Volunteers are trying to get rid of an invasive plant that's been destroying many natives in one of Southern Arizona's most popular tourist attractions. Arundo donax, commonly known as giant reed, has been spreading quickly in the riparian areas of Sabino Canyon, endangering endemic species such as mesquite, ash trees and the button willow shrub.

The grass is one of the fastest-growing land plants in the world, up to four inches a day, and consumes much more water than Sonoran desert plants. Members of the Sabino Arundo Team are working on a three-year plan with the US Forest Service and other groups to try to remove this plant and keep it from coming back. Some of the areas where it's been taken out are already undergoing a positive biological transformation.

Sabino Canyon Volunteer Naturalists

Tucson Arundo: Calendar