Category Archives: Conservation

Seafood In Tucson: What’s The Big Deal?

Boys and Touch Tank

Not too long ago I posted an article about our Behind The Scenes Tour of the new Warden Aquarium at the Desert Museum. In that piece I included a photograph of two young gentlemen, perhaps 5 and 7 years of age, with their hands in the Touch Tank learning about sea life up close and [...]

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Aravaipa Canyon – West: A Day Trip From Tucson

Brandenberg Ranger Sign

We had seen so many beautiful images of Aravaipa Canyon like this one that we wanted to experience this wilderness preserve for ourselves. So, in early February 2013 I went on the BLM website and purchased permits: 4 to get us into the West Entrance on a Sunday in late February and 3 permits for the next Sunday at the East Entrance.
The permits are only $5 for each person. The BLM severely restricts the number of people who can use the Canyon at any one time. Something like 50 total. Also on a limited basis you can ride your horse through here, but you can’t bring your dog.

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Behind The Scenes Tour Of The New Desert Museum Aquarium

Boy Watching Seahorses

On a clear Sunday morning in early February, Neighbor Roy, Ms. Karen, & I arrived at the Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum for our 2nd Behind The Scenes tour, this time of the new Warden Aquarium. Lacey was our guide for our group of 8, including two little boys who looked to be about 4 and 6 [...]

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San Pedro Riparian National Conservation Area: Photos by Francie Hills

Purple Cholla Blossoms resized copy

An amateur photographer, Francie Hills is a retired teacher from New Hampshire who currently lives in Sierra Vista. We first saw Francie’s photographs at the San Pedro House, the visitor center operated by Friends of the San Pedro River. This 57,000 acre preserve protects one of the last remaining year-round free-flowing rivers in Arizona. People have lived in this area for at least 11,000 years. Here you will find pleasant hiking trails, dozens of bird species, a ghost town, and an archeological site. … Continue reading

Coati of the San Pedro River

This video is an excellent portrayal of the elusive Coati and their habitat. Great footage with an environmental pitch at the end. You can try your hand at spotting one in the wild at the San Pedro Riparian area or visit them at the Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum.
Brought to you by the Friends of the San Pedro River.

Reptiles of the San Pedro River

Watch this informative video on Reptiles of the Sonoran Desert including detailed information on many of the snakes and lizards in the desert.
Thanks to the Friends of the San Pedro River at: SanPedroRiver.org. The Friends of the San Pedro River work for the conservation, education, and restoration of the San Pedro River.
This and other videos are available to teachers for educational purposes at: Friends of the San Pedro River Educational Series

Black Hills Back Country Byway

Old Safford Bridge built with convict labor over the Gila River on what is now the scenic Black Hills Back Country Byway.

Other than to explore the abandoned old downtown and a few scattered artifacts, there isn’t much to do in Clifton except take photographs and say you’ve been there. But there is a reason to go to Clifton. Clifton is the northern entrance to the Black Hills Back Country Byway, a delightful couple-hours drive through the rugged beauty of Greenlee County that takes you from Clifton to Soloman on Hwy 70 near Safford. In fact, before modern highways, this unpaved 21 mile scenic drive was the only road from Safford to the mines at Clifton. The Byway crosses the Gila River several times and offers travelers many campsites and picnic areas. The campsites are barren places with a ramada, BBQ, and firepit. The picnic areas are completely different. Some offer magnificent vistas. Others are in thick riparian areas along the Gila, particularly at Gila Box. You can see for yourself on … Continue reading

Tohono Chul Park Announces Amazing Fall & Winter Offerings!

Tohono Chul Cactus Bloom

This morning in my mailbox was the new Tohono Chul brochure about the upcoming Fall & Winter activities either at, or sponsored by, the Park. Graphically, this download-able brochure is one of the best I have ever seen. More importantly, it beautifully illustrates the Park’s amazing array of special programs, including: art, culture, music, gardens, [...]

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Tucson Botanical Gardens

Tucson Botanical Gardens

There are many reasons to love Tucson Botanical Gardens. First, of course, are the many different types of gardens. Second, every spring they have a “Weird Plant Sale” where you can purchase living conversation pieces. Third, TBG is a peaceful place in the midst of a bustling urban environment. Fourth, they have concerts & art shows. Fifth, you can rent the facilities and have a magnificent party there, be it for a wedding, reunion, or whatever special occasion. Go to our Tucson Botanical Gardens to discover reasons #6, #7, & #8.

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Free Flight Program at the Desert Museum

Video Courtesy: Mike MacNeel The Raptor Free Flight Program at the Desert Museum starts in October when the weather starts to cool down. It usually ends mid-April. They do not fly the birds in the hot weather May through September. … Continue reading

Saguaro National Park West – Bajada Loop Drive

Saguaro Nat'l Park West

This back road is one of our favorites, partly because it’s practically in our back yard and because it’s so indicative of the Sonoran Desert. Here in Saguaro National Park West you will be driving through a forest of giant Saguaros. And, within an easy quarter mile hike, you can get up close and personal with ancient Hohokam petroglyphs. From Tucson, take Speedway west from the I-10 Freeway (A). After a few miles, Speedway merges with Gates Pass Road which takes you over the Pass, down the other side (steep) and eventually to Kinney Road. At Kinney Road, you’ll see a sign for the Desert Museum. Turn right and head for the Desert Museum. Two miles past the Desert Museum is the Red Hills Visitors Center (B). Park and go in. Watch the brief orientation movie, get a map, and ask the Park Ranger or docent about current road conditions … Continue reading

Ironwood National Monument

Flowering Ironwood

Created in 2000 by the Clinton administration, and administered by the BLM, Bureau of Land Management, Ironwood National Monument supports some of the oldest trees in the world. The wood is VERY hard, hence the name of the tree for which this Monument is named. Carbon dating suggests that they can live up to 800 years. For more information on the Ironwood tree visit this website. Did You Know? The difference between a National Monument and a National Park is the way they are created. National Parks require Congressional approval but National Monuments are established by Executive Order of the President. … Continue reading

Coronado National Forest Recreation

The Coronado National Forest is big and diverse. It includes the Santa Catalina Mountains and Mt. Lemmon. The principle activities in the forest are biking, hiking, and camping. All of the picnic areas and campgrounds on Mt. Lemmon have toilets. For camping, our favorite is Spencer Campground, located at 8,000 feet elevation. It’s more spacious and adjacent to some of the best hiking trails. Visit the Website … Continue reading