Native plants include Guaiacum coulteri, Magnolia tarahumara, Brahea aculeata palms, and the cycad Dioon sonorense.

The reserve is a stopover for migratory birds like the Cooper's hawk (Accipiter cooperii) and willow flycatcher (Empidonax traillii).

[3] The Cuchujaqui River and its tributary streams are home to aquatic animals and plants including the Alamos mud turtle and freshwater shrimp (Macrobrachium sp.).

[3] In 2010 three streams in the reserve were designated a Ramsar site (wetland of international importance) called "Ecosistema Arroyo Verde APFF Sierra de Álamos Río Cuchujaqui", which covers an area of 174 ha.

[5] Various economic activities take place in and around the reserve, including open-range cattle raising, subsistence agriculture, fishing, and forestry.