Arizona Site Steward Program -- Region Six

THESE UPCOMING ACTIVITIES:

Here’s a SUMMARY – For details on each activity see the DETAILS OF
ACTIVITIES descriptions below.

May 20, 2010 “The Las Capas Site - Farms in the Desert” with
geoarchaeologist Fred Nials: Old Pueblo’s “Third Thursday Food for
Thought” dinner & presentation

May 21, 2010 “Southwestern Rock Calendars and Ancient Time Pieces” free
presentation by archaeologist Allen Dart at Gilbert Public Library,
Gilbert, Arizona*

Tuesdays June 8-July 27, 2010 “Prehistory of the Southwest” class with
archaeologist Allen Dart at Old Pueblo Archaeology Center

June 12-15, 2010 “Mimbres Ruins, Rock Art, and Museums of Southern New
Mexico” study tour with archaeologist Allen Dart

July 16, 2010 “What is an Archaeologist?” free presentation for children
at the Pima County Public Library, Salazar - Ajo Branch, Ajo, Arizona

July 16, 2010 “Lifestyle of the Hohokam” free presentation for children at
the Pima County Public Library, Salazar - Ajo Branch, Ajo, Arizona

July 29, 2010 “Southwestern Rock Calendars and Ancient Time Pieces” free
presentation by archaeologist Allen Dart at Edge of the Cedars Museum
State Park, Blanding, Utah*

July 31, 2010 “Arts and Culture of Ancient Southern Arizona Hohokam
Indians” free presentation by archaeologist Allen Dart at Petroglyph
National Monument Visitor Center, Albuquerque*

September 16, 2010 [Topic & speaker to be announced] Old Pueblo’s “Third
Thursday Food for Thought” dinner & presentation in Tucson

September 22, 2010 “Southwestern Rock Calendars and Ancient Time Pieces”
free presentation at Pima County Public Library, Geasa-Marana Branch,
Marana, Arizona

Tuesdays October 5-November 23, & Saturday October 16, 2010 “Advanced
Prehistory of the Southwest: The Hohokam Culture of Southern Arizona”
class & field trip with archaeologist Allen Dart at Old Pueblo Archaeology
Center

October 16, 2010 “Los Morteros and Picture Rocks Petroglyphs
Archaeological Sites” guided tour
with archaeologist Allen Dart in Marana, Arizona

October 21, 2010 [Topic & speaker to be announced] Old Pueblo’s “Third
Thursday Food for Thought” dinner & presentation at [restaurant to be
announced] Tucson

October 30, 2010 “Casa Grande Ruins and Middle Gila Archaeology”
educational tour with archaeologist Allen Dart departing from Pima
Community College, Tucson

November 13, 2010 “Deer Valley Rock Art Center & Spur Cross Ranch
Petroglyphs” tour with Shelley Rasmussen and Allen Dart starting at Deer
Valley Rock Art Center, Phoenix

November 13, 2010 “Ancient People of Arizona” free children’s presentation
at Pima County Public Library, Southwest Branch, Tucson

November 18, 2010 [Topic & speaker to be announced] Old Pueblo’s “Third
Thursday Food for Thought” dinner & presentation at [restaurant to be
announced] Tucson

December 4, 2010 “White Tank Mountains Petroglyphs of Waterfall Canyon &
Mesquite Canyon” guided tour with Shelley Rasmussen and Allen Dart
starting at White Tank Mountain Regional Park in Waddell

December 16, 2010 [Topic & speaker to be announced] Old Pueblo’s “Third
Thursday Food for Thought” dinner & presentation at [restaurant to be
announced] Tucson

February 12, 2011 “Florence Historic Homes and the Casa Grande Ruins” tour
to historic Coolidge and Florence, Arizona with guides Terri Contapay &
Allen Dart



DETAILS OF ACTIVITIES LISTED ABOVE

Thursday May 20, 2010
Old Pueblo Archaeology Center’s “Third Thursday Food for Thought” dinner
& presentation: “The Las Capas Site - Farms in the Desert” with
geoarchaeologist Fred Nials, at Dragon's View Asian Cuisine, 400 N.
Bonita Avenue, Tucson
6 to 8:30 p.m. Free
In this presentation geoarchaeologist Fred Nials will describe recent
excavations by Desert Archaeology, Inc., at Las Capas, which revealed
remarkable detail about the practice of agriculture in the southern
Southwest more than 3,000 years ago. Findings include more than 750
individual field plots and 160 canals that watered the fields. Some
fields were so well preserved that individual planting holes could be
recognized. The site was chosen by Archaeology Magazine as one of the ten
most important discoveries in the world for 2009. Conditions that led to
the selection of the site area for farming, the exceptional state of
preservation of agricultural features, and eventual abandonment of the
site will be discussed.
Fred Nials is a geoarchaeologist who worked on the Las Capas project for
Desert Archaeology. Since he attended graduate school in Idaho, Fred has
accumulated more than 40 years experience teaching at the university
level and in field investigations of archaeological sites. He has
examined the geology of more than 5,000 sites in the western US, Mexico
and South America, and his accomplishments include developing a technique
for identifying and mapping Chacoan roads, and helping create a
1,400-year record of annual water flow in the Salt and Gila rivers. In
addition to his work at Las Capas, he most recently mapped and measured
the physical attributes of more than 2,400 linear km of floodplains in
southeastern Arizona and southwestern New Mexico, and developed a
quantifiable explanation for locations of most riverine agricultural site
locations in that area.
For reservations or more information contact Old Pueblo Archaeology
Center at 520-798-1201 or info@oldpueblo.org.


Friday May 21, 2010
“Southwestern Rock Calendars and Ancient Time Pieces” free presentation
by Old Pueblo Archaeology Center's director, archaeologist Allen Dart,
for the East Valley Astronomy Club at the Gilbert Public Library, 775 N.
Greenfield Road (southeast corner of Greenfield and Guadalupe roads),
Gilbert, Arizona. Cosponsored by the Arizona Humanities Council.
7:30-9 p.m. Free.
Native Americans in the Southwest developed sophisticated skills in
astronomy and predicting the seasons, centuries before Old World peoples
first entered the region. In this presentation archaeologist Allen Dart
discusses the petroglyphs at Picture Rocks, the architecture of the
"Great House" at Arizona's Casa Grande Ruins, and other archaeological
evidence of ancient astronomy and calendrical reckoning; and interprets
how these discoveries may have related to ancient Native American
rituals. Funding for this program is being provided by the Arizona
Humanities Council.
No reservations needed. For meeting details contact Bill Houston in the
East Valley at 602-402-6901 or vp@evaconline.org; for information about
the presentation subject matter contact Allen Dart at Tucson telephone
520-798-1201 or adart@oldpueblo.org.
**** IF YOU WOULD LIKE US TO EMAIL YOU A FLYER with color photos about
the above-listed activity please reply with “Send flyer” and the event's
date in your email subject line.


Tuesdays June 8 through July 27, 2010
"Prehistory of the Southwest" class with archaeologist Allen Dart at Old
Pueblo Archaeology Center, 2201 W. 44th Street at Tucson Unified School
District’s Ajo Service Center, just west of La Cholla Blvd., ½-mile north
of John F. Kennedy Park, Tucson.
6:30 to 9:00 p.m. each Tuesday June 8 through July 27, 2010. Fee $50 ($40
for Old Pueblo Archaeology Center and Pueblo Grande Museum Auxiliary
members), not counting cost of text recommended for the course. Minimum
enrollment 8, maximum 24.
A series of eight "Prehistory of the Southwest" class sessions will be
offered by archaeologist Allen Dart in this Tuesday series of "Prehistory
of the Southwest," an introductory course in the study of the American
Southwest, developed by the Arizona Archaeological Society to provide a
basic overview of this region’s archaeology and cultures. The class
includes discussions of cultural sequences, dating systems, subsistence
strategies, development of urbanization, abandonments of different areas
at different times, and the general characteristics of major cultural
groups that have lived in the Southwest over the past 13,000-plus years.
Besides offering an up-to-date synthesis of southwestern prehistory for
anyone interested in the archaeology of this region, the class can be
used as prerequisite for all other courses offered to members of the
Arizona Archaeological Society (AAS) who wish to enroll in the AAS
Certification Program.
Reservations required, registration deadline June 4, 2010: 520-798-1201
or info@oldpueblo.org to register or for more information.
**** IF YOU WOULD LIKE US TO EMAIL YOU A FLYER with color photos about
the above-listed activity please reply with “Send flyer” and the event's
date in your email subject line.


Friday June 12-Tuesday June 15, 2010
"Mimbres Ruins, Rock Art, and Museums of Southern New Mexico" archaeology
education tour with Registered Professional Archaeologist Allen Dart,
sponsored by Old Pueblo Archaeology Center
8 a.m. MDT Saturday to 8 p.m. Arizona time Tuesday. $200, registrants
provide their own transport and lodging; $25 discount for Old Pueblo
Archaeology Center and Pueblo Grande Museum Auxiliary members
Registered Professional Archaeologist Allen Dart leads this tour to
Classic Mimbres and Early Mogollon village archaeological sites,
including on-going archaeological excavations, plus spectacular
petroglyph sites, and a museum with probably the finest Mimbres Puebloan
pottery collection in the world, all in southwestern New Mexico’s Silver
City, Mimbres, and Deming areas. Places tentatively to be visited include
the original Mogollon Village and Harris sites excavated by archaeologist
Emil W. Haury; the Gila Cliff Dwellings; Classic Mimbres sites
(Beauregard-Montezuma, Cottonwood, Gattons Park, Kipp Ruin, Lake Roberts
Vista, Mattocks, Old Town, and Woodrow); the Frying Pan Canyon and Pony
Hills petroglyph sites; and the Western New Mexico University Museum. The
tour will be based in Silver City, where hotels, camping, and other
accommodations are available. Registrants are responsible for their own
transportation, lodging, and meals.
REGISTRATION DEADLINE EXTENDED. Reservations required: 520-798-1201 or
info@oldpueblo.org
**** IF YOU WOULD LIKE US TO EMAIL YOU A FLYER with color photos about
the above-listed activity please reply with “Send flyer” and the event's
date in your email subject line.


Friday July 16, 2010
Library Presenters free children’s presentation: "What is an
Archaeologist?" at the Pima County Public Library, Salazar - Ajo Branch,
33 Plaza, Ajo, Arizona.
11 a.m. to noon. Free.
“What Is an Archaeologist?” is a presentation designed to give children
an idea of what archaeologists do, how they do it, and how they learn
about people through their work. The presentation includes examples of
the tools archaeologists work with, real and replica artifacts, and
activities to help children experience how archaeologists interpret the
past. Presented by Tucson’s not-for-profit Old Pueblo Archaeology Center.
For event details contact Library Associate Clarissa Sandoval in Ajo at
520-387-6075 or Clarissa.Sandoval@pima.gov.


Friday July 16, 2010
Library Presenters free children’s presentation: "Lifestyle of the
Hohokam" at the Pima County Public Library, Salazar - Ajo Branch, 33
Plaza, Ajo, Arizona.
1 to 2 p.m. Free.
The “Lifestyle of the Hohokam” presentation is designed to give children
an idea of how the ancient Hohokam lived and how some aspects of everyday
life have changed and others have stayed the same. The program includes
real and replica artifacts, and numerous color illustrations to help
children experience how the prehistoric Native Americans of southern
Arizona lived and to appreciate the arts they created. Presented by
Tucson’s not-for-profit Old Pueblo Archaeology Center.
For event details contact Library Associate Clarissa Sandoval in Ajo at
520-387-6075 or Clarissa.Sandoval@pima.gov.


Thursday July 29, 2010
“Southwestern Rock Calendars and Ancient Time Pieces” free presentation
by archaeologist Allen Dart at Edge of the Cedars Museum State Park, 660
West 400 North, Blanding, Utah
6:30-8 p.m. Free.
Native Americans in the Southwest developed sophisticated skills in
astronomy and predicting the seasons, centuries before Old World peoples
first entered the region. In this presentation archaeologist Allen Dart
discusses the petroglyphs at Picture Rocks, the architecture of the
"Great House" at Arizona's Casa Grande Ruins, and other archaeological
evidence of ancient astronomy and calendrical reckoning; and interprets
how these discoveries may have related to ancient Native American
rituals.
No reservations needed. For meeting details contact Rebecca Stoneman in
Blanding at 435-678-2238 or rebeccastoneman@utah.gov; for information
about the presentation subject matter contact Allen Dart at Tucson
telephone 520-798-1201 or adart@oldpueblo.org.


Saturday July 31, 2010
“Arts and Culture of Ancient Southern Arizona Hohokam Indians” free
presentation by archaeologist Allen Dart in the Petroglyph National
Monument Visitor Center patio, 6001 Unser Blvd. NW, Albuquerque, New
Mexico
7-8 p.m. Free.
Old Pueblo Archaeology Center’s director, archaeologist Allen Dart,
illustrates artifacts, architecture, and other material culture of the
ancient Hohokam Indians, and discusses archaeological interpretations of
how these people tamed southern Arizona’s Sonoran Desert for centuries
before their culture mysteriously disappeared.
The Monument’s Visitor Center, which is located at the intersection of
Unser Blvd. and Western Trail on Albuquerque's west side, normally is
open from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily but will reopen at 6:30 p.m. for this
evening presentation. Benches are provided but audience members are
encouraged and allowed to bring their own lawn chairs if they so choose.
No reservations needed. For meeting details contact Interpretive Ranger
Luke Fields in Albuquerque at 505-899-0205 ext 338 or
Luke_Fields@nps.gov; for information about the presentation subject
matter contact Allen Dart at Tucson telephone 520-798-1201 or
adart@oldpueblo.org.


Wednesday September 22, 2010
Library Presenters free presentation, “Southwestern Rock Calendars and
Ancient Time Pieces” at the Pima County Public Library, Geasa-Marana
Branch, 13370 N. Lon Adams Rd., Marana, Arizona
5:30-7 p.m.
Native Americans in the Southwest developed sophisticated skills in
astronomy and predicting the seasons, centuries before Old World peoples
first entered the region. In this presentation archaeologist Allen Dart
discusses historically known sky-watching practices of various
southwestern peoples, and how their ancestors’ observations of the
heavens may have been commemorated in ancient architecture and rock
symbols. The program illustrates cardinal, solstice, and equinox
alignments and possible calendrical reckoning features at such places as
Arizona’s Casa Grande Ruins and Picture Rocks petroglyph sites, New
Mexico’s Chaco Canyon archaeological district, the Hovenweep area of
Utah, and the Mesa Verde and Chimney Rock regions of Colorado. Mr. Dart
also offers interpretation of how these discoveries may relate to ancient
Native American ritual.
No reservations needed. For event details contact Librarian Nancy
Lindeman in Marana at 520-594-5259 or Nancy.Lindeman@Pima.gov; for
information about the presentation subject matter contact Allen Dart at
Tucson telephone 520-798-1201 or adart@oldpueblo.org.


Tuesdays October 5 through November 23,
& Saturday October 16, 2010
"Prehistory of the Southwest: The Hohokam Culture of Southern Arizona"
class & field trip with archaeologist Allen Dart at Old Pueblo
Archaeology Center, 2201 W. 44th Street at Tucson Unified School
District’s Ajo Service Center, just west of La Cholla Blvd., ½-mile north
of John F. Kennedy Park, Tucson.
6:30 to 8:30 p.m. each Tuesday evening October 5 through November 23,
2010, plus 4-hour lecturing field trip to Tucson-area Hohokam sites from
8 a.m. to noon on Saturday October 16. Fee $50 ($40 for Old Pueblo
Archaeology Center and Pueblo Grande Museum Auxiliary members), not
counting cost of text recommended for the course. Minimum enrollment 8,
maximum 24.
A series of eight 2-hour and one 4-hour field trip class sessions will be
offered by archaeologist Allen Dart in this "Advanced Prehistory of the
Southwest" class, which explores the archaeology of the Hohokam culture
of the American Southwest. Developed by the Arizona Archaeological
Society (AAS) for its Certification Program (see
http://www.azarchsoc.org/certification.htm), the class includes
discussions of Hohokam origins, subsistence and settlement systems,
social and organizational systems, material culture including ceramics,
other artifacts, and architecture, interaction within and beyond the
Hohokam culture’s regional boundaries, and ideas on religion and trade.
The AAS’s basic “Prehistory of the Southwest” class is recommended as a
prerequisite but this is negotiable with the instructor. Each student is
expected to prepare a research report to be presented orally or in
written form.
Reservations required, registration deadline Sept. 30, 2010: 520-798-1201
or info@oldpueblo.org to register or for more information.
**** IF YOU WOULD LIKE US TO EMAIL YOU A FLYER with color photos about
the above-listed activity please reply with “Send flyer” and the event's
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Saturday October 16, 2010
"Los Morteros and Picture Rocks Petroglyphs Archaeological Sites" guided
tour departs from northeast corner of Silverbell Road & Linda Vista Blvd.
in Marana, Arizona
8 a.m. to noon. $15 ($12 for Old Pueblo Archaeology Center and Pueblo
Grande Museum Auxiliary members)
Archaeologist Allen Dart leads this carpooling tour to Los Morteros, an
ancient village site that includes a Hohokam ballcourt and bedrock
mortars, and to Picture Rocks, where ancient petroglyphs include a
solstice and equinox marker, dancing human-like figures, whimsical
animals, and other rock symbols made by Hohokam Indians between A.D. 650
and 1450. LIMITED TO 32 PEOPLE.
Reservations required. 520-798-1201 or info@oldpueblo.org.
**** IF YOU WOULD LIKE US TO EMAIL YOU A FLYER with color photos about
the above-listed activity please reply with “Send flyer” and the event's
date in your email subject line.


Saturday October 30, 2010
“Casa Grande Ruins and Middle Gila Valley Archaeology and History” Old
Pueblo Archaeology Center carpooling educational tour with archaeologist
Allen Dart departing from Pima Community College, 401 N. Bonita Ave.,
Tucson
8 a.m. to 6 p.m. $40 ($32 for Old Pueblo Archaeology Center and Pueblo
Grande Museum Auxiliary members)
Old Pueblo Archaeology Center’s director, archaeologist Allen Dart, leads
tour to Coolidge-Florence area. Tour includes an extended visit to
archaeological features in the Casa Grande Ruins National Monument in
Coolidge plus visits to the Grewe site (early Hohokam village), Poston
Butte Ruin (Preclassic village with Hohokam ballcourt), historic
Adamsville Cemetery and settlements along the Gila River, and Pinal
County Historical Society Museum in Florence. REGISTRANTS PROVIDE THEIR
OWN TRANSPORTATION – carpools are encouraged. Bring your own picnic lunch
and water.
Reservations required: 520-798-1201 or info@oldpueblo.org


Saturday November 13, 2010
“Deer Valley & Spur Cross Ranch Petroglyphs” guided fundraising tour with
Shelley Rasmussen and Allen Dart, starting at Deer Valley Rock Art
Center, 3711 W. Deer Valley Road, Phoenix.
10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Fee $35 ($28 for Old Pueblo Archaeology Center and
Pueblo Grande Museum Auxiliary members) includes all park entry fees
Maricopa County Parks Interpretive Ranger Shelly Rasmussen (an
archaeological Site Steward) and archaeologist Allen Dart guide this tour
to see hundreds of ancient petroglyphs and the rock art museum at Deer
Valley Rock Art Center north of Phoenix, and more petroglyphs in Spur
Cross Ranch Regional Park near Carefree, Arizona. Deer Valley Rock Art
Center features a museum with video, artifacts, interpretive signs, and a
gift shop. Along its outdoor, quarter-mile-long rock art trail we’ll view
some of the 47-acre preserve’s 1,571 known petroglyphs, which range from
700 to 10,000 years old and represent the Archaic, Hohokam, and Patayan
cultures. The Spur Cross Conservation Area intermediate-level hike is
about 3 miles roundtrip and takes about 3 hours of hill-climbing to a
Hohokam pueblo and two petroglyph sites. Bring your own picnic lunch and
water, wear comfortable hiking shoes.
Reservations required: 520-798-1201 or info@oldpueblo.org.
**** IF YOU WOULD LIKE US TO EMAIL YOU A FLYER with color photos about
the above-listed activity please reply with “Send flyer” and the event's
date in your email subject line.


Saturday November 13, 2010
Library Presenters free children’s presentation: "Ancient People of
Arizona" at the Pima County Public Library, Southwest Branch, 6855 South
Mark Rd., Tucson
2 to 3 p.m. Free.
The “Ancient People of Arizona” presentation is designed to give children
an idea of how the Ancestral Pueblo (Anasazi), Mogollon, and Hohokam
peoples lived and how some aspects of everyday life have changed while
others have stayed the same. The presentation includes real and replica
artifacts, and abundant color illustrations to help children experience
how prehistoric Native Americans of our area lived and to appreciate the
arts they created. Presented by Tucson’s not-for-profit Old Pueblo
Archaeology Center.
For event details contact Librarian Marissa Alcorta in Tucson at
520-594-5270 or Marissa.Alcorta@pima.gov


Saturday December 4, 2010
“White Tank Mountains Petroglyphs of Waterfall Canyon & Mesquite Canyon”
guided fundraising tour with Shelley Rasmussen and Allen Dart, starting
at White Tank Mountain Regional Park Visitor Center, 13025 N. White Tank
Mountain Road in Waddell.
10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Fee $30 ($24 for Old Pueblo Archaeology Center and
Pueblo Grande Museum Auxiliary members) includes all park entry fees
Maricopa County Parks Interpretive Ranger Shelly Rasmussen (an
archaeological Site Steward) and archaeologist Allen Dart guide this tour
to see hundreds of ancient petroglyphs in the 30,000-acre White Tank
Mountain Regional Park west of Phoenix. Tour includes a 3-hour walk along
the 2.5-mile-roundtrip, fairly flat Black Rock Loop Trail to see and
photograph dozens of Archaic and Hohokam petroglyphs; lunch at ramadas
with picnic facilities; then afternoon visits to three petroglyph sites
with Archaic and Hohokam rock art in a 3-hour, 2.5-mile-roundtrip hike
along the Mesquite Canyon trail, which includes some bush-whacking and
boulder-hopping. Bring your own picnic lunch and water, wear comfortable
hiking shoes.
Reservations required: 520-798-1201 or info@oldpueblo.org.


