Event Calendar


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 “External Link” symbol means a link to an external site that opens in a new window. You can also listen to our podcasts to hear about upcoming events. To learn more, read our External Link Disclaimer.

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January 2009

January 5 - Buckskin Mountain State Park

Western Deserts AV Program

7 pm at Sundown at River Island’s Amphitheater. Come to the amphitheater at River Island where Ranger Wayne will show you a beautiful program on Western deserts.

January 6 - Patagonia Lake State Park and Sonoita Creek State Natural Area

A Nature Photo Tour of the Santa Cruz River Valley

7 pm with Murray Bolesta. From the ground and air, beautiful images of an important water source shared by Arizona and Sonora, Mexico.

January 6 - Lake Havasu State Park

Arizona Living History Series: The Working Cowboy

7 pm at the Amphitheater. Famous guest presenter Bob Wright will do his program as the working cowboy. Come and visit him and have a cup of cowboy coffee as he tells you his stories. Remember to bring a chair to sit by the fire.

January 7 - Lake Havasu State Park

A Year in the Desert

10 am in the Community Room A&B at the Mohave County Public Library: 1770 N. McCulloch Blvd., Lake Havasu City. Ranger Kate presents a scenic look at the stunning changes the desert goes through in the course of the year.

January 7 - Buckskin Mountain State Park

Venomous Creatures

2 pm at the Interpretive Center. Come join Liz Enriquez, Interpretive Education Coordinator, for a talk about all you need to know on the things that bite and sting and those that don’t, but we think they do.

January 8 - Lake Havasu State Park

Coffee with a Ranger

8 am at the Amphitheater. Enjoy a cup of coffee with a ranger around a warm fire and find out more about Arizona State Parks. Rangers can let you know about the parks, their local areas and fascinating points of interests along the way. Wildlife that you may see at the parks and tips on how to best enjoy your stay as well as answer any questions you may have. Weather permitting.

January 8 - Patagonia Lake State Park and Sonoita Creek State Natural Area

Bats: Demons or Darlings

7 pm with Steven Haas. Animals of myths and legends, bats pollinate many plants we like to eat and eat many insects that irritate us.

January 8 - Cattail Cove State Park

History of the River

7 pm at the Amphitheater. Learn about the river’s unique and diverse history with Jim McReynolds as he talks about the history of the Colorado River. 

January 9 - Buckskin Mountain State Park

Nature Hike

10 am at the Ranger Station. Join your guide for a moderately challenging 2½ mile trek into the beautiful backcountry on the Buckskin Trail. Hike lasts about 2 hours and departs from the Buckskin Ranger Station.

January 9 - Patagonia Lake State Park and Sonoita Creek State Natural Area

Nature & History Hike

9 am with Greg Scott, retired teacher, Nogales. History of the Patagonia Lake area with a little nature thrown in. Three miles, three hours; start in Rio Rico. Registration required.

January 10 - Patagonia Lake State Park and Sonoita Creek State Natural Area

Moonlight Hike

4:45 pm. Walk up the Overlook Trail during sunset and moonrise with a guide.  Moderate difficulty, incredible view! Registration required.

January 10 - Buckskin Mountain State Park

Campfires Are A Camping Classic

7 pm at the group campfire ring. Gather round a roaring fire and roast a marshmallow or two. We will ignite the blaze and you’re welcome to add your musical talent and storytelling to the mix. Bring your chair and flashlight to the campfire ring.

January 10th & 11th, 2009 - Yuma Territorial Prison State Historic Park

11th Annual Gathering of the Gunfighters

Gathering of the GunfightersOutlaws, Lawmen, Cowboys, Saloon Gals, Townsfolk and a cornucopia of disreputable characters converge on the 11th Annual Gathering of the Gunfighters. Relive the legend of the west when old west reenactment groups from California, Nevada, New Mexico, Texas and Arizona ride into Yuma Prison for two days of wild west fun and mayhem. When the gunsmoke clears, only one gang will be left standing as the best of the west. A two day skit competition event at the Yuma Territorial Prison, the only place tough enough to handle these wild and wooly gunfighters, outlaws and varmints.

