Tucson Parks & Recreation

**Parks, Recreation and Nature Blog :**
2008-07-14 \Tucson\Parks & Rec\Nature Observations\ Ferocious Water Bug! : That's really the name of it - the latin name is Abedus Herbeti. One of these critters showed up in my laundry bucket that I'd left outdoors - they can fly as well as swim - and it did indeed try to bite when I scooped it up in a cup of water. But we got it safely into a fish tank for the kids to watch, they are pretty impressive little beasts. They are fairly common throughout Arizona, and apparenly fly to find new sites during monsoon season.
2008-05-25 \Tucson\Parks & Rec\Santa Cruz River\ Santa Cruz graded south of Irvington? : I could be mistaken, but driving past the Santa Cruz on Irvington road, it looked like the riverbed had been graded bare to the south. We've walked there before, and the small stands of palo verdes and mesquites were gone. Isn't this some kind of protected habitat or open space?"
2008-05-25 \Tucson\Parks & Rec\Groups and Organizations\ SASI Saturday report : We went to the community day on Sat May 24 and took home an impressive array of critters: a young preying mantis (which we'll release shortly), baby crickets, gulf frit caterpillars, a pair of mesquite bugs and the official subject of the workshop, some tiny 10-day old silkworm caterpillars. My kids love the workshops and the chance to see - and sometimes handle- various arthropods close up. SASI's collection is probably bigger than the Desert Museum's viewable set, including a nice box of leaf-cutter ants with a see-thru fungus garden. We got to handle a Vinageroon, see an active baby Giant Hairy Scorpion, a stripy centipede, several tarantulas, many more. John Rhodes runs wonderful informative workshops, and Emily who takes care of the site and collection takes the time to show us around the back room and explain the care and feeding of various critters. My kids are too active to stay thru the adult talk, but the ones I've seen before are both scientific and accessible. Dr. Barbara Terkanian was the speaker, and though we didn't see her talk, she was kind enough to talk to my daughter afterwards about observing and illustrating nature. Dr Terkanian is both scientist and fine artist, and has an exhibit open now at I believe Blue Haven gallery.
2008-05-25 \Tucson\Parks & Rec\Groups and Organizations\ SASI : Sonoran Arthropod Studies Institute : Hosts conferences and runs wonderful education programs on all kinds of crawly critters
2008-05-25 \Tucson\Parks & Rec\Conservation\ Sonoran Desert Conservation Plan : Pima County's site for conservation, ecological monitoring and has a species listing
2008-04-08 \Tucson\Parks & Rec\ TCA All Star Cheer & Dance Tryouts : Tucson Cheer Academy is Tucson's biggest all star cheer and dance program. We are now getting ready for tryouts for the 2008-2009 season. Tryout information is now available at TCA or on our website. If teams aren't your thing we also have classes offered year round and summer camps. All programs are for both boys and girls. We start at age 6.
2008-04-05 \Tucson\Parks & Rec\ Cheerleading Tryouts : Tucson Cheer Academy is getting ready to hold tryouts for their national champion cheer and hip hop teams. Tryouts will begin Saturday, May 10. Got to TCA to pick up the tryout application or download it at www.tucsoncheer.com. Tucson Cheer Academy is open Monday - Thursday 10am to 8pm and Friday - Saturday 10am to 6pm. TCA is Tucson's oldest and most successful all star program in Tucson. If competitive teams are not for you we offer classes year round and summer camps. Call 770-1860 for more information."
