In late November, Rincon Institute Board Member Katie Dusenberry and her husband Bruce hosted a Picnic By the Creek fundraiser for the Institute. The event garnered over $600 in individual contributions. Hydrologist Shel Clark gave a rousing speech about the need to protect the Sonoran Desert in order to ensure continuation of natural processes so essential to our lives here (including recharge of groundwater aquifers).

The picnic took place alongside Rincon Creek where the 20 guests not only delighted in perfect weather but also took note of the overly dry conditions. Bruce and Katie, who have owned the property along Rincon Creek since the late 1970s, both noted that the Hackberry trees which are one of the dominant species in the riparian area and have given shade and respite from the heat to their children and grandchildren for over 30 years are dying due to the drought conditions. Now is the time to support organizations like the Rincon Institute. We not only study the implications of the drought on the environment on which we all depend, but we also spread the word about how we can all change our individual habits to at least minimize the effects of one of the worst droughts on record.

If you are interested in hosting an event to help raise funds for the Rincon Institute’s important work, please contact Michelle Berry at 520-647-7388 or email at This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it !