Volunteer for Firefly Surveys

We’re looking for volunteers to assist with evening field surveys for the Southwest spring firefly, a rare species found along Sonoita Creek near Patagonia, AZ. This species is currently under review for listing under the Endangered Species Act, but much remains unknown about its distribution, abundance, and movement patterns — especially in relation to monsoon activity.

This project is part of a collaborative research effort to help answer key ecological questions about this firefly, including:

• What habitats does it rely on?

• How far do individuals travel from the creek?

• How does their activity change before and after monsoon rains?

Location: Patagonia, Arizona
Dates:

• Round 1: Late June (before the monsoon)

• Round 2: Early to mid-July (after the monsoon begins)

Time Commitment: 5–7 days per round, 6:30 PM–10:00 PM each night

Firefly_1pagerHosted by: The Nature Conservancy, Tucson Bird Alliance, University of Arizona, Borderlands Restoration, Xerces Society

What Volunteers Will Do:
You’ll join a 3-person team led by a trained surveyor to collect field data in the evenings. Surveys run from 7:00 PM to 10:00 PM, with check-in at 6:30 PM. Volunteers will help record environmental conditions and firefly observations using field equipment (e.g., weather meters, datasheets). No prior experience is necessary — training and support will be provided.

What to Expect:

• Nighttime surveys using red lights

• Hiking off-trail on uneven terrain

• Possibility of camping on-site (primitive facilities)

• No guarantee of seeing fireflies each night

• A great chance to contribute to real conservation science

How to Join:
Sign up here: https://shorturl.at/7Yt4S
For questions, contact Rachel Laura at rlaura@arizona.edu

Come help us shine a light on one of the desert’s most magical and mysterious insects!