CNSS: Our Arizona Grasses: Why We Are Unique

Join Debbie as she explores the fascinating evolution of grasses through a geological perspective, tracing how these remarkable plants have adapted over millions of years to changing climates and landscapes. Learn what makes the Central Arizona Highlands unique, with both warm-season and cool-season grasses contributing to an exceptional diversity of species. The presentation concludes with a month-by-month look at some of our most common local grasses, revealing the beauty, variety, and ecological importance of these often-overlooked plants throughout the year.

About the Presenter

Debbie's lifelong passion for nature began with a career in geology. She earned her master's degree in geology from Indiana University and discovered her love for the wide-open landscapes of the American West while attending a geology field camp in Montana. A Yavapai County Master Gardener, Debbie became intrigued by local grasses more than a decade ago and set out to learn how to identify them, asking herself, "How hard can it be?" That curiosity grew into years of study and a mission to make grass identification more accessible to beginners, ultimately leading to the publication of her book, Common Grasses of the Central Arizona Highlands.