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Revised Fees Start March 1, 2010 
Ranger Cam 2010
Experience unique adventures at Arizona State Parks! Click on a month above or read our complete listing below to learn about upcoming events and activities. To learn more about a park, including downloading park maps and getting step by step driving directions, follow the link to the park's web pages. Note that the “
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Calendar Symbol Key
= Brown Bag Lunch Lecture
= Plein Air "Paint Out"
= Evening Slide Presentation
Demonstration at 9:30 am. The park honors Arizona's 150-year-old newspaper, The Weekly Arizonian, which is still being printed on the original hand press at Tubac Presidio State Historic Park. It took seven years to bring the historic Washington Hand Press back to its original glory. The press had been in Tombstone and was found in a garage in the back of a house in the late 1970s. It took State Parks staff and a very dedicated volunteer, many years to prepare an engineering plan and find all the parts to put it back together. They traveled to the Smithsonian to enlist the help of other experts to learn how to repair the press. This was the hand press that actually printed Arizona's first newspaper. Today volunteers operate the press on weekends for visitors, printing a commemorative edition of the original newspaper for the public. Watch a video showing how the printing press operates.
8:30 am. Brown Creeper, Hermit Thrush, Red-naped Sapsucker and Spotted Towhee -- birds you’ll see and hear on a walk through more than 300 acres worth of gardens criss-crossed by two miles of Arboretum paths. February and March visitors can sharpen their basic bird identification skills on a guided walk; each Thursday for the next two months Florence resident Jane Wicklund will lead birdwalks that are included with regular daily admission of $7.50.
10 am. Each school year we invite homeschool families to gather and experience Arboretum education programs. On February 5 (Friday) at 10 am is The Arizona Tour. Pre-payment is required, families are asked to reserve a spot no later than two weeks prior to each tour by calling (520) 689-2723 or else emailing Education Coordinator Lacey Pacheco lpacheco(at)Ag.arizona.edu
Evening Slide Presentation Series, 7pm RSVP Free! Presented by Shannon Benjamin, Museum of Northern Arizona. Ravens and Crows are two members of the Corvid family. These enterprising creatures have long been known as tricksters in American Indian stories. Join us for an exploration of Southwestern Native American folklore about these intelligent birds and learn about their surprising traits and abilities.
Learn about the night sky, constellations and planets with local astronomer Bill Dellinges. Parking and seating at campground amphitheatre. Free program.
8:30 am. Alternating weekend bird walks resume with Marceline Vandewater as our guide February 6. The International Migratory Bird Day spring migrant count will be May 8, Saturday; volunteers who wish to help count birds at the Arboretum and other nearby areas are encouraged to sign up with Doug Jenness by phone 520-909-1529 or email d_jenness(at)hotmail.com.
8:30 am start time. 6-7 mile hike, 400'-500' elevation gain. Destination: Cliffs & 50 Year trails. Starts from Equestrian Center.
All hikes leave from the main trailhead, unless otherwise specified. Occasional, light bushwhacks and exploratory tangents may occur. Entrance fee required. For all hikes, please bring water, hat, hiking boots, and snacks. Moderate pace. Round-trip mileage, duration, and elevation changes are approximate. Hikes are subject to change due to trail conditions and weather. A four-hiker minimum is required, and please no pets. Registration is required no later than 3 pm the day before the hike. Call Gaston (520) 638-5404 to register for hikes. Please call if you have to cancel a registration.
2 pm. A program on “Cliff Dwellings of the Verde Valley: An Archeological Perspective on a Unique Architectural Trend” will be presented in the theater.
The presentation will describe cliff dwellings and cavates used in the Verde Valley during the 13th and 14th centuries. Most of us are familiar with the term “cliff dwellings”, while cavates are specialized rock shelters. The presentation will assist us in determining why recent visitors to the area have been so enamored by these structures. It will also provide information on the techniques archeologists use when trying to understand how and why they were constructed. Particular attention will be paid to the best known dwellings in the area, such as Palatki and Montezuma Castle.
Guebard is the Park Archeologist at Montezuma Castle and Tuzigoot National Monuments. He earned his Master’s degree in archeology from Northern Arizona University in Flagstaff. His major interests include cultural resource management, prehistoric architecture, and architectural preservation. Prior to working in the Verde Valley, Guebard served as Project Archeologist at Tonto National Monument in Roosevelt, Arizona.
Reservations are recommended, as seating is limited. Please call (928) 282-6907 for additional information or restrictions. Program is free with admission to the park.
2 pm. Parents: are you looking for a good new children's book, a place to get outdoors with your kids -- and a chance for ages 4-to-10 to learn about Sonoran Desert plants, birds and critters? Volunteers and staff read stories aloud, with a follow-up activity for kids. “The Adventures of Flat Cactus Jack” read by the authors -- Jean Groen and Don Wells, with a desert foods activity following the reading with Jean & Don.
