Watershed Soundscape is an interdisciplinary initiative led by the University of Arizona’s Arizona Institute for Resilience that merges watershed science with music, visual art, and cultural education to promote environmental awareness and community engagement. Rooted in Tucson’s unique Sonoran Desert environment, the project addresses drought mitigation and ecological restoration through creative, sensory-driven educational outreach.
A Fusion of Science and the Arts
At the heart of the initiative is the belief that environmental issues can be better understood and appreciated when experienced through multiple lenses—particularly the arts. Watershed Soundscape invites communities into an immersive exploration of the Santa Cruz River watershed through concerts, videos, and hands-on workshops that blend storytelling, data, and sound.
Consortium Concert Series: Sonoran Rivers
A key feature of the project is the Consortium Concert Series, which showcases Sonoran Rivers: A Celebration of Desert Water—an original composition by Yuanyuan (Kay) He with text by acclaimed poet Alison Hawthorne Deming, Professor Emerita of Creative Writing. This piece is inspired by local watershed data and performed by 22 ensembles across Pima County, including high school and community bands, highlighting the relevance of environmental themes through powerful musical storytelling.
Multidisciplinary Events and Community Engagement
The Watershed Soundscape project extends beyond concert halls. Events are held at unique venues such as Empire Ranch, the Watershed Management Group Living Lab, and the Patagonia Opera House, where audiences experience music in the context of natural landscapes. These site-based performances provide a rich, sensory connection to the ecosystems being studied and celebrated.
Educational Workshops
Visual artist Heather Bird Harris led workshops at the UA School of Art and Tohono O’odham Community College, teaching participants how to create environmental art using natural inks derived from the watershed. Carissa DiCindio, Associate Professor in the School of Art, supported these efforts in integrating ecological literacy into artistic practice.
Youth Empowerment and Cultural Collaboration
In partnership with the San Xavier Department of Natural Resources, Watershed Soundscape hosted a songwriting workshop for O’odham youth. This program encouraged cultural expression and environmental education, bridging traditional knowledge and contemporary music-making in a way that resonates with younger generations.
Sonoran Rivers Classroom Videos
The project’s impact is further amplified through a series of educational videos designed for classroom use and public learning:
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What is a Watershed? – Introduces the basic concepts and importance of watersheds.
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The People – Highlights individuals and communities connected to the Santa Cruz watershed.
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Groundwater and Urban Rivers – Examines challenges related to water usage in urban desert environments.
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The Music of the Future – Reflects on how music and art can drive environmental awareness and action.
These resources serve as accessible tools to inspire community dialogue and encourage active stewardship of regional ecosystems.
A Community of Collaborators
The Watershed Soundscape is a testament to the power of collaboration across disciplines. It brings together:
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Faculty and musicians from the School of Music, including Sara Fraker, Jackie Glazier, Kay He, Philip Alejo, Marissa Olegario, Matthew Williams, Elena Chernova-Davis, and Esteban Hernandez Parra.
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Writers and creatives such as Gretchen Ernster Henderson and Carolina Heredia.
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Science and resilience experts like Larry Fisher, Neha Gupta, and Lisa Shipek of Watershed Management Group.
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Cultural representatives like Jacelle Ramon-Sauberan of Tohono O’odham Community College.
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Student collaborators including Chris Zatarain, Nicandro Guereque, Cassandra Bendickson, and Ivan Ugorich.
Together, these contributors formed a vibrant interdisciplinary community committed to enriching environmental literacy through the arts.
Watershed Soundscape stands as a model for how universities, artists, and scientists can partner with local communities to foster environmental awareness and build a more resilient future through creativity, collaboration, and education.
To explore the full scope of the project and view the classroom videos, visit the Watershed Soundscape project page.