Organ Pipe Cactus National Monument Announces Program Schedule for January

Date: January 6, 2012
Contact: Sue Walter, 520-387-6849

Visitors to Organ Pipe Cactus National Monument can enjoy a program with a park ranger during the month of January. Programs highlighting what the monument have to offer and the significance of the monument will be ongoing through March. Each month we will offer different schedules to fit visitor's interests. During the month of January the monument will offer the Ajo Mountain Van tour, evening programs and patio talks.

Visitors can catch a van tours on Ajo Mountain Drive leaving from the Kris Eggle Visitor Center at 9:00 a.m. on Monday and Thursday or 1:00 p.m. on Friday, Saturday and Sunday. Visitors must pre-register for the three hour tour by calling 520-387-6849 extension 7302 or signing up at the visitor center. Participants should bring a snack, water, sunscreen, hat, and wear sturdy shoes so they can get out of the van and explore at the several stops. People may bring binoculars and cameras, however the van does not have storage capacity so large camera bags and tripods will not fit.

Evening programs are held at the Twin Peaks Campground Amphitheater on Friday, Saturday and Sunday nights at 7 p.m. A parking area is located near the amphitheater for visitors not staying in the campground. During heavy rain or high wind, the program may be moved to the Kris Eggle Visitor Center. On Thursdays the monument will bring the programs to Ajo. The location will be announced the week prior to the program. Evening programs last approximately 30 minutes with time scheduled after the program for the audience to ask the ranger questions.

Ten to fifteen minute patio talks are provided at 11:00 a.m. and 1:00 p.m. Thursday through Monday at the Kris Eggle Visitor Center. If a visitor cannot attend a patio talk, the staff at the visitor center can provide information or an impromptu program at the visitor's convenience.  Other activities on the patio include Thursday mornings volunteer Ed Day creating arrow heads and other items using his skill in flint knapping and artist and volunteer Carol Miller providing insight on putting what you see in the monument onto canvas. Please call the Kris Eggle Visitor Center for times that Carol will be painting.

For more information about specific program topics or additional recreational opportunities at Organ Pipe Cactus National Monument please visit www.nps.gov/orpi or call 520-387-6849 extension 7302