8:30 am. Brown Creeper, Hermit Thrush, Red-naped Sapsucker and Spotted Towhee -- birds you’ll see and hear on a walk through more than 300 acres worth of gardens criss-crossed by two miles of Arboretum paths. February and March visitors can sharpen their basic bird identification skills on a guided walk; each Thursday for the next two months Florence resident Jane Wicklund will lead birdwalks that are included with regular daily admission of $7.50.
8 am to 5 pm. Flowers, chocolates and a walk in the gardens = the recipe for an ideal Valentines Weekend date. Invite your sweetie and bring your sweet tooth; our exhibit helps decode the ancient, complex “language of flowers” and the expressions conveyed by different flowers, plants and arrangements. For centuries flowers have been used for discreet and diplomatic communication – conveying what words sometimes cannot. You’ll be surprised at some of the meanings of the many flowers and plants you’ll see in our Lecture Room his weekend. Also, from 10am to 3pm decadent gourmet chocolates from Glendale’s Cerreta Candy Company will be at a tasting table for an additional $1 each.
February 13 & 14 - Fort Verde State Historic ParkFort Verde State Historic Park will hold held its annual Buffalo Soldiers event on February 13th & 14th, 2010. Last year over 600 people attended this event with living history presentations, riding demonstrations, and 1870s period equipment & uniforms.
Bring your special someone or all of your loved ones to Fort Verde State Historic Park and learn about history with the Buffalo Soldiers, and on Sunday (in conjunction with the Town of Camp Verde's Wine, Pecan and Antique Festival ), bring a home-made Pecan pie and enter it into the pie baking contest and the best tasting pie will win a $50 gift basket with books and other items from the Fort bookstore. (Guest Judge: Camp Verde Mayor Bob Burnside) There will also be three-legged and potato sack races in the afternoon. On Sunday watch a vintage baseball game with the Fort Verde Excelsiors taking on the Glendale Gophers.
Learn more about Buffalo Soldiers in our Feature Story and photo gallery.
Rockabilly event at Windsor 4 area, music, beer garden, vendor village, and a carnival. Family fun event - no entrance fees. More info at www.myspace.com/eventsallaround and www.myspace.com/rockabillyreunion
1:30 pm. Apache Junction authors Jean Groen and Don Wells guide the walk up our Curandero Trail explaining the ways plants have fed, clothed and healed desert people for a thousand years. Don’t hurry to leave -- following their tour Jean usually shares home-made “desert edible” snacks. * Please note that this tour explores our Curandero Trail, which has moderately steep sections and is not accessible by wheelchair.
8:30 am start time. 8-9 mile hike, 300'-400' elevation gain. Destination: Stock Tank long loop.
All hikes leave from the main trailhead, unless otherwise specified. Occasional, light bushwhacks and exploratory tangents may occur. Entrance fee required. For all hikes, please bring water, hat, hiking boots, and snacks. Moderate pace. Round-trip mileage, duration, and elevation changes are approximate. Hikes are subject to change due to trail conditions and weather. A four-hiker minimum is required, and please no pets. Registration is required no later than 3 pm the day before the hike. Call Gaston (520) 638-5404 to register for hikes. Please call if you have to cancel a registration.
8:30 am. Alternating weekend bird walks continue with Richard Ditch leading our Valentines Day Bird Walk. The International Migratory Bird Day spring migrant count will be May 8, Saturday; volunteers who wish to help count birds at the Arboretum and other nearby areas are encouraged to sign up with Doug Jenness by phone 520-909-1529 or email d_jenness(at)hotmail.com.
2 pm. Visitors can join a volunteer on a guided geology hike through Red Rock State Park. You will learn why the rocks are red, where they came from, where they are going, and more. This hike includes the Eagle’s Nest Trail for a great view of the Park and surrounding area. More than a guided hike, this is an interpretive experience for the beginner as well as advanced geologist. The hike lasts for 2 to 2 ½ hours and has a 250 feet elevation climb. Enjoy an afternoon with our knowledgeable volunteer guide who will explain the rock formations that create the scenic backdrop of Red Rock State Park. Bring water and wear suitable shoes or boots.
2 pm. Parents: are you looking for a good new children's book, a place to get outdoors with your kids -- and a chance for ages 4-to-10 to learn about Sonoran Desert plants, birds and critters? Volunteers and staff read stories aloud, with a follow-up activity for kids. “Over In the Garden” by Jennifer Ward.
Demonstration at 10 am. The park honors Arizona's 150-year-old newspaper, The Weekly Arizonian, which is still being printed on the original hand press at Tubac Presidio State Historic Park. It took seven years to bring the historic Washington Hand Press back to its original glory. The press had been in Tombstone and was found in a garage in the back of a house in the late 1970s. It took State Parks staff and a very dedicated volunteer, many years to prepare an engineering plan and find all the parts to put it back together. They traveled to the Smithsonian to enlist the help of other experts to learn how to repair the press. This was the hand press that actually printed Arizona's first newspaper. Today volunteers operate the press on weekends for visitors, printing a commemorative edition of the original newspaper for the public. Watch a video showing how the printing press operates.
8:30 am. Brown Creeper, Hermit Thrush, Red-naped Sapsucker and Spotted Towhee -- birds you’ll see and hear on a walk through more than 300 acres worth of gardens criss-crossed by two miles of Arboretum paths. February and March visitors can sharpen their basic bird identification skills on a guided walk; each Thursday for the next two months Florence resident Jane Wicklund will lead birdwalks that are included with regular daily admission of $7.50.
10 am to 2 pm. The event begins at 10 am with a brief history about Global Positioning System (GPS). How GPS was conceived and the etiquette that goes along with the sport will be discussed. To participate, attendees should bring their GPS unit with them and have a basic understanding of how their GPS unit works. Afterward, attendees can choose to find more than 12 geo-cache sites. There will be hidden caches on various trails for hikers, along with several sites along the shoreline, and even a couple of sites dedicated to those who may be wheelchair bound.
Geo-caching began in 2000 after the Defense Department stopped scrambling the signals beamed to GPS receivers from military satellites, making it easier for recreational users to find specific locations. It has since grown in popularity for both families and corporate groups. "Geo" for geography and "cache" for hidden stash provides a fun opportunity to enjoy and explore the outdoors using a (GPS) receiver.
The park encourages responsible Geo Caching practices in all natural settings, including limiting graffitti, digging, trash, illiegal off road vehicle use, vandalism, or caches near archeological sites or commercial use.
Demonstration at 11 am. The park honors Arizona's 150-year-old newspaper, The Weekly Arizonian, which is still being printed on the original hand press at Tubac Presidio State Historic Park. It took seven years to bring the historic Washington Hand Press back to its original glory. The press had been in Tombstone and was found in a garage in the back of a house in the late 1970s. It took State Parks staff and a very dedicated volunteer, many years to prepare an engineering plan and find all the parts to put it back together. They traveled to the Smithsonian to enlist the help of other experts to learn how to repair the press. This was the hand press that actually printed Arizona's first newspaper. Today volunteers operate the press on weekends for visitors, printing a commemorative edition of the original newspaper for the public. Watch a video showing how the printing press operates.
8:30 am. Alternating weekend bird walks continue with photographer Jim Burns. The International Migratory Bird Day spring migrant count will be May 8, Saturday; volunteers who wish to help count birds at the Arboretum and other nearby areas are encouraged to sign up with Doug Jenness by phone 520-909-1529 or email d_jenness(at)hotmail.com.
8:30 am start time. 7-8 mile hike, 400'-500' elevation gain. Destination: Catalina's Medium Loop. Starts from Equestrian center.
All hikes leave from the main trailhead, unless otherwise specified. Occasional, light bushwhacks and exploratory tangents may occur. Entrance fee required. For all hikes, please bring water, hat, hiking boots, and snacks. Moderate pace. Round-trip mileage, duration, and elevation changes are approximate. Hikes are subject to change due to trail conditions and weather. A four-hiker minimum is required, and please no pets. Registration is required no later than 3 pm the day before the hike. Call Gaston (520) 638-5404 to register for hikes. Please call if you have to cancel a registration.
1:30 pm. “What's an Arboretum?” Sonoran Desert Horticulture authority Terry Mikel guides this walking tour where visitors learn the answer to that often-posed question during a relaxed and leisurely stroll through forested areas of the Arboretum. You’ll see our towering sycamore and cottonwood trees, native hackberry, mesquites and palo verdes -- and breathtaking eucalyptus and river red gums!
2 pm. Parents: are you looking for a good new children's book, a place to get outdoors with your kids -- and a chance for ages 4-to-10 to learn about Sonoran Desert plants, birds and critters? Volunteers and staff read stories aloud, with a follow-up activity for kids. Acclaimed AZ author Conrad Storad reads his own “Rattlesnake Rules”.
2 pm. Want to improve your camera skills on a relaxed afternoon shooting beautiful garden scenes alongside a pro -- with plenty of chances to ask questions about the dials, settings and control on your own camera? Tom Boggan’s "Walk-a-Bout", February 21 is from 2:00 to 4:00 p.m. East Valley Tribune staff photographer Tom Boggan has a talent for portraits and a passion for nature photography at Boyce Thompson Arboretum, where he volunteers his time helping visitors improve their camera skills. Workshops with Tom are limited to ten students, and pre-payment of $27.50 is required ($20 for BTA annual members). To enroll by phone have your credit card ready and call Arboretum staff at 520-689-2723. And Check out this gallery of images Tom and students posted after their Spring and Summer workshops. Join us for a chance to improve your basic photography skills, including composition, lighting and exposure -- and for one-on-one time with Tom helping students understand the different between aperture, exposure and light balance.
8:30 am. Brown Creeper, Hermit Thrush, Red-naped Sapsucker and Spotted Towhee -- birds you’ll see and hear on a walk through more than 300 acres worth of gardens criss-crossed by two miles of Arboretum paths. February and March visitors can sharpen their basic bird identification skills on a guided walk; each Thursday for the next two months Florence resident Jane Wicklund will lead birdwalks that are included with regular daily admission of $7.50.
7-9 pm. Join us for a guided 2.5 mile hike on Jacob’s Crosscut Trail at the base of the mysterious Superstition Mountains. Hikers should dress appropriately and wear trail shoes or boots. Some parts of the trail are rocky and uneven with occasional steep grades; participants should be in good health with no walking or night vision difficulties. After the hike gather round the campfire for a marshmallow roast (marshmallows and sticks provided). All ages welcome. No pets, please. Large groups of 25 or more need to call in advance for special arrangements. Parking in Day Use Area.
1st time event- HavaBBQ at Windsor 4 area has a Kansas City BBQ competition with lots of vendors, $2 for parking on site. More info at www.havabbq.com . Family Fun event.
Join park volunteer and bird expert Rod Villemaire (Bird Planet TV ) for three special bird shows at the campground amphitheater:
1-2:30 pm. “Birdie Bingo”. This lecture is geared for 5 to 12 year olds. Kids get to learn about birds as they play a fun “birdie bingo” game.
3 pm. Live bird demonstrations, weather permitting. Having and taking care of a pet bird. Secrets of bird care as covered in Rod’s book “A Bird’s Eye View!”
7 pm. Studying our Feathered Friends. Learn about working as an oologist/ornithologist, geared for ages 11 and up. A great class for anyone thinking of entering a career in birds.
1:30 pm. Learn about rocks and volcanic formations seen along our main trail -- compressing about two billion years of geologic history into just over one educational hour-long walk with tourguide Ben Henderson -- a professional geologist. Learn about Pinal schist, the volcanic origins of Picket Post Mountain and the Apache Leap tuff.
11 am. Walk the Arboretum’s main trail and you’ll see everything from prickly pear pads of our Sonoran Desert to the pomegranates of Central Asia. The Arboretum features desert plants from all around the globe; this Saturday event features exhibit tables in each of these ecosystems giving visitors a chance to sample food, crafts and cultures from various continents and cultures, all on a walk around the 1.5 mile long main trail
8:30 am start time. 7 mile hike, 300'-400' elevation gain. Destination: Palo Verde Loop.
All hikes leave from the main trailhead, unless otherwise specified. Occasional, light bushwhacks and exploratory tangents may occur. Entrance fee required. For all hikes, please bring water, hat, hiking boots, and snacks. Moderate pace. Round-trip mileage, duration, and elevation changes are approximate. Hikes are subject to change due to trail conditions and weather. A four-hiker minimum is required, and please no pets. Registration is required no later than 3 pm the day before the hike. Call Gaston (520) 638-5404 to register for hikes. Please call if you have to cancel a registration.
8:30 am. Alternating weekend bird walks continue with Cindy Marple. The International Migratory Bird Day spring migrant count will be May 8, Saturday; volunteers who wish to help count birds at the Arboretum and other nearby areas are encouraged to sign up with Doug Jenness by phone 520-909-1529 or email d_jenness(at)hotmail.com.
1:30 pm. Ethnobotanist and Choctaw nation member Dave Morris leads the walk up our Curandero Trail. * Please note that this tour explores our Curandero Trail, which has moderately steep sections and is not accessible by wheelchair.
2 pm. Parents: are you looking for a good new children's book, a place to get outdoors with your kids -- and a chance for ages 4-to-10 to learn about Sonoran Desert plants, birds and critters? Volunteers and staff read stories aloud, with a follow-up activity for kids. Acclaimed AZ author Conrad Storad reads “Desert Night Shift: A Packrat Story”.
For the entire month of March 2010, the ASP State Historic Preservation Office (SHPO) is coordinating activities throughout the state for the 27th anniversary celebration of Arizona Archaeology and Heritage Awareness Month. See March 2010 Event Calendar or see Photo Wrap-Up Gallery from 2009
Demonstration at 9 am. The park honors Arizona's 150-year-old newspaper, The Weekly Arizonian, which is still being printed on the original hand press at Tubac Presidio State Historic Park. It took seven years to bring the historic Washington Hand Press back to its original glory. The press had been in Tombstone and was found in a garage in the back of a house in the late 1970s. It took State Parks staff and a very dedicated volunteer, many years to prepare an engineering plan and find all the parts to put it back together. They traveled to the Smithsonian to enlist the help of other experts to learn how to repair the press. This was the hand press that actually printed Arizona's first newspaper. Today volunteers operate the press on weekends for visitors, printing a commemorative edition of the original newspaper for the public. Watch a video showing how the printing press operates.