$5 for adults aged 14 and up and $1 for children ages 7-13. Vittles, libations, and western vendors will be available for your edification and perusal! Download Event Flier (PDF Document 708 KB PDF)

January 11 - Oracle State Park

Guided Hike with Llamas

10 am with ranger Cyn-d Turner and her eco-friendly pack llamas. Reservation required. Call 896-2425 for more details. Free with park entrance fee of $6 per vehicle; annual passes available. Next Llama Hike, Sunday, March 8 at 9 am.

January 11 - Red Rock State Park

Geology Hike

2 pm. Reservations may be required. Bring water and wear comfortable shoes. Call (928) 282-6907.

January 13 - Riordan Mansion State Historic Park

Corvid Lore: Ravens and Crows in the American Southwest

12:15 pm. Shannon Benjamin, Director of Visitor Services, Museum of Northern Arizona, will discuss Ravens and Crows, two members of the Corvid family. These enterprising creatures have long been known as tricksters in American Indian stories. Brown Bag Lunch Lecture. (928) 779-4395

January 13 - Lake Havasu State Park

Owls: Myth vs. Reality

7 pm at the Amphitheater. Come and see how owls’ unique features and characteristics have led them to become birds of myth and legend. Beneficial to those who would like to learn more about owls and their wonderful and interesting past.

January 13 - Patagonia Lake State Park and Sonoita Creek State Natural Area

History of the New Mexico & Arizona Railroad

7 pm. Ride the rails back in time down Sonoita Creek (under Patagonia Lake!) with Jack Walsh.

January 14 - Buckskin Mountain State Park

Cactus of Arizona

2 pm at the Interpretive Center. Arizona State Parks Volunteer Linda Rohn will give a wonderful presentation on the cacti that grace this beautiful state. She will also talk about the iconic Saguaro and its bloom, which is our state flower.

January 15 - Patagonia Lake State Park and Sonoita Creek State Natural Area

Sonoita Creek: A Treasure of Natural History and Diversity

7 pm. Join Ron Hummel, one of the founders of the Friends of Sonoita Creek and local nature enthusiast, for an overview of the life in and around the creek.

January 15 - Lake Havasu State Park

Kayak Windsor Beach to the London Bridge

10 am. Meet at the main launch ramp near the restrooms. Come learn or refresh on the fundamentals of kayaking and take a trip to the bridge with AZ State Parks Volunteer Gene Rohn. Limit 10. Must be 18 and over. No experience necessary. Call (928) 855-2784 to sign up.

January 15 - Cattail Cove State Park

Birding 101

7 pm at the Amphitheater. Come join us in a workshop for beginners and anyone interested in learning identification techniques.

January 17 - Buckskin Mountain State Park

Campfires Are A Camping Classic

7 pm at the group campfire ring. Gather round a roaring fire and roast a marshmallow or two. We will ignite the blaze and you’re welcome to add your musical talent and storytelling to the mix. Bring your chair and flashlight to the campfire ring.

January 17 - Boyce Thompson Arboretum State Park

Photography Workshop - Registration Closed; Class Full

12 pre-registered students. Walk through the Cactus Gardens with cameras and learn tips and tricks. Class enrollment is $15 for Arboretum members and $22.50 for non-members. Phone (520) 689-2723 to register. Another Workshop is scheduled for January 31, see below.

January 17 & 18 - Oracle State Park

Crew Leadership for Trails Course/Workshop

7 am – 4 pm each day. A 16 hour course continuing Sunday, January. Sponsored by Arizona State Parks and the Arizona Trail Association. The course is a mixture of classroom and hands-on practical training. Call the park for more information, 896-2425. Register no later than Friday, January 9.

January 20 - Sonoita Creek State Natural Area

Nature and History Hike

The area is a varied environment with a rich history of settlement and international events. Three miles, three hours, bring water, snack and wear sturdy shoes. (520) 287-2791

January 20 - Patagonia Lake State Park and Sonoita Creek State Natural Area

Nature & History Hike

9 am from Patagonia Lake. Please register.

January 20 - Patagonia Lake State Park and Sonoita Creek State Natural Area

Ghost Towns of SE Arizona

7 pm. Settlers came to seek their fortune and left behind stories of hard times and adventures. Judy King presents a glimpse into the history of the hills around Patagonia.

