ARIZONA STATE PARKS: For Immediate Release
Managing and conserving Arizona’s natural, cultural and recreational resources for the benefit of the people, both in our Parks and through our Partners. FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT: Ellen Bilbrey at (602) 542-1996 or (602) 228-8518, or Monica Enriquez at (602) 542-6997. Contact by Email: pio(at)azstateparks.gov
(Phoenix, AZ - November 2, 2009) - This year, Arizona State Parks, in conjunction with the states of Arizona and New Mexico and the Aldo Leopold Foundation, are celebrating Aldo Leopold's arrival in the southwest (in Springerville, Arizona in 1909). Arizona State Parks has been holding events throughout the year at different parks. The next centennial event will be held at Sonoita Creek State Natural Area on Saturday, November 28 from 9am to 3pm (see complete schedule below).
Aldo Leopold is considered by many as the Father of Wildlife Management in the United States and his literary works are used in most Universities in the field of Natural Resources. He was born in 1887 and died in 1948 and was an ecologist, forester, and environmentalist. Leopold was influential in the development of modern environmental ethics and in the movement for wilderness preservation. For a good introduction to Leopold's time in Arizona check out "Aldo Leopold's Southwest," a collection of 26 essays by Leopold. Leopold's most famous book, "A Sand County Almanac," contains insightful and moving nature-related essays related to his outdoor experiences. His biography is called "Aldo Leopold: A Fierce Green Fire."
The goal of the centennial celebration is to promote Leopold's vision that an ethical relationship with the land is essential to a vibrant and healthy community. The theme of this yearlong celebration is the relevance of Leopold's Land Ethic to how we address today's pressing environmental issues and make policy decisions about our future. Our goal is to engage the citizens of our community in the meaningful commitment to promise our children the inheritance of a beautiful and healthy physical environment.
The event at Sonoita Creek State Natural Area is co-sponsored by the Friends of Sonoita Creek. Registration is required for all activities, lunch and presentations. For more information or to register call the Park at (520) 287-2791.
Fees:
Entrance fee per vehicle for day-use: $8
Horse Ride: $100/horse
Canoe/Kayak Trip: canoe/kayak rental through Lakeside Market (520) 287-5545
Established in 1994, Sonoita Creek State Natural Area's mission is to preserve the fragile riparian area and its surrounding environment. Encompassing a major portion of the Sonoita Creek and Coal Mine Spring watersheds, this is the State of Arizona's first significant Natural Area.
For more information about the 30 State Parks, statewide hiking opportunities, off-highway vehicle trails, and other outdoor recreational and cultural opportunities in Arizona, call (602) 542-4174 (outside of the Phoenix metro area call toll-free (800) 285-3703) or visit AZStateParks.com. Follow us on twitter.com/AZStateParks.
Sonoita Creek State Natural Area
November 28, 2009, 9 am – 3 pm
The Visitor Center located in Patagonia Lake State Park
Activities are Subject to Change
9 am – 3 pm: Booths (held at the Visitor Center):
Arizona State Parks Booth with children's activities
Friends of Sonoita Creek
9 am – Noon: Guided horseback ride with Dan Skiver with readings from Leopold's books.
Meet at the Horse Corral Trailhead, must be on time
Limit 10 people, no minimum
$100/horse, cannot bring own horse
Must be 13 years of age or above
Weight limit of 250 lbs.
10 am – Noon: Guided canoe/kayak trip on Patagonia Lake with readings from Leopold's books.
Meet at Marina in Patagonia Lake State Park
No min/max number of participants
Bring own canoe/kayak or rent canoe/kayak through Lakeside Market,
Reserve watercraft directly through Lakeside Market (520) 287-5545
9 am & 10:30 am: Guided nature walks with readings from Leopold's books.
Meet at Birding Trail Trailhead
1.5 hours long
1-mile hike on flat terrain
No min/max number of participants
Noon: Food provided by Friends of Sonoita Creek
Held at the Visitor Center
1 pm: Aldo Leopold chautauqua portrayed by Kim Stone
Held at the Visitor Center
2 pm: Presentation by David Brown, Editor of Aldo Leopold's Southwest and book
signing immediately following, held at Visitor Center
-end-
Learn more about Sonoita Creek State Natural Area 
link to this page:
http://azstateparks.com/press/2009/PR_11-02-09.html
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