Made with food education and sustainability efforts in mind, this project is a testament to the need for accessible information for anyone interested in improving soil quality and garden yields, protecting native species that make Arizona unique, and supporting educational efforts in food, agriculture, and environment. 

Arizona is a widely diverse and unique region, composed of several different USDA growing regions and sub-biomes. These wild plants are adapted and well-adjusted to the harsh, dry heat that Arizona is known for: they require less water, have natural protection from pests, support beneficial pollinators, and are adapted to Arizona's soil composition. 

As Arizona urbanizes and becomes hotter through the Urban Island Heating and shifting climates, and becomes less hospitable to these plant species through construction and removal, these plants need extra help to persist against a growing agricultural monoculture. Monoculture threatens the variety that several bird, insect, and animal species have relied upon for centuries. Even small additions to gardens or vegetation could help fight this trend. 

Many wildflowers and shrubs are also beneficial for humans - whether they fixate nutrients into the soil, attract pollinators, deter pests, have culinary uses, or simply provide shade and absorb heat. They make a strong contribution to gardens, homes, and public areas alike.