Living History: The Mountain ManJanuary 20 - Lake Havasu State Park

Arizona Living History Series: The Mountain Man

7 pm at the Amphitheater. Celebrated guest presenter Bob Wright will do his program as the Arizona mountain man Bill Williams.

Come and visit him and have a cup of mountain man coffee as he tells you his stories. Remember to bring a chair to the campfire ring.

January 21 - Lake Havasu State Park

Cactus of Arizona

2 pm in the Community Room A&B at the Mohave County Public Library: 1770 N. McCulloch Blvd., Lake Havasu City. Arizona State Parks Volunteer Linda Rohn will give a wonderful presentation on the cacti that grace this beautiful state. She will also talk about the iconic Saguaro and its bloom, which is our state flower.

January 21 - Buckskin Mountain State Park

How to Delight Hummingbirds

2 pm at the Interpretive Center. Discover various ways to attract and feed hummers in Arizona and almost anywhere in the US.

January 22 - Lake Havasu State Park

Coffee with a Ranger

8 am at the Amphitheater. Enjoy a cup of coffee with a ranger around a warm fire and find out more about Arizona State Parks. Rangers can let you know about the parks, their local areas and fascinating points of interests along the way. Wildlife that you may see at the parks and tips on how to best enjoy your stay as well as answer any questions you may have. Weather permitting.

January 22 - Cattail Cove State Park

How to Delight Hummingbirds

7 pm at the Amphitheater. Discover various ways to attract and feed hummers in Arizona and almost anywhere in the US.

January 22 - Patagonia Lake State Park and Sonoita Creek State Natural Area

An Introduction to Audubon’s Appleton-Whittell Research Ranch

7 pm. Christine Haas will give an overview of the history and role of the ranch in conservation research in nearby Elgin, AZ.

January 23 - Patagonia Lake State Park and Sonoita Creek State Natural Area

Five-Mile Bird Hike

8 am. A guide will lead you through desert uplands into the Sonoita Creek riparian habitat from the Patagonia Lake Visitor Center. Registration required, limited to 12.

January 23 - Buckskin Mountain State Park

Nature Hike

10 am at the Ranger Station. Join your guide for a moderately challenging 2½ mile trek into the beautiful backcountry on the Buckskin Trail. Hike lasts about 2 hours and departs from the Buckskin Ranger Station.

January 24 - Oracle State Park

Workshop: Basketweaving with Native Grasses

1 – 4 pm at the Kannally Ranch House. Reservation required, call 896-2425. Learn to weave a basket using beargrass and other natural plant fibers. The class is repeated Monday, January 26; Saturday, January 31; Sunday, February 1 and Monday, February 2. Materials fee TBA.

January 24 - Buckskin Mountain State Park

Campfires Are A Camping Classic

7 pm at the group campfire ring. Gather round a roaring fire and roast a marshmallow or two. We will ignite the blaze and you’re welcome to add your musical talent and storytelling to the mix. Bring your chair and flashlight to the campfire ring.

January 24 - Lake Havasu State Park

National Bass West Tourney

50 boats try to catch bass, weigh-in at 3:00 pm. More info at www.nationalbasswest.com External Link or (928) 855-2784.

January 24 - Water Safety Center, 1801 Hwy. 95, Lake Havasu City

Boating Safety 1-Day Class

Boating Safety8 am – 5 pm. 8-hour state and federally approved safe boating class. Class materials and books are included. Upon successful completion, students will receive a Certificate and ID card. Families are encouraged to attend. What class covers: basic boat types, legal requirements (registration & equipment), navigation rules, trailering and boat operation, how to avoid accidents and what to do in an Emergency. Contact: Mia LaBarbara, Arizona State Parks. (928) 855-7961. Cost is $5 per family. Download Information Sheet (PDF Document 193 KB PDF)

January 24 - Riordan Mansion State Historic Park

The Last Wagon Train: The Hole-in-the-Rock Expedition

7 pm. Stewart Aitchison, Author, will discuss how in 1879, 230 settlers in southwestern Utah heeded the call from the leaders of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints to pull up stakes and move to the distant San Juan River country of southeastern Utah. He has been exploring, photographing, teaching and writing about the natural world for forty years. Evening Slide Presentation. RSVP Free! (928) 779-4395

