TA Tidbits # 83-TP Lushness
The 2026 Monsoon rains have turned the Tortolita Preserve (TP) into a lush Sonoran Desert environment. Lots of grass, ants, butterflies and some wildflowers. The animals are also enjoying the lushness. See that and more below.
Grasses
Sadly, we are starting to see buffelgrass entering TP. The seed gets flushed down the washes during monsoon rains and it does not take long to establish plants. Another grass that appears in our area after a good monsoon season is soft feather pappus grass. The photo (right) was taken at the TP Wild Burro Wash trail crossing and bufflegrass is growing in the foreground with other grasses behind it.
Identifying these grasses can be a difficult. Photo (left) shows buffelgrass on the left compared to soft feather pappus grass on the right.
You can learn more about these two invasive species and other Sonoran Desert grasses at TA blog Field of Dreams (9/11/22).
Marana Parks & Recreation (MPR) is hoping to start up its Space Invaders Program for TP invasive grasses. Keep an eye on out for dates/times.
Trail Improvements
Marana Parks & Recreation MPR has made some great TP trail improvements, especially at some of the critical washes. See photos below of two dry rock wash crossings installed by MPR staff.
Note the trail work sign located at the Highlands Entrance. Apparently, some eager volunteers were maintaining trail sections (removing sand and creating some blockages) without prior authorizition from MPR. MPR is always looking for help and you can work with them by signing up for their Trail Crew For A Day program.
Cow On The Loose
TA worked closely with Marana for years to make sure cattle remain outside the TP boundaries. It appears one cow made a return visit. A cow was heard in the distance in towards Moore Road side in the Highlands panhandle. Hoof marks along the trail and washes confirm that a cow was on the loose in TP. MPR was contacted and they are investigating.
Ants
The nice monsoon has brought out the ants. Can you tell which mound was constructed by harvester ants or leafcutter ants? Go to TA Tidbits #49-Ant Mounds-Harvester or Leafcutter to find out the correct answer!
A Snout No Doubt!
You may have recently seen kaleidoscopes of butterflies (they are not moths). These are the American snout butterflies. They appear after a wet period which follows a drought period. Check out the video and photo below.
Mule Deer & Bobcat
The North TP Wildlife Camera was moved recently to a non-wash location. Already the camera has picked up a good size mule deer and a bobcat. See videos below: