Saturday, September 9: Early Morning Bird Walk, with Guide Craig Anderson beginning at 6:30 a.m. for approximately one and a half hours. Craig is a Special Audubon Volunteer assisting with promoting and protecting Arizona’s Important Bird Areas. Bring your own binoculars if you have them. The group will head down to the waterhole about one-half mile away and birdwatch in the Cottonwood Wash. Reservation preferred; free with park admission.
Saturday, September 16: Prickly Pear Fruit Processing Workshop, 8:00-11:00 a.m. Join Sonoran Herbalist John Slattery for a trail walk and talk to learn about the wonders of the prickly pear cactus with some discussion of prickly pear medicine. With blender and straining equipment, John will demonstrate a relatively quick and simple method to process prickly pear at home. Enjoy a freshly made juice drink at the end. Botanical products and books are for sale as well. Workshop is $15 in addition to park entrance fee. Reservation required, limit 15. The program is sponsored by Friends of Oracle State Park.
Saturday, September 23: Solar Eclipse Tour and Star Party, 5:30-9:00 p.m. Mike Weasner of the Oracle Dark Skies Committee will share a powerpoint presentation in the living room of the Kannally Ranch House beginning at 5:30 p.m. He will offer a slide show report on his total solar eclipse experiences as part of an August Sky and Telescope Tour. A solar eclipse occurs when the Moon passes between Earth and the Sun. On August 21, 2017, a rare total eclipse will occur and be visible along a path across the United States; first seen from land in the U.S. at Oregon’s Pacific coast and then it will progress eastward along a path through Oregon, Wyoming, Nebraska, Kansas, Tennessee and South Carolina. It will only be seen in the U.S. and only within the 70 mile wide band. A Star Party will follow the program, and from 7:00-9:00 p.m. telescope viewing and night sky interpretation will be offered thanks to Tucson Amateur Astronomers Association. No reservation is needed for the star party; however, please call for a reservation for the 5:30 p.m. program; free with park admission.
Saturday, September 30: Phenology Bingo at 3:00 p.m. Join a Talk and Walk beginning at 3:00 p.m. with plant specialist Hilary Cox. Meet in the Kannally Ranch House living room for a 45-minute powerpoint slide show to learn more about the National Phenology Program that allows public participation in scientific research, connecting people with nature to benefit our changing planet. Phenology refers to key seasonal changes in plants and animals from year to year such as flowering, emergence of insects and migration of birds especially their timing and relationship with weather and climate. Park visitors can help monitor seasonal changes and add observations to the national database. There will be an optional short group trail walk following the presentation, to participate in a “Phenology Bingo” activity and special prize for the winner. Reservation preferred; free with park admission.
Saturday, October 7: Common Butterflies in Southern Arizona, 3:00 p.m. Join butterfly enthusiast Larry Fellows of the Southern Arizona Butterfly Association for a powerpoint slide show presentation in the living room of the Kannally Ranch House. SEABA’s mission is to advocate for butterflies and their habitats through conservation, education and recreation. Please call for a reservation; free with park admission.
Reservations: 520-896-2425; azstateparks.com.