January 24 - Boyce Thompson Arboretum State Park

Australia Day

11 am to 3 pm. Can’t you just smell the fragrant eucalyptus trees? Hear the haunting sound of a didgeridoo? Australia is closer than you think — learn about The Land Down Under on a tour through the majestic forest of eucalyptus and red gum trees; enjoy Outback entertainment. (520) 689-2811

January 25 - Oracle State Park

Afternoon Guided Bird Walk

3 pm with ranger naturalist, Jerry Orr. Meet at the ranch house. Free with park entrance fee. No reservation needed. Walk will last 1–2 hours. Bring water, sunhat and binoculars if you have a pair.

January 27 - Lake Havasu State Park

Stargazing

7 pm at the Amphitheater. Join us for a presentation on the night sky, look through the telescope and learn about constellations.

January 27 - Patagonia Lake State Park and Sonoita Creek State Natural Area

White-Nosed Coatis: An Introduction to Arizona’s Most Curious Beast

7 pm. These entertaining and busy beasts are relatives of racoons and live along Sonoita Creek. Christine Haas will explain their behavior and habitat needs.

January 28 - Buckskin Mountain State Park

Chat with Ranger Tim Jones

2 pm at the Interpretive Center. Come chat with Ranger Tim Jones. Tim has spent many years fishing the Colorado River and has many fish stories to tell. He would also like to hear yours.

January 28 - Oracle State Park

New Oracle Volunteer Orientation

9 am to Noon at the Kannally Ranch House. Learn more about the Volunteer Program and Cultural Heritage of Oracle State Park, Center for Environmental Education. Call for more information, 896-2425.

January 29 - Lake Havasu State Park

Kayak Windsor Beach to the London Bridge

10 am. Meet at the main launch ramp near the restrooms. Come learn or refresh on the fundamentals of kayaking and take a trip to the Bridge with AZ State Parks Volunteer, Gene Rohn. Limit 10. Must be 18 and over. No experience necessary. Call 928-855-2784 to sign up.

January 29 - Patagonia Lake State Park and Sonoita Creek State Natural Area

Addressing the Myths About the Patagonia Lake Dam and Water Quality

7 pm. Get your questions answered and find out the rest of the story. Rob Van Zandt, Arizona State Parks, will speak to the specifics.

January 29 - Cattail Cove State Park

Stargazing

7 pm at the Amphitheater. Join us for a presentation on the night sky, look through the telescope and learn about constellations.

January 31 - Boyce Thompson Arboretum State Park

Photography Workshop

10 am to 1 pm. 12 pre-registered students. Walk through the Cactus Gardens with cameras and learn tips and tricks. Class enrollment is $15 for Arboretum members and $22.50 for non-members. Phone (520) 689-2723 to register.

January 31 - Lake Havasu State Park

WON Bass Tourney

50 boats try to catch bass, weigh-in at 3 pm. For more info email hutch(at)wonews.com or call (928) 855-2784.

January 31 - Buckskin Mountain State Park

Campfires Are A Camping Classic

7 pm at the group campfire ring. Gather round a roaring fire and roast a marshmallow or two. We will ignite the blaze and you’re welcome to add your musical talent and storytelling to the mix. Bring your chair and flashlight to the campfire ring.


February 2009

February 1 - Red Rock State Park

The National Old Trails Road

2 pm. Richard and Sherry Mangum will present on the National Old Trails Road, est. in 1912, and was the first coast-to-coast highway, running across more than a dozen states. The presenters enliven this fascinating story using scores of old photos and maps, reliving the time when driving was an adventure. Reservations recommended, seating limited. In the park theater. (928) 282-6907

February 7 - Lake Havasu State Park

National Bass West Tourney

50 boats try to catch bass, weigh-in at 3:00 pm. More info at www.nationalbasswest.com External Link or (928) 855-2784.

