This evocative and informative excursion into the Sonoran Desert along the U.S.-Mexico border brings to life the beauty of a spare and seductive terrain, telling the stories of the people, plants, and politics that layer a landscape in need of understanding and protection. The contributors, all experts in their fields, bring to their respective essays both a passion for and a wide-ranging depth of knowledge of this jewel of the Southwest. The book also continues a stunning array of both color and black and white photographs.
The book is divided into six sections:
I. The Place-delves into the geography and geology of the region, giving shape to its rivers and ranges.
II. People of the Place-introduces those who make the desert their home, including both native peoples and visiting scientists.
III. The Desert-discusses birds, bugs, and botany, all the things that live and grow in the borderlands.
IV. The Gulf-examines the waters and the aquatic life of the region from the Colorado River to the Sea of Cortez.
V. Conservation-focuses on protecting and preserving the desert and its increasingly endangered species into the future.
VI. Place-names-includes a geographic dictionary.