8:30 am. Brown Creeper, Hermit Thrush, Red-naped Sapsucker and Spotted Towhee -- birds you’ll see and hear on a walk through more than 300 acres worth of gardens criss-crossed by two miles of Arboretum paths. February and March visitors can sharpen their basic bird identification skills on a guided walk. Florence resident Jane Wicklund will lead birdwalks that are included with regular daily admission of $7.50.
Learn about the night sky, constellations and planets with local astronomer Bill Dellinges. Parking and seating at campground amphitheatre. Free program.
Bluegrass on the Beach at Windsor 4, Camping and Bluegrass music 10am to dusk with vendors, food, beer. This is a paid admission event for the concert and the camping. More info at www.landspromotions.com .
8:30 am. Alternating weekend bird walks continue with Troy Corman. The International Migratory Bird Day spring migrant count will be May 8, Saturday; volunteers who wish to help count birds at the Arboretum and other nearby areas are encouraged to sign up with Doug Jenness by phone 520-909-1529 or email d_jenness(at)hotmail.com.
8 am. The Arboretum hosts Arizona’s state Tree Climbing Championship this year, and spectators are welcome. Non-competitors aren't allowed to climb trees at BTA, but all are encouraged to visit the Kids’ Zone from to learn about forestry and climbing from 10:00-12:00 and also 1:00-3:00. Competitors check-in and orientation is from 6:00 - 8:00 am, then from Eight O'Clock until noon competitors will square off in timed competitions using skills in the FootLock, Aerial Rescue and other categories. Food vendors will serve lunch from Noon-1:00, then from 1:00-3:00 pm is the Master's Challenge for competitors age 40 and older. Winners receive awards from 3:00-4:00 pm.
Learn about some of the early survival methods used by the Sinagua Indians over a thousand years ago. Join Roy Julian in weaving sandals made from yucca fiber at 10:30 am. Observe four prehistoric fire starting methods as demonstrated by Al Cornell at 11:30 am. At 12:30 pm, learn about the atlatl and dart, an earlier form of the bow and arrow. Participate in throwing this instrument with Bob Sizemore. Please call (928) 282-6907 for additional information or restrictions. Program is free with admission to the park.
2 pm in the theater. Geologist and award-winning author Wayne Ranney will present a program on “What’s New in Sedona Geology?”. Sedona is well known for its beautiful red rock scenery, yet geologists are still making discoveries as they unearth the cryptic secrets of the origin of the landscape. Participate in throwing this instrument with Bob Sizemore. Please call (928) 282-6907 for additional information or restrictions. Program is free with admission to the park.
12:15 pm. Brown Bag Lunch Lecture. Presented by Peter Pilles, Archaeologist, Coconino National Forest. In the early days of the Smithsonian, leading archaeologists were sent to northern Arizona to study ruin sites, including Jesse Walter Fewkes. Examine "then and now" photos documenting the ruin sites as they were found and as they are today. Presentation will be illustrated with photos by several early archaeologists.
10 am. Each school year we invite homeschool families to gather and experience Arboretum education programs. On March 10 (Wednesday) participants are offered the "Trees" tour at 10 am. Pre-payment is required, families are asked to reserve a spot no later than two weeks prior to each tour by calling (520) 689-2723 or else emailing Education Coordinator Lacey Pacheco lpacheco(at)Ag.arizona.edu
Demonstration at 9 am. The park honors Arizona's 150-year-old newspaper, The Weekly Arizonian, which is still being printed on the original hand press at Tubac Presidio State Historic Park. It took seven years to bring the historic Washington Hand Press back to its original glory. The press had been in Tombstone and was found in a garage in the back of a house in the late 1970s. It took State Parks staff and a very dedicated volunteer, many years to prepare an engineering plan and find all the parts to put it back together. They traveled to the Smithsonian to enlist the help of other experts to learn how to repair the press. This was the hand press that actually printed Arizona's first newspaper. Today volunteers operate the press on weekends for visitors, printing a commemorative edition of the original newspaper for the public. Watch a video showing how the printing press operates.
8:30 am. Brown Creeper, Hermit Thrush, Red-naped Sapsucker and Spotted Towhee -- birds you’ll see and hear on a walk through more than 300 acres worth of gardens criss-crossed by two miles of Arboretum paths. February and March visitors can sharpen their basic bird identification skills on a guided walk. Florence resident Jane Wicklund will lead birdwalks that are included with regular daily admission of $7.50.
Boat show and displays at Windsor 4, many boat manufacturors with vessels of all sizes, USGC Aux booth,vendors, beer garden. Free admission to the area.
8 am. This important seasonal fundraiser helps support botany conservation and education at the Arboretum -- and offers visitors two weeks worth of great savings on a wide selection of drought-tolerant cacti, agaves, herbs, trees, shrubs, wildflowers and other plants ideal for landscaping here in our Sonoran Desert.