February 1 - Riordan Mansion State Historic Park

Open Space/GIS: Planning for the Future of Arizona

12:15 pm. Genevieve Johnson will discuss how Arizona State Parks began applying geographic information systems technology (GIS) to the issue of open space conservation in a rapidly urbanizing environment.  Brown Bag Lunch Lecture. (928) 779-4395

February 8 - Red Rock State Park

Geology Hike

2 pm. Reservations may be required. Bring water and wear comfortable shoes. Call (928) 282-6907.

February 13–15 - Boyce Thompson Arboretum State Park

Language of Flowers & Chocolate Tasting

Invite your sweetie to the annual Valentines Day-themed floral exhibit and chocolate tasting event. Be amazed at the hundreds of meanings of different flowers and arrangements! Flower exhibit is open daily from 8 am to 5 pm; chocolates are sold from 10 am to 3 pm. (520) 689-2811

February 14 - Yuma Territorial Prison State Historic Park & Yuma Quartermaster Depot State Historic Park

Yuma Crossing Day

Celebration of Historic Yuma at Yuma Prison, Yuma Quartermaster Depot, Sanguinetti House Museum, Yuma Library & historic main street. (928) 783-4771

February 14 - McFarland State Historic Park

Tour of Historic Florence

The town of Florence will open fourteen homes and buildings for a self-guided tour. These structures range from the 1870s through the 1930s, and include the 1878 Territorial Courthouse (McFarland State Historic Park). The park will feature re-enactors and displays from the 1860s to 1912. (520) 868-5216

February 14–15 - Fort Verde State Historic Park

Buffalo Soldiers

The buffalo soldiers will be at Fort Verde to celebrate Black History Month, in conjunction with the Town’s Pecan and Wine Festival. They will present riding demonstrations as well as Living History Presentations. (928) 567-3275

February 18 - Boyce Thompson Arboretum State Park

Nature and Wildlife Photography Workshop

8:30 am to 11:30 am. $25 for members, $32.50 for non-members. Eagar resident Maggie Leef will share her lifetime of outdoor photography experience. Phone (520) 689-2723 to register.

February 19 - Boyce Thompson Arboretum State Park

Basic Photography: Camera Settings and Applications, Photography Workshop

8:30 am to 11:30 am. $25 for members, $32.50 for non-members. Eagar resident Maggie Leef will share her lifetime of outdoor photography experience. Workshop for beginning and intermediate photographers. Topics include camera features and practical ideas in the field. Phone (520) 689-2723 to register.

February 20 - Boyce Thompson Arboretum State Park

Photographing Spring Color, Photography Workshop

1 pm to 4 pm. $25 for members, $32.50 for non-members. Eagar resident Maggie Leef will share her lifetime of outdoor photography experience. Workshop for beginning and intermediate photographers. Phone (520) 689-2723 to register.

February 21 - Lake Havasu State Park

Angler’s Choice Bass Tourney

50 boats try to catch bass, weigh-in at 3 pm. More info at www.usanglerschoice.net External Link or (928) 855-2784.

February 21 - Cattail Cove State Park

3rd Annual Geo Cache Bash

10 am. Discover all the hidden treasures to be found at Cattail Cove State Park. Come for the beauty and the exercise. Be sure to bring your handheld GPS unit with you. (928) 855-1223

February 28 - Boyce Thompson Arboretum State Park

World Desert Fair

11 am to 3 pm. Showcases desert plants and ecosystems from all around the world. This event is a chance to experience a taste of the food, crafts and cultures from faraway continents as you walk the 1½ mile long main trail and explore the Sonoran, Australian, South African and Mediterranean gardens and collections. (520) 689-2811

February 28 - Riordan Mansion State Historic Park

Beneath The Runways: Archaeology of Sky Harbor Airport

7 pm. Todd Bostwick, Ph.D., Archaeologist, City of Phoenix will discuss the archaeological excavations undertaken over the last 20 years at Sky Harbor International Airport. He will also sign copies of his book. Evening Slide Presentation. RSVP Free! (928) 779-4395

February 28 - Water Safety Center, 1801 Hwy. 95, Lake Havasu City

Boating Safety 1-Day Class

Boating Safety8 am – 5 pm. 8-hour state and federally approved safe boating class. Class materials and books are included. Upon successful completion, students will receive a Certificate and ID card. Families are encouraged to attend. What class covers: basic boat types, legal requirements (registration & equipment), navigation rules, trailering and boat operation, how to avoid accidents and what to do in an Emergency. Contact: Mia LaBarbara, Arizona State Parks. (928) 855-7961. Cost is $5 per family. Download Information Sheet (PDF Document 193 KB PDF)