2008-03-21 \Tucson\Parks & Rec\ Cheer Camp and All-Star Cheerleading Tryouts : 2008 Team Tryouts Desert Cheer Athletix is holding Team Placement Tryouts for our 2008-2009 Season on Saturday, May 3rd from 2:30 PM to 6:00 PM. Private Audtitions are available by request on dates after May 3rd. Note: Ages for all teams are based on your child's age as of May 31, 2008. Our Tiny (Age 3-5) Team does not require tryouts and is open to everyone. April Cheer Camp Starting on April 15th and going through May 1st, DCA will hold a Cheer Camp to help the athletes prepare for their Tryouts. The Cheer Camp will include Fundamentals (Motions & Jumps), Dance, Tumbling, Stunting and Tosses. Sessions will be held on Tuesday's, Thursday's and Saturday's as follows: Tuesday's & Thursdays: Athletes age 11 and under - 4:30 to 6:00PM Athletes age 12 and older - 6:00 to 7:30PM Saturday's: Athletes age 12 and older - 2:00 to 3:30PM Athletes age 11 and under - 3:30 to 5:00PM This is 12 hours of cheer camp time !!! Each session will have multiple coaches so that the athletes can be broken out into groups based on their skills. The age group that your athlete is in for Cheer Camp has NO BEARING on what team your athlete can make during tryouts!! Registration: Anytime by phone (520-792-4337) or in person during our normal Gym Hours (Tuesday/Thursday 4:30 to 8:00PM or Saturday 2:30 to 4:30PM). We will also have a Registration Event and New Parent Orientation Meeting on April 10th at 6:30PM to provide everyone information on our organization and answer any questions about DCA and All-Star Cheerleading!! Please note that there is an Annual Registration fee of $25 that is required for insurance that is separate from the cheer camp fee. Cheer Camp Fee: If you Pre-Register (either in person or by phone) by April 4th, the fee is only $30.00. Registration after April 4th is $50.00. Contact us at 792-4337 (79-CHEER) or email us at mary@desertcheer.com "
2008-01-28 \Tucson\Parks & Rec\Hiking Trails\ Views from Sentinal Peak in the fog : One day in December we had fog covering the top of 'A' Mountain. We didn't hike much - just drove to the parking lot at the top and walked the short distance to the A for this shot.""
2008-01-28 \Tucson\Parks & Rec\Zoo\ vandalism : visit to the zoo today, someone had broken the thick glass on one of the polar bear upper viewing panes and also the sun bear area. Other notable, Baheem the Tiger was pacing near the fence and vocalizing. Maybe he still misses Rajah. "
2007-11-19 \Tucson\Parks & Rec\Parks & Rec Classes\ The Parks & Rec Class Catalog : Register online for Tucson Parks & Rec classes"
2007-11-13 \Tucson\Parks & Rec\Area Parks\ [positive comment] : its a very healthy park with no trash and its all well respected by everyone in that comunity."
2007-10-29 \Tucson\Parks & Rec\Hiking Trails\ North from Sentinal Ridge Trail parking lot : Another trail heads north around a small hill from the parking lot for Sentintal Ridge Trail (off of Congress about a mile W of I-10). Nice views of St Mary's hospital after a very short walk past an abandoned mine and small stone building. May also connect over to Tumacacori.
2007-10-27 \Tucson\Parks & Rec\Zoo\ contact vs no contact : The Tucson Zoo is a no-contact zoo, in order to preserve the wild behaviour of the animals as much as possible. However, it seems to me that positive contact is the best available enrichment for many of the animals, especially the elephants. After seeing the well-adjusted and high-contact elephants at the Calgary zoo, in contrast with our lonely pair, I'm really considering lobbying or finding out if the contact/no-contact decision is ever to e revisited...
2007-10-25 \Tucson\Parks & Rec\Santa Cruz River\ River walk : The Santa Cruz river walk has lower traffic than the Rillito, though bikes and pedestrians share the path in some areas. Excellent views of Sentinal Peak ("A" Mountain) - and the Pima County Jail -from this stretch of walkway between Silverlake and 22nd St.
2007-10-25 \Tucson\Parks & Rec\Farms and Stables\ Horses, horses and colts : We took a walk thru the Ag Center this morning, sleek and friendly horses come up to be petted or for the occasional bit of grass. One pen holds several colts and fillies, my guess is a few months old, all cute and inquisitive. A few goats are in the pens up front, at other times herds of cows are present but none showed when we visited. Nice brief outing with no charge - the gate on Roger Road just W. of Campbell is open most days.
2007-10-25 \Tucson\Parks & Rec\Farms and Stables\ Campus Agricultural Center
2007-10-20 \Tucson\Parks & Rec\Botanical Gardens\ Butterfly Magic at the Gardens : From now thru March 31, 2008, you can come see amazing tropical butterflies up close at the Botanical Gardens. "Butterfly Magic" provides eco-friendly income to butterfly farms around the world, including some in Costa Rica and Malaysia, according to staff we spoke to. Other similar exhibits around the world are called Butterfly Houses, and they are still working out the best ways to keep the beautiful insects healthy and happy. The tropical flowers in the greenhouse can't produce enough nectar to feed all the butterflies, thus the fruit and sugar feeders; also gardeners will spray the real flowers with a sugar solution periodically. The butterflies are often fearless and may even land right on visitors. (so you have to be checked carefully on exit) The huge blue morphos are especially impressive when they fly close up with their giant wingspan and vibrant colors. """
2007-10-20 \Tucson\Parks & Rec\Kennedy Lake & Park\ Kennedy Park : From the park, you can't even see the lake right over the hill. Its a fun thing to do with kids, to ask them to hike up the small rise for the first time and see what they find.
