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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
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
9:00 am. Hike to Fresno Canyon and the Indian Cave with a local historian. Hike is approximately 5 miles with possible stream crossings. Come prepared with sturdy shoes, water, lunch, and perhaps a walking stick. Call to register. Hikers will carpool to Rio Rico trailhead from Visitor Center.
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. 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.
5:30 - 8:30 pm in the Tufts-Tenen Theater, Discovery Center.
Mr. Randy Lewis, from the Department of Zoology at the University of Oklahoma, will be presenting his exploration on the evolutionary ecology of whiptail lizards that KCSP and Cochise County call “home”. Although similar in morphology and behavior, some species reproduce sexually, while others are asexual. Randy examines the why and where of the different reproductive modes of several whiptail lizard species across southeast Arizona. He also tests previous hypotheses that have assigned variations in microhabitat, elevation, and diet as constraining factors in the evolution of different reproductive modes.
Mr. Bob Pape and Dr. Luis Espinasa will provide a brief overview of a project that involves the re-inventorying the cave invertebrate fauna of Kartchner Caverns State Parks. The last inventory was nearly 20 years ago. An esteemed research team consists of principal investigators Bob Pape, entomologist with the University of Arizona and Luis Espinasa, biologist from Marist College in Poughkeepsie, New York. Taxonomic support is provided by Carl Olson/University of Arizona, Barry Oconnor/University of Michigan, James Cokendolpher/Texas Tech University, Darrell Ubick/California Academy of Sciences, Ken Christiansen/Grinnell College, and others. Kartchner Caverns already has four (4) known endemic troglobitic cave invertebrate species, including two species of mites that are associated with the bat guano deposits, the cave terrestrial isopod, and the cave nicoletiid (Undetermined genus and species). Nicoletiids are in a family that is closely related to silverfish, which are domestic species co-habiting with humans. One of the primary focuses of the current study will be the determination of the relationship between the cave silverfish populations at Kartchner Caverns and Arkenstone Cave, a designated research cave located in Colossal Cave Mountain Park east of Tucson. This study is stimulating additional taxonomic and/or ecologic studies of the cave invertebrates living at Kartchner Caverns. In addition, a re-photographing of cave resources at pre-development photo sites will be conducted by Esty Pape concurrent with the inventory.
International caver, Mr. Chris Nicola, will provide a presentation at the Katchner Caverns State park. His presentation is on the Jews that survived the Holocaust by living inside a gypsum cave for a year. Chris has published a book on the story. Don’t miss this special presentation about the natural and human challenges that the “grotto families” faced within the subterranean world of Ukraine.
Read additional cave information at National Geographic Adventure
8:00 am. Bird several different habitats and see a variety of species with a guide. Hike begins in desert uplands and reaches Sonoita Creek. Bring sturdy shoes, binoculars, water, and snacks. Hike is approximately 5 miles and four hours long. Call to register. Meet at Visitor Center.
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.
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. Food and beverage vendors will be available on-site. Entrance Fee is $10 per vehicle (1-4 persons). Don't forget to bring: plenty of water, lawn chair, sunscreen, and a hat. In addition, Patagonia offers picnicking, birding and nature walks.
Event Schedule
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.
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.
5:15 pm. Experience the wonderful view of Sonoita Creek and Patagonia Lake by moonlight. Wear sturdy shoes; bring water, a flashlight and perhaps a walking stick. Trail is moderately difficult with a 350 ft. elevation gain. Call to register.
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.
The first Sunday in April 2010 is Easter, so the Red Rock State Park program will be held on Sunday, April 18, 2010, at 2:00 PM in the Park Theatre. Please join us for a fun and educational presentation about snakes by Dennis Jex. There will be a slide presentation and live snake display! Learn how to treat or (better yet) to avoid snakebite. Find out how to safely relocate a snake, if necessary.
Live snakes will be used to enhance your “up close and personal” educational experience. Do you know there are snakes that are specialists at eating termites? Other snakes eat scorpions, centipedes, cockroaches, and other insects. Are Mohave Green Rattlesnakes really common around Sedona? Do you know the very first thing to do if bitten by a rattlesnake? Find out the answers to these and many others questions during this fun and interesting presentation. Visitors will have the opportunity to touch and hold these snakes for a close encounter that is both entertaining and educational.
Dennis Jex started picking up reptiles and amphibians long before he started school! His life- long interest in herpetology (the study of reptiles) has inspired him to share his knowledge and enthusiasm with others about their lives, their beneficial qualities, and the importance of conservation. Since retiring as a firefighter/emergency medical technician in Colorado, he has voluntarily assisted with research projects about herpetology. Now living in Sedona, he travels throughout the state to present educational programs about snakes to all ages.
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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