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Each of us has come to live in the Sonoran Desert for different reasons, some arriving years ago and others, just yesterday. Still, for all, the landscape is unlike anywhere else. The desert’s plants appear unique, even odd its creatures seem strange, often threatening. Yet nearly every one of us senses a magical — even mystical — quality to the land and its inhabitants, both past and present. With a better understanding of the relationships that shape the land — its plants, animals and people — comes a richer appreciation for its allure and a heightened sense of awe at its beauty. Your instructor for this six week journey is course designer and Park docent, Mark Barmann. Thursdays, Feb. 4 – Mar. 11 / 10am-12pm / Ed. Ctr. #1
$69 members/$79 general public
February 4: Why a Desert? Climate plays a critical role in shaping the land, but geology is also a contributing factor. Arizona enjoys a remarkably varied topography, i.e., mountainous “sky islands” dotted among broad valleys where diverse climate zones include those found in Canada. In the end, of course, it is water — its absence as well as its sometimes ephemeral presence — that governs all.
February 11: More Than Just Cactus Unique seasonal variations in the subdivisions of the Sonoran Desert have helped to shape its astonishing biodiversity. The desert’s flora has fashioned ingenious means of adapting to the drought and heat, finding prosperity where none seemed imaginable. Brilliant wildflowers contrast sharply with giant cacti and a surprisingly rich array of trees, shrubs and understory plants.
February 18 & 25: Lizards & Packrats & Bugs, Oh My! The animals of the desert are wondrously adapted to life here. Coyote, rattlesnake and turkey vulture — while their names may evoke rich folklore and their daily habits may seem odd — it is their relationship to each other, plants and humans that we will explore.
March 4: That Was Then and This Is Now Follow the trail of Tucson Basin history from the ancient Hohokam, to the Spanish Presidio, the Mexican town and finally to the Old Pueblo of today.
March 11: Presidio Historic District Walking Tour See firsthand the origins of the Old Pueblo and walk in the footsteps of the Presidio’s early Spanish, Mexican-American and early Anglo inhabitants.
BUSY BEES IN YOUR GARDENCANCELLED
Did you know that the majority of bees living and pollinating in Arizona are not honey bees, Africanized or not, but rather solitary native bees – more than 600 species in the Tucson basin alone! These little-known and often maligned creatures range in size from small, blue orchard mason bees to big, black carpenter bees. Considered keystone species in any ecosystem, they are important pollinators of desert plants and many commercial fruit, vegetable and forage crops. Bee expert Dr. Steve Buchmann and landscape designer Greg Corman discuss our harmless native bees and how to encourage them in urban gardens from the use of appropriate native plants to the construction of constructing nesting habitats from recycled materials.
Sat., Mar. 6 / 10am / Ed. Ctr. #1
$8 members/$10 general public
DESIGNING DESERT LANDSCAPES AFTER DARK
Daytime temperatures in the Sonoran Desert quickly plummet after the sun goes down, especially in the summer. This is the “magic” time when homeowners want to get outdoors and enjoy their landscapes after dark. Designer Shelly Ann Abbott, MLA and John Binkele of FX Luminaire showcase low voltage lighting in your outdoor spaces and share tips on selection and installation. This special nighttime presentation demonstrates lighting effects first hand and answers all your questions.
Tue., Mar. 16 / 7pm / Ed. Ctr. #1
$4 members/$8 general public
MEDICINAL PLANTS OF TOHONO CHUL PARK
In this workshop, take a spring walk through the Park with herbalist Pam Hyde-Nakai and discover nature’s pharmacy. Hyde-Nakai identifies native medicinal plants and illustrates how to use them for healing.
Thu., Mar. 18 / 9am-12pm / Ed. Ctr. #2
$15 members/$25 general public