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. Contact by Email: pio(at)azstateparks.gov

The Visitor Center at Sonoita Creek State Natural Area Is Now Open

(Phoenix, AZ - November 16, 2009) - The Visitor Center at Sonoita Creek State Natural Area is now open for a season of outdoor activities and learning opportunities for family fun. The Visitor Center located within Patagonia Lake State Park will be open Saturdays, Sundays and holidays from 8am to 4:30pm.

Visit Sonoita Creek State Natural Area for birds walks, pontoon boat rides, hikes, history, children's programs - nature, science, serenity, exercise and fun! The most popular activities are the guided bird walks and the pontoon boat tours. Boat tours occur on Saturdays and Sundays and cost $3 per person. The Saturday evening Twilight Boat Tour is known for views of the water surface and hillsides. Reserve boat tour seats by calling (520) 287-2791.

A permit is required to enter Sonoita Creek State Natural Area, which can be acquired at the gatehouse in Patagonia Lake State Park or by calling (520) 287-6965. A fee of $8 per vehicle is charged for daily entrance. Thirty permits are available each day for entrance into the Natural Area. The Park offers more than 21 miles of trails and three backcountry campsites.

Regularly Scheduled Events

Avian Adventure Pontoon Boat Tour
Sat. 9 am & 10:15 am; Sun. 9 am
One-hour birding tour of the east end of Patagonia Lake. Help us locate and identify resident and migratory birds of the Sonoita Creek area.
Registration recommended, $3 upon arrival.

Lake Discovery Pontoon Boat Tour
Sat. 11:30 am; Sun. 10:15 & 2:00
One-hour exploration of the west end of Patagonia Lake. Discover the vegetation, history, and beauty of Sonoita Creek and Patagonia Lake as we explore Ash Canyon, the dam, and Deep Cove. Registration recommended, $3 upon arrival.

Twilight Pontoon Boat Tour
Sat., launch times vary with sunset.
Enjoy the evening sights and sounds of Patagonia Lake's riparian wildlife while exploring the entire lake. Registration required, $3 upon arrival.

Bird Walk with Guide
Mon. 8 am; Thurs. 9 am; Fri. 9 am
Start times vary. Duration approximately two hours.
Meet at the Birding Trail trailhead at the east end of Patagonia Lake State Park campground. Wear comfortable shoes and bring binoculars, field guide, and water. No registration required, no fee.

Junior Ranger Activity
Sat. at 2 pm, Sun. at 11:30 am
Kids and their adult family and friends are welcome to join us for an hour of discovery as we explore nature, create fun crafts, and learn how to become a Junior Ranger. Meet at the Visitor Center. No registration required, no fee.

Evening Program
Sun. 7 pm
Learn about Sonoita Creek and the Patagonia Area through a variety of programs and videos. Topics include: Intro to Bird Watching, New Mexico & Arizona Railroad, Local Ghost Towns, Natural History of Sonoita Creek, Importance of Riparian Areas, Bats, archeology, educational videos and more. Visitor Center, no registration, no fee.

Moonlight Hike
Times vary with sunset
Experience the wonderful view of the Sonoita Creek riparian ribbon with the colors of an Arizona sunset and a glowing moon serving as the backdrop. Wear sturdy shoes, bring water, flashlight and perhaps a walking stick. Moderate difficulty, 350 ft. elevation gain. Meet at the Visitor Center. Call for dates and
times. Registration required, no fee.

Directions: Take 1-10 east to Hwy 83 south to Hwy 82. Stay on Hwy 82 for 7 miles past the town of Patagonia, turn right onto Lake Patagonia Rd., four miles. Or, drive north from Nogales on Hwy 82, 12 miles to Lake Patagonia Road.

For more information or to make reservations, call the Sonoita Creek State Natural Area Visitor Center at (520) 287-2791 during hours of operation. For more information visit http://azstateparks.com/Parks/SOCR/index.html.

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.

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Learn more about Sonoita Creek State Natural Area (Learn More)

link to this page:
http://azstateparks.com/press/2009/PR_11-16-09.html

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