March 2009

March, All Month - Event Locations throughout Arizona

26th Archaeology & Heritage Awareness Month

For the entire month of March 2009, the ASP State Historic Preservation Office (SHPO) is coordinating activities throughout the state for the 26th anniversary celebration of Arizona Archaeology and Heritage Awareness Month. These events will focus on current efforts to preserve our past by protecting our fragile and non-renewable cultural resources. Museums, historical societies, tribes, agencies, parks, and archaeology organizations will be hosting events across the state; many of the events are planned in Arizona State Parks as part of their interpretive programs. Check back here for details.

March 1 - Red Rock State Park

How Astronomy and Science Helped Create the Ancestral Puebloan World: What Archaeoastronomy Tells Us about Puebloan Culture    

2 pm. Join Bryan Bates, Archaeoastronomer, as he shares his research into the astronomical world of the ancestral Puebloan peoples from Chaco Canyon National Historic Park, Wupatki National Monument and Mesa Verde National Park. Here in the Southwest the ancestral Puebloan peoples created an intricate astronomy, which allowed them to plan for planting, hunting, the change of seasons and their religious ceremonies. This program is sponsored by the Benefactors of Red Rock SP. Reservations recommended, seating limited, in the park theater. (928) 282-6907

March 7 - Red Rock State Park

Early Survival Methods

Learn about some of the early survival methods used by the Sinagua Indians over 1000 years ago. Join Roy Julian in weaving sandals made from yucca fiber at 11 am. Observe four prehistoric fire starting methods demonstrated by Al Cornell at 12:30 pm. Then at 1:30 pm learn about the atlatl and dart, an earlier form of the bow and arrow and participate in throwing this instrument with Bob Sizemore. Reservations Recommended. (928) 282-6907

March 7 - Riordan Mansion State Historic Park

Protecting Historic Sites during Wildland Fires

7 pm. Neil Weintraub, Archaeologist, Kaibab National Forest, will discuss how increased fuels reduction projects in northern Arizona has added challenges for archaeologists to protect the thousands of fragile historic sites in the National Forests surrounding Flagstaff. Evening Slide Presentation. RSVP Free! (928) 779-4395

March 8 - Oracle State Park

Guided Hike with Llamas

9 am with ranger Cyn-d Turner and her eco-friendly pack llamas. Reservation required. Call 896-2425 for more details. Free with park entrance fee of $6 per vehicle; annual passes available.

March 8 - Red Rock State Park

Geology Hike

2 pm. Reservations may be required. Bring water and wear comfortable shoes. Call (928) 282-6907.

March 10 - Riordan Mansion State Historic Park

“En Vogue: 90 Years of Riordan Women’s Fashion”

12:15 pm. Adrienne Rose, Volunteer & Textile Historian, Riordan Mansion SHP, will discuss styles of women’s clothing popular from the late 1880s through the 1960s. This program is a slide presentation featuring garments worn by three generations of Riordan women. Brown Bag Lunch Lecture. (928) 779-4395

March 14 & 15, 2009 - Pueblo Grande Museum & Archaeological Park, Phoenix, Arizona

2009 Archaeology Expo

The Expo provides a special opportunity for visitors to learn more about why it’s important to preserve archaeological sites and historic places; what archaeologists, historians, and tribal members do in their jobs; and about the prehistory and history of Arizona. Both days will feature workshops, craft demonstrations, displays and booths, living history re-enactors, storytellers, Native American demonstrators and entertainers, hands-on activities, free raffles and local ethnic food. FREE. (602) 542-4009

March 14–15 - Picacho Peak State Park

Civil War in the Southwest

10 am to 4 pm. Event will be a re-enactment of three different Civil War battles, which were in Arizona and New Mexico. Since many people only know of the battles that were fought in the eastern states, this desert battle becomes another exciting history lesson. $8 per vehicle Saturday and Sunday. Civil War memorabilia & food booths. Vendors must apply. (520) 466-3183. See photos from the 2008 Event. See also Historical Re-Enactor Information for this event.

