By Ephemera documentary
Angelo Chiacchio
Cactuses in the Sonoran Desert (2018) by Angelo ChiacchioEphemera documentary
Sky Islands are an isolated mountain range near the southern borders of Arizona and New Mexico. The mountains rise directly from the desert lowlands below and support lush, high-altitude forests.
With their own unique microclimates, the Sky Island mountains are an unexpected hotspot of biodiversity floating above the desert heat. But climate change is now warming portions of this special environment, posing a threat to its unique species, some of which are survivors of the Ice Age.
Landscape of the Sonoran Desert (2018) by Angelo ChiacchioEphemera documentary
The city of Tucson, Arizona, is surrounded by the rocky terrain and sparse vegetation that is typical of the American Southwest.
Aerial view of Mt Lemmon (2018) by Angelo ChiacchioEphemera documentary
A quick 10-minute drive from Downtown Tucson will take you to Mt. Lemmon - and a radical change of scenery.
Looking at Tucson valley from Mt Lemmon (2018) by Angelo ChiacchioEphemera documentary
The desert valley radiates below the mountains.
Arizona Sky Islands (2018) by Angelo ChiacchioEphemera documentary
When the desert began to form 20,000 years ago, life on these mountains became increasingly isolated.
View from the top of Mt Lemmon (2018) by Angelo ChiacchioEphemera documentary
Amidst these peaks, you feel like you are in The Andes instead of 100 miles from Phoenix.
Young zebra-tailed lizard (2018) by Angelo ChiacchioEphemera documentary
The contrast between the flora and fauna of the desert and Sky Islands is striking. The zebra-tailed lizard is a recognizable desert mainstay.
Bear from the Sky Islands (2018) by Angelo ChiacchioEphemera documentary
While in the mountains above, you can find black bears commonly found in the forest. The unique mountain ecosystem, however, is at risk.
Drought on the Chiricahua mountains (2018) by Angelo ChiacchioEphemera documentary
Periods of drought are becoming more common on the Sky Islands. The animal and plant species respond by migrating further up the mountain slopes in search of their preferred habitat. Over time, this web of life may succumb to the adverse impacts of a warming planet.
Portrait of Bryon Lichtenhan (2018) by Angelo ChiacchioEphemera documentary
Bryon is a field coordinator at the Sky Island Alliance, an N.G.O. that strives to protect Sky Islands and educate the public about its unique biodiversity and upcoming challenges.
Exploring the Chiricahua mountains (2018) by Angelo ChiacchioEphemera documentary
The Sky Island Alliance regularly organizes expeditions to gather data on conditions in the mountains.
A voluteer assessing water springs (2018) by Angelo ChiacchioEphemera documentary
A primary purpose of an expedition is to monitor water resources.
Adult pleasing fungus beetle In the Chiricahua mountains (2018) by Angelo ChiacchioEphemera documentary
Along the way, the researchers examine every aspect of the ecosystem. Even a single fungus beetle can provide insights into the health of the environment.
The Sonoran Desert (2018) by Angelo ChiacchioEphemera documentary
Conclusion
Although iconic desert landscapes are the defining feature of the American Southwest, the Sky Islands mountain range is an extraordinary natural wonder that should be revered and protected. Its unique ecosystem is nourished by the clouds high above the desert floor but has become increasingly vulnerable to the impacts of climate change.
Terra by Angelo ChiacchioEphemera documentary
This story was created with the support of Art Works for Change, a nonprofit organization that creates contemporary art exhibitions and storytelling projects to address critical social and environmental issues.
Written, shot and produced by Angelo Chiacchio
Copy editing: Al Grumet, Rajesh Fotedar
With the support of: Google Arts & Culture, Art Works for Change
Thanks to: Bryon Lichtenhan and Sky Island Alliance
