Phoenix, located in the southwestern United States, is situated in the northeastern portion of the Sonoran Desert. Most of us envision deserts as being hot and dry, but the Sonoran Desert, despite the heat, is one of the most biologically diverse ecosystems in the world. From the amazing Saguaro cactus to the endemic fishes, Phoenix, and the Sonoran Desert, is the ideal setting to continue our odyssey into the 21 st century.
Phoenix is one of the most culturally diverse cities in the United States.
The rich cultural mix found in Phoenix is a distinct component of its personality and includes the traditions of ancient Native Americans like the Hohokam and Anasazi, the Spanish, and more recently, the influences of Hispanic, Asian, and African-American populations. The diversity is evident in the amenities found in and around greater Phoenix. The technical program of the 2001 meeting is shaping up to be one that should not be missed. The plenary session will be held in magnificent Orpheum Theatre and will feature various leaders of the environmental community. The poster session will once again be highlighted, and the spacious Phoenix Civic Center will allow us to display each of the posters throughout the entire meeting.