Saturday February 12, 2011
“Florence Historic Homes and the Casa Grande Ruins” tour with Terri
Contapay, sponsored by Old Pueblo Archaeology Center, departing from Pima
Community College, 401 N. Bonita Ave., Tucson
8 a.m. to 4 p.m. $99 per person includes van transportation; or $39 if
you provide your own transportation and drive in caravan with the Old
Pueblo tour van ($10 discount for Old Pueblo Archaeology Center and
Pueblo Grande Museum Auxiliary members)
Experience the depth of history in the Gila River Valley with a visit to
the Casa Grande Ruins National Monument followed by the annual Florence
Historic Homes tour. Our first stop will be in Coolidge, Arizona, at the
Casa Grande Ruins, a pivotal site of the Hohokam Indians, where you can
see remnants of their homes and the “Casa Grande” (the “Great House” for
which the monument is named) that were inhabited between about A.D. 1300
to 1450. Following the Casa Grande visit we will drive the few miles
eastward to Florence, the Pinal County Seat, to visit the Pinal County
Historical Society Museum and then go on the Florence Historic Homes
Tour. Although Florence is a relatively small city it probably has more
buildings listed in the National Register of Historic Places than any
other Arizona community, including Sonoran style rooted in the mid-1800s
through Sonoran-American Transitional and American-Victorian
architecture. Lunch options are either bring your own picnic to eat at
the city park across from the Museum, or buy your own lunch at the L & B
Mexican Restaurant next door to the museum. Pick and choose how long your
want to be at each stop, as we’ll be spending 3 hours in Florence,
headquartering at the museum. Guide Terri Contapay, a native of Arizona,
has a Master's degree in education and has led this and other study tours
for years with Pima Community College. Her passion is exploring and
learning about Arizona, and she is always excited to share her
experiences and knowledge with others. For tour details contact Terri in
Tucson at 520-798-1201 or contapayt@cox.net. WEAR COMFORTABLE WALKING
SHOES AND SUN PROTECTION, AND BRING YOUR OWN LUNCH AND WATER OR ENOUGH
MONEY TO BUY YOUR LUNCH.
Reservations required: 520-798-1201 or info@oldpueblo.org
**** IF YOU WOULD LIKE US TO EMAIL YOU A FLYER with color photos about
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* Asterisked programs may be sponsored by organizations other than Old
Pueblo Archaeology Center.

Saguaro National Park is offering special programs this spring that explore the park’s wonderful natural and cultural history. Come along on a naturalist-led evening walk in the park, or join a local expert for a presentation in one of our visitor centers. Programs are offered at both the east and west districts. Interpretive programs are free, but park entrance fees apply. Program schedules are subject to change – call the visitor centers for schedule updates or for reservations.

Special Programs at Tucson Mountain District (Saguaro West) include:

May 1 10:45 a.m. “Neighborhood Characters”
A 30-minute, easy morning walk in the cactus garden will bring you face to thorns with plants that may remind you of people you know, friendly and otherwise. If weather is hot, we'll stick to viewing the Family Album, with an indoor program on the same topic. This program will also be offered May 2, 8, 9, 16, 23, and 30.

May 1 2:15 p.m. “The CCC and its impact on Saguaro National Park” Illustrated Talk
The Civilian Conservation Corps was a Depression-era work program that had a great influence on National, State, and County parks throughout the Nation. Saguaro’s trails, picnic areas, and scenic drives were established during this program. A brief history of the CCC in this area will be illustrated with old photo images and movie clips. This program will also be offered May 8, 22, and 29. Programs are wheelchair accessible.

May 4 2:15 p.m. “Meet the Cuckoo of the Desert” Illustrated Talk
Learn about the natural history, behaviors and fascinating facts about this colorful creature: the Roadrunner. This program will also be offered May 11, 18, and 25. Programs are wheelchair accessible.

May 6 2:15 p.m. “Synergy in the Desert: The Sonoran Habitat” Illustrated Talk + 50 yard Walk
For all of life, “the whole is greater than the sum of the parts” is true. The iconic Saguaro is the focal point for a discussion of how the parts of the Sonoran Desert work together to create a rich living desert that is unique in the world. This program will also be offered May 13, 20, and 27.

May 8 11:45 a.m. “Tarantula” Patio Talk
They look big, hairy, and scary, but they’re really just big (8 legged) pussycats! Come meet a live tarantula and learn more about this fascinating desert creature. This program will also be offered May 22 and 29. Programs are wheelchair accessible.

May 21 5:00 p.m. “Twilight” Hike
Enjoy the desert as the sun goes down. This 2-mile, 2-hour hike takes place in a sandy wash. A couple of rock outcroppings are easily traversed. The return is along a rocky, old mining road as the sun sets. Reservations are required, and can be made by calling 733-5158.

May 22 3:00 p.m. “Venomous & Poisonous Animals of Arizona” PowerPoint Presentation
Venomous? Poisonous? What’s the difference? Join guest speaker Sandy Reith and learn about the biology and adaptations of some of Arizona’s amazing creatures including rattlesnakes, scorpions, and Gila monsters during. Program is wheelchair accessible.

