The sun rises. Pure light engulfs the desert, sparkling with the presence of a new day. Surreal shapes and forms integrate with oblique shadows and cries from afar. Clouds pass by the source of light altering the intensity not the purity. Life abounds and yet goes unseen.

The Sonoran Desert is perhaps the most unique ecosystem on the planet. The desert ranges for approximately 120,000 square miles and included within the desert zone is southwestern Arizona; southeastern California; Baja California, Mexico; and the northeast region of Sonora, Mexico.

The southwestern deserts are strangely fascinating environments, rich with exotic plant forms - some not found anywhere else on earth. These vast frontiers - panoramic vistas of mountain ranges, mesas, plains and valleys - are teeming with life.

Characterized by the relentless cycle of the sun and a chronic lack of water, these conditions are actually ideal for over 1,000 different plant species and a multitude of animal life

It is the cactus family that has best adapted to the demands of environment by evolving numerous survival techniques. Most noteworthy is their ability to store water. It is said that an average cactus takes in as much water in one year as a tropical jungle fern transpires in one day.

The dominant symbol of the desert southwest is the magnificent saguaro - the king among cacti. Found only in the Sonoran Desert, these incredible specimens can live for an amazing 250 years and a mature saguaro can stand 20 to 50 feet in height, weighing several tons. This massive presence is easily identified by its long, ribbed, columnar stem. Yet, it is only after 75 to 100 years that the upreaching arms begin to grow, giving the saguaro its unique appearance.

Neighbor to the Sonoran Desert, the Mohave Desert is home to its symbol, the unforgettable dagger-leafed Joshua tree. Legend has it that Mormon pioneers so named this species because its shape mimics the biblical leader, Joshua, who, with uplifted arms, waved them on to the promised land.

Another unique species, the ocotillo, can often be seen gracefully swaying in the warm desert winds. This tall shrub, with up to 30 wands of thin, stem-like branches, develops in almost straight lines, radiating upward from its base. When it rains, leaves form along these branches, aligning themselves with the thorns that grow at almost right angles. For a brief time in April and May, the ocotillo blooms a magnificent cluster of fire red flowers on the tips of each stem.

The origin of the Sonoran Desert dates back 300 million years. Plate tectonics, volcanism, basin and range block faulting, earthquakes and erosion were all factors directly related to the formation of this desert zone.

The Salt River Canyon Wilderness, located in south-central Arizona, provides water year round for the variety of animals of the region. Species in this wilderness include mountain lion, bobcat, coyote and mule deer.

The Joshua Tree National Monument, located in the transition zone between the Sonoran Desert and the Mohave Desert, features the surreal Joshua tree set amongst enormous heaps of eroded boulders, creating fantastic formations of stone.

Just outside of La Paz, Baja California, Mexico, the desert meets ocean. The reefs and sea alike are abundant with marine life. Offshore whales spout white spray 15 feet in the air while pelicans scan the coastline, in search of a meal of sea delicacies.

The rugged beauty of the Kofa Mountains in southwest Arizona is home to the entire population of native palm trees in the state of Arizona.

Aravaipa Canyon (in central Arizona) is an example of pristine nature. The Papago Indians call it "A Aly Waipa" - meaning "little wells." This magnificent canyon provides a habitat that supports more than 200 species of birds, 46 reptiles, 8 amphibians, 7 types of fish and 46 kinds of mammals. One of the unique species of mammals is the shy and reclusive big horn sheep, now on the endangered list.

This land is so diverse, so beautiful, desolate and foreboding - yet so fragile that we must treat it as if it were our own.