2007-10-20 \Tucson\Parks & Rec\Kennedy Lake & Park\ Healthy ducks : At our most recent visits this summer and now in October 2007, we haven't seen any ducks tangled in fishing line. Kudos to whoever cleaned it up, parks & rec, volunteers or the fisherfolk. The duck that had a hook stuck in its cheek that Animal Experts rescued I believe has been back at the lake for some months, and is doing fine. Here are several views of the lake from our most recent visit.
2007-10-20 \Tucson\Parks & Rec\Hiking Trails\ Sentinal Ridge Trail : Short, scenic hike within walking distance of downtown. Parking lot is off Congress about a mile W of I-10, just before it curves to the north. After switchbacking around up to the ridge, an uncrowded area with great views of the city, you have to walk along the road for a short distance to reach A Mountain (Sentinal peak). Just watch out for rattlesnakes on the grassy sections - a couple years ago we met with an angry diamondback on this trail! (annoyed at a mountain biker who passed right before we did)
2007-10-15 \Tucson\Parks & Rec\Nature Observations\ Prickly pears can't be picky... : This cactus found an unusual place to take root - its at the corner of 5th St and Sawtelle"
2007-10-15 \Tucson\Parks & Rec\Hiking Trails\ On the way to SASI, Orcut Trail : Along the 1/4 mile dirt road on the way to SASI (Southern Arizona Arthropod Institute) I believe is the Orcut trail. You can walk down the road at any time, the gate is open on the 4th Saturday of the month when SASI holds its open house. Look for the turnoff on the North side of Gates Pass road just to the East of the intersection with Kinney Road (in Saguaro Monument West). \ Search 'Orcut Trail Tucson' for some related sites
2007-10-14 \Tucson\Parks & Rec\Desert Museum\ Do pipevine swallowtails lay eggs twice a season? : Looking back over these notes from last year, it reminded me that just last week - in early October 2007 - I saw a Pipevine swallowtail laying eggs as well. Do they have two cycles, and how do they overwinter? Are there special plants for the pupae to attach to as well?"
2007-10-13 \Tucson\Parks & Rec\Botanical Gardens\ Rake your own zen garden : The Japanese Zen garden exhibit (where there are rocks and patterns raked in gravel) has a new addition - a marble (I think?) table with rocks and sand that you can rake in your own patterns. Low enough for little kids to use - my 2-yr old spent a good bit of time making wiggly paths in the sand."
2007-10-12 \Tucson\Parks & Rec\ Climbable dino : Wish there were more 'climbable art' in Tucson!"
2007-10-12 \Tucson\Parks & Rec\Hiking Trails\ W End of 36th St : I don't know if this trail has a name, but there is a parking area and an short wide trail up to an old stone building on top of a hill. Great views of the city. We try and clean the broken glass up when we visit. I wonder what the history is of this structure?
2007-10-12 \Tucson\Parks & Rec\Santa Cruz River\ Santa Cruz - wildlife throughfare : Coyotes, toads, cottontails, jackrabbits, lizards, snakes, hawks, kestrels, burrowing owls - all make their homes or travel thru the Santa Cruz. One year the Great Blue Heron that was hanging out at Kennedy Lake even showed up in the wash. Sometimes after the first heavy rains of the season you can literally see the tadpoles flowing down the river; but then the rains have to last a week or two for any to survive to toadhood.""
2007-10-11 \Tucson\Parks & Rec\Desert Museum\ Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum : ""
2007-10-11 \Tucson\Parks & Rec\Desert Museum\ "Pebbles in our shoes" : I read this book many years ago, "Pebbles in our Shoes" about the founding of the Desert Museum. I haven't seen it on sale anymore in the gift shop, but you can probably find it online.
2007-10-10 \Tucson\Parks & Rec\Botanical Gardens\ Butterflies Emerging to do their magic : The actual Butterfly Magic greenhouse exhibit will open for the public on Oct 16, but you can already see the beauties emerging from their cocoons most mornings at the Botanical Gardens. The cocoons are hanging in a window just past the greenhouse where the butterflies will live, and most mornings you can see one pumping out its wings or having its first adult meal.
2007-10-10 \Tucson\Parks & Rec\Desert Museum\ Mineral Magnifier fixed! : Good to see someone is maintaining the area - the scope that was set wrong is now fixed, and you can see the detailed crystal structure of some beautiful mineral specimens in the underground area connected to the cave. The other place in Tucson to see minerals magnified is downstairs of the planetarium, where they are also shown on a TV screen.
