Santa Cruz River in Marana
Sonoran Institute
When
Speaker(s)
The Santa Cruz River today flows year-round in two segments, both sustained by releases of highly treated wastewater. This continuous flow is a recent phenomenon in ecological terms, and the river’s recovery remains fragile. Through collaboration across Arizona, the US, and Mexico, the Sonoran Institute and its partners have developed a cross-border model for river restoration and protection that offers a hopeful example for the arid Colorado River Basin. This WRRC Water Webinar will explore the Santa Cruz River’s dynamic past, the transformation it has undergone in recent years, and current efforts—including science, policy, and community engagement—that aim to secure its future. Attendees will gain insight into how wastewater reuse, binational partnerships, and adaptive management are helping shape a more resilient river system in a time of increasing climate and water uncertainty.
Luke Cole is Director of the Santa Cruz River Program at the Sonoran Institute. He joined the Sonoran Institute in 2018 and manages the ongoing projects on the Santa Cruz River, working with staff and collaborators to restore and enhance this Living River in the heart of Southern Arizona and Northern Sonora. Prior to joining the Sonoran Institute, Cole worked for the Washington, DC city government, tracking the District’s green infrastructure and water quality improvement programs with a focus on coordinating tree planting programs and policy. Dr. Cole has a PhD in Environmental Sciences from the University of Virginia, an MS in Oceanography from the University of Rhode Island, and a BA in Biology from St. Mary’s College of Maryland.