-more-
May 27 7:30 p.m. “Moonrise Over the Mountains” 45 minute Patio Talk
Relax around a campfire on the visitor center patio as the full moon rises above the cactus forest. Bring a lawn chair and warm clothing. No reservations required. Program is wheelchair accessible.


Special Programs offered at the Rincon Mountain District (Saguaro East) include:

May 1 11:00 a.m. “Saguaro National Park: A Common Heritage”
This 20-minute presentation shown in the visitor center auditorium explores the peoples who settled this area, from prehistoric Hohokam to homesteaders and Hispanic ranchers. This program is offered Saturdays at 11:00 a.m. Programs are wheelchair accessible.

May 2 11:00 a.m. “People and Places of Saguaro’s Past”
Join Park Ranger Arlo Ogden in the Visitor Center auditorium for this photo tour of the park’s historic past, focusing on the stories told by its historic structures. This program will also be offered May 9, 16, 23 and 30. Programs are wheelchair accessible.

May 2 3:00 p.m. “Yesterday, Today …and Saguaro?”
What will the world’s changing climate mean for the National Parks? Will our children find glaciers in Glacier, coral reefs in Hawaii, Joshua trees in Joshua Tree? And what does a warmer, drier Arizona future hold for our signature Giant Saguaro? Ranger Jeff Wallner will pose these questions that only your future decisions can answer. Meet at the visitor center for this 45-minute auditorium presentation. This program will also be offered May 9,16, 23 and 30. Programs are wheelchair accessible.

May 7 & 21 7:00 p.m. “Night Walk” 1 mile, 2 hours
Join a park naturalist for this easy 2-hour hike to explore and experience the Sonoran Desert at night. Dress for the weather, wear comfortable walking shoes, and bring water and a flashlight. As space is limited, Reservations are required, and can be made by calling 733-5153.

May 13 7:00 p.m. “Desert Holes”
From tarantulas to desert tortoises, many desert dwellers choose an underground abode. Join naturalist and author Pinau Merlin in the visitor center auditorium as she explores who makes those holes in the desert and why. Advanced reservations are recommended and can be made by calling 733-5153. This program is wheelchair accessible.


Daily Programs
The park’s two districts offer additional daily interpretive programs not listed here. Contact either of our visitor centers for updated schedules, or visit our website online at http://www.nps.gov/sagu/planyourvisit/things2do.htm.

The following are organizations that provide memberships, lectures and tours involving Southwest Archaeology. If you would like to add experience and/or a stronger background to your southwest archaeology expertise, please become familiar with these groups.

For members only:
March 2010
Events Celebrating the 75th Anniversary of the Snaketown Excavations
Brought to you jointly by the Arizona Archaeological and Historical Society and Arizona State Museum. Keep an eye out for details!

June 3–13, 2010
TUCSON, TULA & TLAXCALA: 4,000 Years of Cultural Interaction
See Our Travel Tours Page

Lecture Series:

The Arizona Archaeological and Historical Society’s monthly meetings and lectures are held the 3rd Monday of each month, except August, at 7:30 p.m. at Duval Auditorium, University Medical Center, 1501 North Campbell Avenue (north of Speedway).

Duval Auditorium can be reached by proceeding either north or south on North Campbell and turning west into the UMC between the two traffic lights - one is at Speedway and one is at Elm. Free parking is available south of Mabel Street, across from the College of Nursing. The Front Entrance is on the top level of the parking structure. Duval Auditorium is on the 2nd level of the Hospital. Upon entering the Front Entrance, turn right and then follow the signs to Duval Auditorium.

Building a Preservation Archaeology Network across the Greater Southwest

The Center for Desert Archaeology, a private nonprofit organization, promotes the stewardship of southwestern archaeology and historic resources in the American Southwest and Mexican Northwest through active research, preservation, and public education.
For information on their programs go to http://www.cdarc.org/