March 14–29 - Boyce Thompson Arboretum State Park

Spring Plant Sale

8 am to 5 pm. Stock up during this annual fundraiser which helps support education and conservation at BTA: Arizona’s oldest and largest botanical garden. Special guests and programs are offered on weekends; daily throughout the sale staff horticulturists and groundskeepers are available to answer your plant questions and offer landscaping advice. (520) 689-2811

March 15 - Red Rock State Park

Soldier and Indian Trails of the Verde Valley

2 pm. Jerry Ehrhardt, 2007 award winner of the Governor’s Archaeology Advisory Commission’s Award, will present what started out as a proposal to scout and record several prehistoric ruin hilltop sites that had been spotted by an airplane doing an aerial survey of Sycamore Canyon, has turned into a major discovery of 125 previously unknown prehistoric Honaki Phase sites. Reservations recommended, seating limited, in the park theater. (928) 282-6907

March 21 - Lake Havasu State Park

Monterey Bass Tourney

50 boats try to catch bass, weigh-in at 3 pm. More info at (928) 855-2784.

March 21 - Boyce Thompson Arboretum State Park

Welcome Back Buzzards

A seasonal salute to the migrant flock of Turkey Vultures, as the huge black birds fly north after their winter in Mexico. Celebrate ornithology and learn about these misunderstood scavengers – birds which play an integral role in our Sonoran desert ecosystem. BTA opens one hour early, so arrive between 7 – 8:30 am to observe resident vultures, or join an 8:30 am bird walk guided by volunteers and staff. Exhibitors from 8 am to 2 pm. (520) 689-2811

March 21 - Red Rock State Park

Archaeology Hike

2 pm. Join Bob Dick and Brenda Robinson, volunteer naturalists, for a hike to celebrate Archaeology Month. Learn about the pre-historic Sinagua Indians who inhabited the Sedona/Verde Valley area over 1000 years ago. Learn how they utilized plants found in the area for survival and about traces of what they left behind. Meet in the theater at 2 pm for an orientation. (928) 282-6907

March 21 - Patagonia Lake State Park

Annual Mariachi Festival

Noon to 5 pm. A number of Mariachi bands perform and there are a variety of food vendors on hand to feed your family. (520) 287-6965

March 25–28 - Lake Havasu State Park

FLW bass tournament

150+ boats try to catch bass, weigh-in on the 25th-27th  is at the park, last day weigh-in is at the local Wal-Mart. More info www.stren.flwoutdoors.com External Link or (928) 855-2784.

March 27 - Boyce Thompson Arboretum State Park

Focus on Wildflowers “Bio-Dive”

9 am to noon. “Bio-Dives” is a new program this year for high school-age home school students. As a part of the activity we will conduct insect/wildflower surveys, study relationships between insect/wildflower groups, and give students experience recording data and using tools such as a GPS and digital camera. To enroll call (520) 689-2723.

March 28 - Boyce Thompson Arboretum State Park

Butterfly Walk

9:30 am to 11:30 am. Learn to identify common species of butterflies and about the colorful insects’ life cycles on a two-hour walk through the Demonstration and Hummingbird-Butterfly Gardens. (520) 689-2811

March 28 - Riordan Mansion State Historic Park

Protecting the Archaeology and Petroglyphs of Picture Canyon

7 pm. Discussion of the on-going community driven restoration and cultural & historical preservation activities, which are being promoted by numerous agencies, organizations and local government within Flagstaff. Evening Slide Presentation. RSVP Free! (928) 779-4395

March 28 - Water Safety Center, 1801 Hwy. 95, Lake Havasu City

Boating Safety 1-Day Class

Boating Safety8 am – 5 pm. 8-hour state and federally approved safe boating class. Class materials and books are included. Upon successful completion, students will receive a Certificate and ID card. Families are encouraged to attend. What class covers: basic boat types, legal requirements (registration & equipment), navigation rules, trailering and boat operation, how to avoid accidents and what to do in an Emergency. Contact: Mia LaBarbara, Arizona State Parks. (928) 855-7961. Cost is $5 per family. Download Information Sheet (PDF Document 193 KB PDF)

March 29 - Oracle State Park

Music in the Park Annual Concert Series Begins

2 - 4 pm on the upper patio of the Kannally Ranch House. Concerts continue once a month through June. Tickets are $10 per adult and benefit Friends of Oracle State Park. A Series Ticket for $35 includes reserved parking at the ranch house and reserved seats at each of the four concerts. Musicians and more details TBA.


