A group of dedicated conservationists known as the Great Old Broads for Wilderness is making significant contributions to environmental protection and scientific research across Arizona [1].

The organization, primarily composed of women over 50 but welcoming to all ages and genders, operates through four regional chapters in Arizona: the Sonoran, Tucson, Yavapai-Prescott, and Northern Arizona Wild Broadbands [1].

Under the leadership of Roz Switzer and Emily Matyas, the Sonoran Broadband has undertaken several critical environmental initiatives. The group maintains a core membership of 15 active participants, with broader engagement from approximately 120 individuals across their network [1].

Their scientific work includes:

Conducting spring surveys in the Sky Islands region using specialized mobile applicationsMapping wildlife corridors along the Arizona-Mexico borderMonitoring Mexican gray wolf populationsDocumenting environmental impacts of border wall construction

The organization has taken a strong position on Mexican gray wolf recovery, arguing that current federal reintroduction efforts fall short of scientific recommendations. "They know what the best science is... But it's not being followed," states Switzer, advocating for the establishment of three distinct wolf populations to ensure genetic diversity [1].

The group is also actively addressing climate change impacts in the region. Recent observations at South Mountain have revealed unprecedented drought conditions, while their border monitoring work has documented water resource depletion affecting both wildlife and Indigenous communities [1].

The Sonoran Broadband will host their next field expedition at Pinal County's Peralta Regional Park from March 14-16, 2025, continuing their mission of wilderness conservation and scientific documentation [1].