BRN is a key boundary organization in the Arizona-Sonora Borderlands that connects people & landscapes to create a restoration economy. This work is desperately needed in a time of increasing severe climate change. A time where the number of climate refugees is increasing. A time when the health of landscapes is degrading. Borderlands bring together local experts from both sides of the border who have the diversity of backgrounds and experience needed to create effectively and appropriate solutions to complex eco-social problems. What this looks like is BRN keenly listening to the needs of the people and the land, and connecting folks with the technical tools, & expertise needed to engage in meaningful work to repair landscapes in this unique bioregion. Doing a great job y'all!
Borderlands Restoration Network’s mission is to foster ecological and cultural place-based learning and leadership, restore and enhance healthy water sources and flourishing plant and animal communities, while supporting prosperous borderland communities through an expanding a vibrant restoration economy. That holistic perspective, at the intersection of underlying social, ecological and economic issues, leads BRN to engage communities in local restoration efforts, create economic opportunities that restore and maintain natural systems, and most importantly, to inspire and train the next generation of land stewards along the US-Mexico border.
BRN, with its network partners, provides incredible opportunities for education and active participation in restoring the land. In an area hosting the highest biodiversity in North America, BRN is doing critical restoration work, while using land-based curriculum and classrooms to collaborate with diverse partners making positive change in our southeastern Arizona communities - supporting the people, plants, and animals that call the borderlands home.
I feel fortunate to work with such a dedicated, talented group of colleagues and volunteers.
BRN has a great mission, great ways to achieve it, and great staff and volunteers. It brings together community with the best science and best approaches to restore wildlife habitat while building an economy to sustain our vibrant communities and our natural world into the future. BRN is a fabulous organization and network of partner organizations. This is why I have chosen to give so much time and whatever resources I can to support it!
Borderlands Restoration Network's dedication to the restoration and conservation of the incredible natural and cultural diversity of the Madrean Archipelago is inspiring. By connecting people to the land through education and hands-on experiences, they are ensuring the continuation of environmental consciousness and conservation into the future. I'm proud to know them!
BRN does an amazing work, not only in restoration and conservation, but preparing future generations to face and solve environmental problems on both sides of the border, something that not many organizations do despite being so important.
I have worked with these wonderful folks for several years now as a partner in doing good stuff (aka restoration) throughout southeastern Arizona and norther Sonora, Mexico. BRN is holding a wonderful vision of positivity for the region, and finding tangible ways to make it happen every day through connections between people, the land, and the flora and fauna.
BRN is doing important work in a part of the country that typically only receives negative attention on border-related issues. I've worked and volunteered with the group in various capacities since 2013, and it is run by some of my favorite humans in the world. In spite of the many challenges presented by things like climate change, border militarization, and mining & other extractive industry activities, this group continues to expand its positive impact through restoration, education, and connecting people to place & planet. Can't say enough good things about them and their efforts!
BRN has inspired me to believe we can have a fulfilling and restorative relationship with place. Through the educational programming BRN is able to share that mission across the world while still producing meaningful work hiring local residents and rural citizens of the borderlands. Just a great group of passionate people doing heart-driven work!
I was looking for Organizations to volunteer with that would help me become a better Wildlife Habitat Gardener and wanted to learn which native plants in my part of Pima County would attract bees, birds and butterflies. Volunteering in the Native Seed lab and getting my hands experienced with transplanting and caring for native plants in
Boarderlands greenhouses gave me invaluable information I used in a certified Wildlife Habitat garden; seeing first hand the increased bird and butterfly visits after planting Arizona Milkweed grown at Borderlands greenhouse. I also learned how to plant seeds of native wildflowers to attract bees and insects. Learning the connection of healthy wildflowers equals nectar and insects for birds to eat.