Mark your calendars! The annual Civil War in the Southwest will be held March 13 & 14, 2010 at Picacho Peak State Park! Each year hundreds of spectators descend on Picacho Peak State Park to watch re-enactments of an Arizona Civil War skirmish and the New Mexico battles of Glorieta and Val Verde.
Visitors travel from around the country to experience the three fascinating historic re-enactment's complete with lifestyles of the soldiers in the southwest during the 1860s. More than 200 re-enactors come in from many states and will camp at the park with their authentic Civil War camping gear. Food and beverage concessions are also available, including the popular Kettle corn vendor.
Check out the photo gallery from the 2008 event. Read special information and download registration form for Historical Re-Enactors.
1:30 pm. Apache Junction authors Jean Groen and Don Wells guide the walk up our Curandero Trail explaining the ways plants have fed, clothed and healed desert people for a thousand years. Don’t hurry to leave -- following their tour Jean usually shares home-made “desert edible” snacks. Ethnobotanist and Choctaw nation member Dave Morris leads the walk Jan. 24. * Please note that this tour explores our Curandero Trail, which has moderately steep sections and is not accessible by wheelchair.
8:30 am. Alternating weekend bird walks continue with Kathe Anderson. The International Migratory Bird Day spring migrant count will be May 8, Saturday; volunteers who wish to help count birds at the Arboretum and other nearby areas are encouraged to sign up with Doug Jenness by phone 520-909-1529 or email d_jenness(at)hotmail.com.
8:30 am. Brown Creeper, Hermit Thrush, Red-naped Sapsucker and Spotted Towhee -- birds you’ll see and hear on a walk through more than 300 acres worth of gardens criss-crossed by two miles of Arboretum paths. February and March visitors can sharpen their basic bird identification skills on a guided walk. Florence resident Jane Wicklund will lead birdwalks that are included with regular daily admission of $7.50.
March 10, 2010: 12th Annual Mariachi Festival5 Bands, and 1 group of dancers will make this year's Mariachi Festival memorable. Spice up your spring with this annual event. Enjoy a wide variety of Southern Arizona Mariachi bands on stage. Come join the fun. 10 am: Mariachi Reyes Band, 11 am: Sunnyside High School Band, Noon: Baile Folklorico Tapatio Dancers, 1 pm: Mariachi Juvenil Batiz Band, 2 pm: Pueblo High School Band, 3 pm: Mariachi Plata Band. Schedule subject to change.
In addition, Patagonia offers picnicking, birding and nature walks.
7 pm. Evening Slide Presentation Series, RSVP Free! Presented by Neil Weintraub, Archaeologist, Kaibab National Forest. 25 Years ago, archaeologist Neil Weintraub participated in the second year of excavations of the Grinnell College archaeological field school at Lizard Man Village. Located near Camp Townsend Winona Road, the field school made important contributions to the understanding of local prehistory. 25 years later, important preservation efforts are being made at a nearby petroglyph site called Picture Canyon (contemporaneous with Lizard Man). Weintraub will discuss the importance of these archaeological efforts located right outside our own doorsteps!
8:30 am. Alternating weekend bird walks continue with Cynthia Donald and Pete Moulton. The International Migratory Bird Day spring migrant count will be May 8, Saturday; volunteers who wish to help count birds at the Arboretum and other nearby areas are encouraged to sign up with Doug Jenness by phone 520-909-1529 or email d_jenness(at)hotmail.com.
Demonstration at 11 am. The park honors Arizona's 150-year-old newspaper, The Weekly Arizonian, which is still being printed on the original hand press at Tubac Presidio State Historic Park. It took seven years to bring the historic Washington Hand Press back to its original glory. The press had been in Tombstone and was found in a garage in the back of a house in the late 1970s. It took State Parks staff and a very dedicated volunteer, many years to prepare an engineering plan and find all the parts to put it back together. They traveled to the Smithsonian to enlist the help of other experts to learn how to repair the press. This was the hand press that actually printed Arizona's first newspaper. Today volunteers operate the press on weekends for visitors, printing a commemorative edition of the original newspaper for the public. Watch a video showing how the printing press operates.
Triathalon at windsor 4 area, see many athletes compete in the water, running and biking on land. More info at www.tucsonracing.com .
1:30 pm. “What's an Arboretum?” Sonoran Desert Horticulture authority Terry Mikel guides this walking tour where visitors learn the answer to that often-posed question during a relaxed and leisurely stroll through forested areas of the Arboretum. You’ll see our towering sycamore and cottonwood trees, native hackberry, mesquites and palo verdes -- and breathtaking eucalyptus and river red gums!
Demonstration at 9:30 am. The park honors Arizona's 150-year-old newspaper, The Weekly Arizonian, which is still being printed on the original hand press at Tubac Presidio State Historic Park. It took seven years to bring the historic Washington Hand Press back to its original glory. The press had been in Tombstone and was found in a garage in the back of a house in the late 1970s. It took State Parks staff and a very dedicated volunteer, many years to prepare an engineering plan and find all the parts to put it back together. They traveled to the Smithsonian to enlist the help of other experts to learn how to repair the press. This was the hand press that actually printed Arizona's first newspaper. Today volunteers operate the press on weekends for visitors, printing a commemorative edition of the original newspaper for the public. Watch a video showing how the printing press operates.
