Menu
Menu
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
6 weeks, Late June to early August
Financial Support
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 Islands program, we play a supportive role alongside the Sky Islands Alliance, focusing on advancing ongoing projects and initiating new conservation efforts where resources are limited. Our collaboration with Sky Islands 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.
