This digital model of the Santa Cruz River corridor in Tucson is the product of technical modeling and design communication research. The model serves both as a tool for the Santa Cruz River Refuge design team to document and visualize possible wildlife refuge sites, as well as a communication tool to provide context to and share potential design plans with the Tucson community. The model also allows the diverse cross-sectional quality of the river to be studied across the city. The published .3dm file may be viewed using Rhinoceros 3D. The authors of the model, University of Arizona architecture students Sascha Moran and Dennis Nichols, presented the work at the 2026 Santa Cruz River Research Days.

Digital model available for download here.

[https://doi.org/10.25422/azu.data.32663862]

The complete set of Sonoran Wildlife postcards are here for you to share via social media, or print them up on cardstock for mailing to a friend!

Available for download here

These maps serve as a collaborative co-design tool, empowering local residents to evaluate data-driven options and build consensus on how a wildlife refuge can best address the specific needs of their barrio / community. There are two maps, each addressing distinct concerns that may interest you.

A conservation map highlights areas that have high value to wildlife as they are currently. These are places where there is already good ecological function.

A rewilding map is different. Instead, it integrates environmental, social, and economic metrics to identify optimal urban sites for ecological restoration and community investment. This type of map allows for barrios and communities to discuss and explore interventions will yield the highest multi-benefit return. You can access the maps below:

Rewilding Map here

and Conservation Map here