Arizona Biomes

Biomes are distinct ecological communities of plants and animals living together in a particular climate. Scientists classify biomes in various ways.  The major biomes include aquatic, deserts, forests, grasslands, and tundra.  As you can see in this biomes map, Arizona is pretty diversified:

Green Valley Arizona is in a predominately desert area, along with some desert grassland areas.  We also have several large groves of pecan trees and high mountain regions in our area, which explains the name 'Green Valley'.  It is true, that if you head west and go above the area of Green Valley, you can see a great deal of green.  But, when you are at surface level, you will see mostly desert areas.

As you head north in Arizona, biome conditions change from low desert land, to higher woodlands and forests.  Keep in mind that you can drive from Green Valley to the Grand Canyon in about 6 hours; going from about 80 to 90 degrees, into snow and freezing temperatures during the winter months.  In fact, I have often sat on my patio wearing shorts and a t-shirt and watched the snow falling on Mt. Wrightson.  It is an incredible sight.

And, thanks to Green Valley's low pollution, vast horizon, daytime blue skies; we often get to enjoy blazing red sunsets.  You can see a muted one in the banner at the top of this page.  I was amazed the first time I saw this and my first Arizona lightning storm.  Once, again, the clear night skies help to give us quite a show during a lightning storm.  I'll try to take some pictures during the next storm.