8:30 am. Brown Creeper, Hermit Thrush, Red-naped Sapsucker and Spotted Towhee -- birds you’ll see and hear on a walk through more than 300 acres worth of gardens criss-crossed by two miles of Arboretum paths. February and March visitors can sharpen their basic bird identification skills on a guided walk. Florence resident Jane Wicklund will lead birdwalks that are included with regular daily admission of $7.50.
1:30 pm. Learn about rocks and volcanic formations seen along our main trail -- compressing about two billion years of geologic history into just over one educational hour-long walk with tourguide Ben Henderson -- a professional geologist. Learn about Pinal schist, the volcanic origins of Picket Post Mountain and the Apache Leap tuff.
8:30 am. Alternating weekend bird walks continue with Cynthia Donald and Pete Moulton. The International Migratory Bird Day spring migrant count will be May 8, Saturday; volunteers who wish to help count birds at the Arboretum and other nearby areas are encouraged to sign up with Doug Jenness by phone 520-909-1529 or email d_jenness(at)hotmail.com.
1:30 pm. Ethnobotanist and Choctaw nation member Dave Morris leads the walk up our Curandero Trail. * Please note that this tour explores our Curandero Trail, which has moderately steep sections and is not accessible by wheelchair.
8:30 am. Alternating weekend bird walks continue with Cynthia Donald and Pete Moulton. The International Migratory Bird Day spring migrant count will be May 8, Saturday; volunteers who wish to help count birds at the Arboretum and other nearby areas are encouraged to sign up with Doug Jenness by phone 520-909-1529 or email d_jenness(at)hotmail.com.
10 am. Each school year the Arboretum invites homeschool families to gather and experience Arboretum education programs. April 9 (Friday) staff and volunteers will offer the “Plants of the Bible” tour at 10 a.m. Pre-payment is required, families are asked to reserve a spot no later than two weeks prior to each tour by calling 520-689-2723 or else emailing Education Coordinator Lacey Pacheco lpacheco(at)Ag.arizona.edu.
7 pm. Evening Slide Presentation Series, RSVP Free! Presented by Karen Washabau. “We have no radio, I am pleased to say, but we read a great deal.” So wrote Timothy Riordan to his sister Nell in 1932. Indeed, the Riordan family donated more than 4,000 books, magazines, and other publications when they gave their American Arts and Crafts style home to Arizona State Parks. The personal libraries of the Tim and Mike Riordan families contain books that date back to the Civil War. They reveal the families’ broad interests, and include religious, fiction, and nonfiction titles. Karen Washabau, a docent at the Riordan Mansion, has spent several years browsing the bookshelves. She’ll give us a glimpse behind the covers of some of the Riordans’ well-worn books.
On the second Sunday, April 11, 2010, visitors can join a volunteer at 2:00 PM on a guided geology hike through Red Rock State Park. You will learn why the rocks are red, where they came from, where they are going, and more. This hike includes the Eagle’s Nest Trail for a great view of the Park and surrounding area. More than a guided hike, this is an interpretive experience for the beginner as well as advanced geologist. The hike lasts for 2 to 2 ½ hours and has a 250 feet elevation climb. Enjoy an afternoon with our knowledgeable volunteer guide who will explain the rock formations that create the scenic backdrop of Red Rock State Park. Bring water and wear suitable shoes or boots. Reservations may be required. Please call 928-282-6907 for additional information.
8:30 am. Alternating weekend bird walks continue with Cynthia Donald and Pete Moulton. The International Migratory Bird Day spring migrant count will be May 8, Saturday; volunteers who wish to help count birds at the Arboretum and other nearby areas are encouraged to sign up with Doug Jenness by phone 520-909-1529 or email d_jenness(at)hotmail.com.
12:15 pm. Brown Bag Lunch Lecture. Presented by Shannon Clark, Coconino National Forest Facilities Engineer. Learn how a group of springs and a parcel of land at the foot of the San Francisco Peaks have been used for many purposes, from use as a water source by early military expeditions, farming and ranching operations, a summer camp, ski outings, to the current use by a U.S. Forest Service firefighting crew.
8:30 am. Alternating weekend bird walks continue with Cynthia Donald and Pete Moulton. The International Migratory Bird Day spring migrant count will be May 8, Saturday; volunteers who wish to help count birds at the Arboretum and other nearby areas are encouraged to sign up with Doug Jenness by phone 520-909-1529 or email d_jenness(at)hotmail.com.
