Biosphere 2

10/13/2026

10/12/2026

The Thornscrub at Biosphere 2 is a biome to show off the nursery trees that help many plants in the desert thrive. Because even cacti sometimes need help growing in desert. These nurse trees help provide shade and nutrience that give many plants the chance to grow. The reason why these nurse trees are so good at supporting growth is because in the root system has a beneficial fungi called mychorrhizal fungi. This fungi is really good at seeking out water and nutrients which helps itself and other plants grow!

10/08/2026

Coffee breaks look a little different at Biosphere 2. First you got to find some ripe coffee cherries, then harvest, then roast the coffee beans, then grind them up, then finally make your cup of coffee. No wonder the Biospherians only could have 1 cup of coffee every two weeks. It takes about 70 coffee cherries to make just one cup of coffee making a cup of coffee a rare treat when the Biospherians were living in Biosphere 2.

10/07/2026

Let the soothing sounds of the desert stream wash away all your stresses.

10/06/2026

Join our team of nature enthusiasts on a half mile walk along the Biosphere 2 grounds. During the Birding Nature Tour you will have the opportunity to observe both native and migratory bird species. The route includes some uneven terrain and slight elevation changes. While our primary focus is on the birds, we will also explore the unique geology of the Santa Catalina foothills and identify some of the native plants that provide food and shelter for our local wildlife.

10/05/2026

The pink peacock flower is a striking beauty in the desert biome. While these vibrant shrubs are most commonly seen in red, they can bloom in a variety of colors including this stunning pink. Thriving in full sunlight, peacock flowers are an excellent way to add bold color to your garden. Even better, they attract hummingbirds, butterflies, and bees so by planting one, you’re not just enhancing your space, you’re also supporting local pollinators.

10/02/2026

Our indigo plants have producing a crazy amount of seed pods and blooms. We’ve been collecting these seeds so we can grow even more indigenous indigo plants. Indigo, is the plant used to dye denim that classic blue color! The dye itself comes from the leaves of the plant. To create it, the harvested leaves are soaked in water and left to ferment. When the dyed fabric is lifted from the liquid and exposed to air, oxidation occurs this is what transforms the color into the deep blue we all recognize in denim. Oxidation is a crucial step in the dyeing process.

10/01/2026

While exploring the ocean biome in Biosphere 2, I found a long spined sea urchin! We have a few different marine creatures in the Biosphere 2 ocean, but sea urchins are usually the easiest to spot. These bottom dwelling marine invertebrates typically feed on smaller invertebrates and algae which is abundant in our ocean system. Sea urchins play an important role in maintaining a balanced ecosystem and contribute to the overall health of the reef.

09/30/2026

The Red Elephant Tree is native to Baja California. This tree has the ability to develop a swollen trunk to help store water for when it may need it in those dry months. The Red Elephant Tree usually flowers during the summer months. You can find this tree in the Fog Desert Biome at Biosphere 2.

09/29/2026

Welcome to the mangroves! In the mangrove biome we have marsh land and forested swamp area. The Mangrove biome is covered 80% by mangrove trees the dominant trees are Bald Cypress, Pond Apple, Wax Myrtle, Carolina Willow, White Mangroves, Black Mangroves and Red Mangroves. This biome was first planted there were 542 mangroves and 15 fresh water trees.