Date: August 18, 2016
Contact: Richard Hill, 520-733-5158
September 3, 8, 9,10, 15, 16, 17, 24 10:15 a.m. Desert Dragons Talk: 30 minutes
ALSO September 8, 9, 15, 16 2:15 p.m.
What's a desert dragon? Clue: It's not a bearded dragon and Google isn't going to help much. Come discover these fascinating creatures and what's myth or fact in this fun and informative talk. Wheelchair accessible.
September 3, 10, 17, 24 11:15 a .m. Play Sonoran Desert Bingo! Game: 1 hour
Learn about the plants and animals of the Sonoran Desert while enjoying a rousing version of Bingo! Get five in a row –down, across, or diagonally –and win anon-monetary prize. Wheelchair accessible.
September 14, 28 10:15 a.m. Mountain Lions: Beyond the Myth Talk: 45 minutes
Envision a puma stalking its prey, then uncover the true nature of this elusive but essential predator. Misunderstood, maligned, and nearly eradicated by settlers, the mountain lion remains threatened by human encroachment. Wheelchair accessible.
September 2, 9, 16, 23, 30 3:15 p.m. Lizards are Hot, Lizards are Cool Talk: 30 minutes
Lizards are small denizens of the desert that are a critical component of our desert community. Find out what it means when they do pushups or exhibit other odd behaviors. Wheelchair accessible.
September 1, 8, 15, 22, 29 3:15 p.m. Kangaroo Rat: Super Survivor Talk: 45 minutes
Learn about the remarkable behavioral and physical adaptations these rodents possess that allow them to survive harsh desert environments. Find out how this nocturnal animal escapes predators, evades heat, and endures aridity. Wheelchair accessible.
September 6 3:15 p.m. Meet the Cuckoo of the Desert: The Roadrunner Talk: 30 minutes
The Greater Roadrunner is a popular and charismatic member of the desert community. Join a park naturalist for a Power Point presentation about the natural history, behaviors, and other facts about this colorful creature. Wheelchair accessible.
September 13 3:15 p.m. How Do They Do It? Walk: 15 minutes, 100 yards
Discover how the plants and animals of the Sonoran Desert have adapted to the harsh conditions of this unique environment. (This program also is offered in Spanish August 2, 16 at 12:15 p.m.) Wheelchair accessible.
September 3, 5, 6, 10, 13, 14, 17, 24 2:15 p.m. Javelinas: Our Desert Neighbors Talk:30 minutes
Sometimes referred to as the "desert pig," the javelina is not a pig at all. Learn about this intriguing creature and how it survives in this arid environment. Wheelchair accessible. (This program also will be given in Spanish at 12:15p.m.September 6, 27)
September 1, 8, 15, 22, 29 11:15 a.m. Living With Giants Talk: 45 minutes
ALSO September 3, 10, 17, 24 3:15 p.m.
The saguaro celebrates events and faces challenges throughout its life. A biologist explains how it provides shelter and substance for wildlife; when it flowers; its growth patterns; and how it fights for survival against drought, lightning, frost, and other dangers. Wheelchair accessible.
Daytime Walks
September 7, 21 10:15a.m. Sonoran Secrets to Desert Survival Talk & Walk: 60 minutes, 200 yards
Begin with comments on the shaded patio, then stroll a sidewalk next to the Visitor Center and identify the most common hazards hidden in the desert, uncover survival strategies of native plants and animals, and acquire practical tips to ensure your safety, particularly as temperatures rise with the approach of summer. Wheelchair accessible.
September 5, 6, 13, 14 11:15 a.m. Spiny, Shady, and COOL! Walk:30 minutes, 100 yards
Come for a short walk and discover the great variety of cacti that inhabit this unique and fascinating desert.
Spanish Language Programs
September 6 12:15 p.m. ¿Como Pueden Sobrevivir? Walk: 15 minutes, 100 yards
(Spanish version of How Do They Do It?) Charla en Español donde discutiremos como las plantas y animales del desierto Sonorense se han adaptado a través de los años para poder sobrevivir y florecer en nuestro único y duro ambiente. Wheelchair accessible.
September 3, 24 12:15 p.m. Jabalíes, Nuestros Vecinos Del Desierto Talk: 30 minutes
(Spanish version of Javelina: Our Desert Neighbors) Usted está invitado a acompañar aun naturalista del parque durante su presentación "Jabalíes, Nuestros Vecinos del Desierto." A veces referido como el cerdo del desierto, averigüe por qué el jabalí no es un cerdo. Descubra la historia natural de este fascinante animal y cómo se las arregla para sobrevivir en este ambiente árido. Wheelchair accessible.
