Is Phoenix truly “the world’s least sustainable city?” This backpacking trip for Signal Fire alumni examines the impact of climate change on the land and water of this fast-growing metro area and the wild places nearby. We will conduct our study from the mesmerizing landscapes of the Sonoran Sky Islands, isolated mountain ranges rising abruptly from the desert floor to create oases of biodiversity. Here, we’ll find a wonderland of sculptural rocks, colorful migratory birds, and evidence of Indigenous communities stretching back thousands of years. At the heart of our inquiry will be the limits of resilience of the natural systems underpinning life in the American Southwest. We will see how suburban sprawl and mining developments are impacting the rural communities proximate to the Superstitions, and we will ask ourselves how we, as artists, can influence responsible city planning.
This is a physically-demanding backpacking trip through a rugged and breathtaking landscape, open to Signal Fire alumni. We will focus on refining our backcountry skills and leadership, and ask each member of the group to contribute content and guidance for the rest of us. Alumni looking to deepen their knowledge of desert camping and commitment to the Signal Fire community will find ample opportunities for both challenge and play.
Participants: Christina Catanese, Felipe Delfino, Janna Añonuevo Langholz, Ron Linn, Quiahuitl, Kira Smith, Blanca Stacey Villalobos, Jayne Struble, Evelyn Hang Yin.
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