Our First Sunday Program this month is on April 18, 2010 because of Easter. Please join us at 2:00 PM in the Park Theatre to learn about the condor reproduction program in Arizona. Presented by Kathy Sullivan, Condor Program Coordinator with the Arizona Game and Fish Department, you will learn how biologists have brought these amazing birds back from the brink of extinction. You will find out how many condors live in Arizona, where you can go to see him, and how many chicks have been hatched in the wild. You will also hear about the obstacles that condors face and what you can do to help conserve these prehistoric giants.
Ms. Sullivan is the Project coordinator for the Condor Program with the Arizona Game and Fish Department. She has had previous experience as a biologist on the whooping crane reintroduction project in Florida and the sandhill crane project in Mississippi. She also worked with sea turtle and marine mammals.
8:30 am. Alternating weekend bird walks continue with Cynthia Donald and Pete Moulton. The International Migratory Bird Day spring migrant count will be May 8, Saturday; volunteers who wish to help count birds at the Arboretum and other nearby areas are encouraged to sign up with Doug Jenness by phone 520-909-1529 or email d_jenness(at)hotmail.com.
An unforgettable experience, the Moonlight Hikes include a naturalist-led interpretive program on the Park’s beautiful trails. Enjoy the sunset and moonrise from an overlook and return by the light of the moon. The hike lasts two to 2 ½ hours, covers a distance of approximately two miles and has an elevation climb of 200 to 250 feet. Hikes leave promptly from the Visitor Center at 6:30 PM. No late arrivals will be allowed to join the hike. Please wear suitable clothing and shoes (prepare for cool nights) and bring water, a flashlight, and insect spray. Reservations are required. A $2.00 per person program fee will be charged at the time of the reservation. There is also a $10.00 entrance fee to the Park for a car of four adults.
What’s New in Sedona Geology12:15 pm. Brown Bag Lunch Lecture. Presented by Wayne Ranney, Geologist & Author.
7 pm. Evening Slide Presentation Series, RSVP Free! Presented by Jim Babbitt, Local Author. Jim and coauthor John DeGraff just finished writing a book, Flagstaff, about our local history. Part of Arcadia Publishing’s Images of America series, this fabulous contribution to Flagstaff history includes 180 vintage images with descriptive text.
12:15 pm. Brown Bag Lunch Lecture. Presented by Dr. David Mattson, U.S. Geological Survey. Humans and bears share intelligence, omnivory, problem-solving skills and prolonged maternal care. But the uncanny strength of bears and their mysterious annual cycle of “death” and “rebirth” elevate bruins to iconic status, evident in numerous bear stories and mythic identifications with the Earth and stars. Hear from this author who has spent decades studying bears, especially grizzlies!
2 - 4 pm. Free! Come hear the band! Step back into yesteryear at the Riordan Mansion to listen to the band play under the pines. The Flagstaff Community Band provides music for all ages so come and enjoy an afternoon at the Mansion!
7 pm. Evening Slide Presentation Series, RSVP Free! Presented by Karen Knorowski, NPS/USFS. Karen will explore the history of painting as an expression of interpretation of the Colorado Plateau. She shows & discusses the work of nine plateau artists.
7 pm. Evening Slide Presentation Series, RSVP Free! Presented by Richard and Sherry Mangum. During the 1880s and 1890s the Wild West disappeared from the American landscape. The last holdout was Arizona, which was still a lawless territory when the new century dawned in 1900. While Arizona's stage robbers, rustlers, cardsharks and gunfighters liked the wildness just fine, the cattlemen, miners, railroad companies and law-abiding citizens wanted statehood and an end to lawlessness. It was obvious that the existing system was unable to cope, so under the governor's urging the legislature created a special crime-fighting force in 1901 called the Arizona Rangers. There were only fourteen men in the unit, but this brave and determined group soon began bringing the outlaws into line, using whatever force was necessary. The Rangers were soon expanded to twenty-six men, allowing them to put more pressure on the badmen and to cover the entire territory. They were so effective that by 1909 the legislature decided the Rangers were no longer needed and disbanded the outfit. The Arizona Rangers wrote the last chapter in the saga of the Wild West, and a more colorful group never wore a badge.
10 am - 4 pm. Free! The Arizona Rough Riders is a commemorative group that brings the Spanish/American War era (1898) to life for audiences. Dressed in authentic period dress of the famous Rough Riders, and their ladies, and carrying 100 year old weapons for the public's examination, the Arizona Rough Riders describe the era, the war, the effects, and the social mores of turn of the century America. The Rough Riders are the most famous 'all volunteer unit' in the history of the US Military.
Learn more on the Plein Air Home Page. Arizona State Parks and and Arizona Plein Air Painters sponsor live outdoor painting competitions. After the painting period, the artists gather to judge their peers completed work. Artists are welcome to bring their easels, brushes drop cloth canvas and capture scenes around the park. This is a series of “paint outs” planned throughout the year at Arizona State Parks.
Note* = Portrayal of Aldo Leopold at these events is subject to change.
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