A world biodiversity hotspot, the Sky Islands are where the jaguar and black bear meet, where bromeliads grow in the arms of maple trees, and spicy chiltepin pepper and sweet Arizona canyon grape grow side-by-side.
Students help monitor wildlife movement across the U.S.-Mexico border using camera traps, survey perennial springs that provide life-giving water in the desert, and study the elevational distribution of key species like the saguaro cactus. Experience the wide-open spaces of the Borderlands where students camp, research, and study in the rugged transboundary Madrean Archipelago of southern Arizona and northern Mexico. Join us to get your hands dirty, sleep out under the desert stars, and dig into the ever-changing conservation issues on the US-Mexico border.
I learned how the border is affecting wildlife, how to do ecological surveys, how to carry out a scientific study and write a paper that will be used by conservationists, and how conservation and cultural issues tie together.
Fall Semester
12 weeks, mid September to mid December
Spring Semester
12 weeks, late January to late April
Financial Support
Our academics complement the field research and are designed to be interactive and hands-on. You can expect to dedicate a few hours each day to working on your field journals, engaging in group discussions on relevant articles, participating in lectures and class activities, and deepening your understanding of natural history. Guest lectures, when possible, will further enrich your knowledge of conservation and land-use planning in the area. Each program culminates with the completion of a final written research paper, focusing on one aspect of the project, accompanied by a presentation.
Unlike a traditional college setting where lab work typically supplements classroom lectures, our students learn primarily in the field with supporting academics designed to enrich the hands-on experience. This type of applied learning is both challenging and rewarding, as you are pushed to learn in ways that differ significantly from a standard classroom environment.
Before each program, you will need to complete several paperwork packets and attend orientation sessions. For detailed information on these requirements, as well as important details such as vaccine recommendations, please refer to our pre-departure page.
You are responsible for your personal gear while on the program. Here is a short list of necessary, big-ticket items required for a semester in the Sky Islands. A comprehensive packing list tailored to your specific program will be provided post-enrollment. Group gear and equipment is provided on the program.
Students will fly into either Phoenix or Tucson and be met by their program instructors. Students must have a valid passport for potential field work in Sonora, Mexico.
In the Round River Sky Island Borderlands program, we play a supportive role alongside the Sky Island Alliance, focusing on advancing ongoing projects and initiating new conservation efforts where resources are limited. Our collaboration with Sky Island Alliance allows us to contribute to their vital conservation work, addressing opportunities that often require additional manpower and expertise.
Get an in-depth view of our Sky Island Borderlands Student Program from current student and alumni experiences.
