Mesquite bosques are characterized by stands of mature mesquite trees with low-stem density and a dense, closed canopy. These habitats are known to support a diversity of native plants in the understory and wildlife. In an effort to restore a bosque structure to a velvet mesquite community, scientists with The Nature Conservancy implemented a tree thinning experiment in 1998 at Bingham Cienega Natural Preserve (the Preserve), a 115-ha site on the San Pedro River owned by the Pima County Flood Control District. The site was revisited for monitoring in 2017, 19 years after the thinning occurred.
mission is to advance the restoration of riparian lands through collaboration, education, and technical assistance.