Southwest Network Collaboration

The Southwest Network Collaboration is a joint effort between three natural resource inventory and monitoring networks in the National Park Service: Chihuahuan Desert Network, Sonoran Desert Network, and Southern Plains Network. The goal of our collaboration is to improve effectiveness and efficiency in monitoring natural resources across all three networks.

Although each network conducts its own protocols for certain unique vital signs, our networks share protocols, training, data management, field crews, and reporting responsibilities for eight common vital signs: air quality; climate; invasive exotic plants; groundwater; landbirds; streams; springs, seeps, and tinajas; and terrestrial vegetation and soils.

Map of Southwest Network Collaboration parks
Southwest Network Collaboration map

NPS Image

Last updated: November 19, 2019