April 2009

April 3 & 4 - Roper Lake State Park

Arizona Envirothon: Premier Environmental Science Competition for High School Students

EnvirothonEnvirothon is a unique natural resource competition for high school students. It encourages students to literally "dig in" and learn about the environment in a fun, interactive way. Envirothon takes a balanced approach to learning and testing in 7 subjects: soil & land use, aquatic ecology, wildlife, forestry, energy, waste management, and the 2009 focus topic is Biodiversity in a Changing World. The competition is unique in that it challenges students to apply their knowledge, critical thinking skills and problem-solving abilities to natural resource management scenarios.

The winning Arizona Envirothon team, one coach, and one additional chaperone are awarded an expense-paid trip to represent ARizona at the Canon Envirothon to be held in Asheville, North Carolina August 2-8, 2009. For more information about this event visit azenvirothon.org. External Link

April 18 - Water Safety Center, 1801 Hwy. 95, Lake Havasu City

Boating Safety 1-Day Class

Boating Safety8 am – 5 pm. 8-hour state and federally approved safe boating class. Class materials and books are included. Upon successful completion, students will receive a Certificate and ID card. Families are encouraged to attend. What class covers: basic boat types, legal requirements (registration & equipment), navigation rules, trailering and boat operation, how to avoid accidents and what to do in an Emergency. Contact: Mia LaBarbara, Arizona State Parks. (928) 855-7961. Cost is $5 per family. Download Information Sheet (PDF Document 193 KB PDF)

April 18 & 19 - Yuma Quartermaster Depot State Historic Park

Civil War Days

9 qm. Living History with two Re-enactment Battles per day. Open to the public at 9 am. Regular park entrance fees apply. Organized by Moodyʼs Battery and Battery D 5th US. Recommended by the American Civil War Society. Download Event Flier (PDF Document 398 KB PDF)


May 2009

May 16 - Water Safety Center, 1801 Hwy. 95, Lake Havasu City

Boating Safety 1-Day Class

Boating Safety8 am – 5 pm. 8-hour state and federally approved safe boating class. Class materials and books are included. Upon successful completion, students will receive a Certificate and ID card. Families are encouraged to attend. What class covers: basic boat types, legal requirements (registration & equipment), navigation rules, trailering and boat operation, how to avoid accidents and what to do in an Emergency. Contact: Mia LaBarbara, Arizona State Parks. (928) 855-7961. Cost is $5 per family. Download Information Sheet (PDF Document 193 KB PDF)


June 2009

June 18 – 20 - Phoenix

2009 Historic Preservation Conference

SHPO Conference

The Arizona Preservation Foundation (APF), Arizona State Historic Preservation Office (SHPO), Arizona Department of Commerce Main Street Program, and the City of Phoenix invite you to join them at the 7th Annual Historic Preservation Partnership Conference. The Goal of the Conference is to bring together preservationists from around the state to exchange ideas and success stories, to share perspectives and solutions to preservation issues and to foster a sense of cooperation between the diverse Arizona preservation community. For more information on the conference visit www.azpreservation.com External Link

June 25 - Water Safety Center, 1801 Hwy. 95, Lake Havasu City

Boating Safety 1-Day Class

Boating Safety8 am – 5 pm. 8-hour state and federally approved safe boating class. Class materials and books are included. Upon successful completion, students will receive a Certificate and ID card. Families are encouraged to attend. What class covers: basic boat types, legal requirements (registration & equipment), navigation rules, trailering and boat operation, how to avoid accidents and what to do in an Emergency. Contact: Mia LaBarbara, Arizona State Parks. (928) 855-7961. Cost is $5 per family. Download Information Sheet (PDF Document 193 KB PDF)


Plein Air Artist “Paint Outs”

Plein Air Paint Out EventLearn 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. 2009 Event Dates & Parks have been announced.

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