The Arizona desert is so much more than sand and scrubs—it is home to a complicated ecosystem and diverse, beautiful flora that maintain a vital balance for life in the Sonoran Desert. Through our powerful partnerships, Teravalis is at the forefront of preserving a healthy ecological balance and promoting native species that support the health of our desert and community.

Currently, there exists an ongoing battle between native plants and invasive species, with the fate of our natural surroundings in the balance. Amidst this environmental tug-of-war, the White Tank Mountains Conservancy, a Teravalis partner, is spearheading efforts to restore and protect the natural landscapes that define our state.

Read on to discover how the multifaceted role of indigenous plants in biodiversity is also critical to maintaining our unique ecosystems and learn about the threat of Arizona invasive species.

The Role of Native Plants and Their Impact on the Environment

Before we discuss Arizona invasive species, it’s important to understand the role native plants play in our ecosystem. Native plants are those that have evolved in a region over time, perfectly adapted to the local climate, soil, and coexisting fauna. Arizona’s plants contribute to the ecological balance and offer significant advantages for managing public health, a growing concern in urban and suburban areas.

Studies suggest that landscapes prioritizing native flora over non-natives can significantly impact public health. This is one reason why Teravalis has outlined landscape design guidelines that call for only native plants. Native Arizona plants are adapted to the dry climate and can help filter the water we drink and the air we breathe. Additionally, Arizona’s plants are well acclimated to the local climate and soil conditions, requiring less water and care than non-natives, making them the ideal choice for the new community. The more native plants we are surrounded by, the greater the benefit to public health.

Native Arizona flora also plays a crucial role in maintaining local biodiversity. They provide essential habitats and food sources for local wildlife, including birds, insects, and mammals. Non-native or invasive species, in contrast, may be poisonous or detrimental to the local wildlife, creating a snowball effect in which local species are outcompeted allowing more invasives to take over.

Initiatives and resources such as Grow Native provide valuable information on how residents can incorporate indigenous plants into their gardens, contributing to the ecological balance through community conservation.

Understanding Arizona Invasive Species

Invasive species are non-native organisms that pose a significant threat to the environment, economy, and public health. Arizona’s diverse habitats have become a battleground where invasive plant species thrive and disrupt local ecosystems. These species, often introduced unintentionally through human activity or as part of landscaping and agricultural practices, lack natural predators and can quickly dominate their new territories.

Key Invasive Plant Species in Arizona

Buffelgrass clusters in the Sonoran Desert

• Buffelgrass (Pennisetum ciliare) – Initially introduced to stabilize soil, buffelgrass has become a significant fire hazard due to its high flammability and rapid growth rate. This invasive grass spreads aggressively and increases the frequency and intensity of wildfires, endangering both native plants and urban areas.

Bermuda grass spreading across the landscape

• Bermuda grass (Cynodon dactylon) – An invasive species in Arizona, Bermuda grass produces a significant amount of irritating pollen that can be problematic for individuals with respiratory issues or allergies. Similarly, the Russian thistle (Salsola kali), another non-native species, is notorious for its role in “hay fever” during its pollination season.

Yellow stinknet flowers in bloom

• Stinknet (Oncosiphon piluliferum) – A plant originally from South Africa, Stinknet has become problematic across Arizona. It reproduces at an incredible pace, producing dense patches that can outcompete local plants and exacerbate wildfire risks, impacting not only the local ecosystem but also threatening the communities it invades.

Sahara Mustard growing in the desert sand

• Sahara mustard (Brassica tournefortii) – Sahara mustard creates dense carpets on the desert floor, stifling the growth of wildflowers and young cacti and subsequently impacting species that depend on these plants for survival.

Ecological and Economic Impacts

The proliferation of invasive species like these poses severe ecological consequences. They displace indigenous species, which can lead to reduced biodiversity and habitat loss for wildlife. Economically, managing these invasive species incurs substantial costs in terms of control efforts and the potential loss of tourism revenue as altered landscapes become less appealing for recreational activities. That’s why it’s critical for new developments, like Teravalis, to be conscious of their plant choices and partner with organizations dedicated to preserving Arizona’s natives.

Addressing Invasive Species in Arizona

While invasives may be a formidable threat, there is hope. Initiatives like the White Tank Mountains Conservancy’s Desert Defenders program engage the community in identifying and removing invasive plants, which is crucial for restoring native habitats.

The White Tank Mountains Conservancy has been leading the fight against invasive plant species through various strategic and community-oriented initiatives, an effort critical for maintaining the ecological balance and health of the White Tank Mountain Regional Park.

The Desert Defenders program trains volunteers to recognize and remove invasive species. Efforts to manage invasive species in Arizona involve a combination of mechanical removal (pulling them out by hand or with tools), chemical treatments (pesticides), and public education programs aimed at preventing the spread of seeds.

Impact and Future Directions

The success of these initiatives can be seen in the improved health of the White Tank Mountain Regional Park’s ecosystems and increased community engagement in conservation efforts. Looking forward, the White Tank Mountains Conservancy plans to expand its outreach and develop more targeted strategies for managing invasive species, potentially incorporating more advanced technologies like GIS mapping and drone surveillance to track and manage invasive growth more effectively.

Understanding and combating these invasive species is the only way to protect Arizona’s ecological integrity and aesthetic landscapes.

Future Perspectives and Partnership with Teravalis

As we look to the future, the White Tank Mountains Conservancy, in partnership with Teravalis, is poised to expand its impact through innovative and community-centered conservation projects. Additionally, the partnership aims to broaden educational outreach, emphasizing the importance of native plants in maintaining local biodiversity and supporting community conservation.

As part of this commitment, all Teravalis landscaping will utilize a curated list of only native and non-invasive species across the entire community. Our responsibility is to ensure that the local flora and fauna are respected and preserved.

Thankfully, Teravalis and the White Tank Mountains Conservancy are not alone in this effort. Your involvement is essential in supporting these endeavors. Participating in volunteer clean-up days, educational programs, or even spreading awareness contributes significantly to our efforts. By joining forces, we amplify our impact and ensure that the natural beauty and health of Arizona’s ecosystems are preserved for future generations. Each action you take supports the ongoing work of the White Tank Mountains Conservancy and Teravalis in safeguarding our state heritage.

For more information on getting involved or learning about the initiatives under this partnership, please visit White Tank Mountains Conservancy.

About Teravalis™

Teravalis is primed to be a 37,000-acre premier master planned community located in the West Valley of the Phoenix metropolitan area, in Buckeye, AZ. Translating to “land of the valley,” Teravalis is positioned between the White Tank and Belmont Mountain ranges and is committed to embracing the natural High Sonoran Desert beauty. Utilizing innovative technology and sustainable planning, the community will feature unparalleled amenities and wide-open spaces to explore and discover. Teravalis is a community of Howard Hughes, known for its mission to curate vibrant communities that elevate the everyday, creating meaningful moments in great places where people can live their best lives – and thrive for generations to come.