2007-10-10 \Tucson\Parks & Rec\Desert Museum\ It was the scale bugs : Talked to a member of the botany staff yesterday, and he let me know that the big problem with the palo verdes was a huge infestation of scale insects, and that is why they were removed. He also said that the concrete hole type planting is "sub-optimal" and that one would expect trees planted in that environment to do less well than otherwise, but the jury is still out on whether Palo Verdes can survive that way or not. This was the first time that the palo verdes at the Desert Museum have been replaced.
2007-10-08 \Tucson\Parks & Rec\Desert Museum\ Native trees and concrete : The palo verdes at the entrance have been replaced, as we'd been told they would be. Apparently Palo Verdes have a wide shallow root system that is not compatible with the cemented entranceway to the museum. It seems a shame to replace them with more palo verdes, though - why not try to find a native tree or shrub that is capable of adapting to life in a dirt island? Then the '1000 Trees for Tucson' initiative could use that knowledge in choosing native trees that could survive in similar concrete fishing holes downtown. So which trees or shrubs are likely candidates? Mesquites with their long tap roots? What about desert ash, a beautiful tall riparian tree? Or could some species of palo verde adapt better than others? Comments and suggestions welcome!
2007-08-27 \Tucson\Parks & Rec\Desert Museum\ Where are the Horseshoe Crabs? : My 2-yr old loves to go to the Desert Museum so much, we get into the nitty-gritty details. So, in the evolution of life exhibit down in the cave, we noticed that the tank supposed to be showing live Horseshoe Crabs as examples of early sea life, is completely empty. (The planaria are also missing from the previous stage, but they are harder to see anyway). Not to nit-pick - we love the museum! But, since this is a world-class facility with hundreds of thousands of visitors yearly, I think it benefits everyone to keep it in top-notch shape. When we went into the mineral room, we also tried to use the magnifier scope, and it was offset so none of the minerals could become visible (at least not with any fiddling I was able to do). It seems that a self-guided museum as the Desert Museum is would benefit from a kind of user forum where people could report problems and also discuss ecology issues, etc. It would be neat to be able to share with others who are interested in specific aspects of the museum, like what plants attract the most native butterflies or what the chances are for wild otters in Arizona. This site (btucson.com) can be used for such posts, I don't see a forum like that on the Desert Museum offical site."
2007-08-14 \Tucson\Parks & Rec\Zoo\ The story of Pip the Vulture : On a recent visit to the zoo, we were lucky to catch a vulture encounter and noticed that the young bird was extremely affectionate with its keeper, rubbing its head and neck and asking for scratches. Keeper Leslie told us Pip's story: The King Vultures in the South American exhibit laid their first egg in the spring of 2006. But, whether due to inexperience in nest-building or some other factor, the egg rolled out of the nest and cracked. Ants found the oozing liquid and were swarming over the egg when a keeper noticed, rescued the egg (which would have been consumed alive by the ants!). After cleaning it, they broke a small piece of the shell to peer inside, where a Vulture was indeed developing. Best advice from King Vulture experts was not to restore the egg or hatchling to the nest, as the parents might harm it. So Pip was incubated and raised by zookeepers, whom he clearly is strongly bonded to. Now 14 months old, Pip is a fully grown but will still get his adult coloring (his eye will change color, I believe). Though very affectionate and tame, the keepers do have to be strict with him about pecking behaviour, since with his powerful beak he could easily hurt someone by mistake. So he is not allowed to poke at buttons or other tempting articles of clothing or person, and Pip seems to take corrections well. He is a permanent person bird, not to be released into the exhibit, but he comes out regularly for display.
2007-07-18 \Tucson\Parks & Rec\Desert Museum\ Chuckwalla died shortly after this photo : Spoke to a curator at the Desert Museum, it turns out the Chuckwalla (on the bottom of the 'lizard stack' died about 1-2 weeks after this photo was taken. But, he said that 'stacking' is a nonagressive social behaviour, and the desert iguana in the photo is a female. So maybe she was trying to help her sick friend, or maybe it had nothing to do with the unexpected death. Still, we've visited and viewed those lizards many times - I'd say at least 30 or more - and this was the first time we'd observed the behaviour. They'd been together for about a year, according to the curator (though I thought I'd remembered them together for about 2 years at least). The Chuckwalla had just been checked by a vet that spring and thought to be in good health.
2007-06-30 \Tucson\Parks & Rec\Zoo\ Giraffe Feeding Station : From 10AM to 10:45, close encounters with a giraffe will run you just $1 per biscuit.
2007-06-30 \Tucson\Parks & Rec\Area Parks\ Manzanita Park : "
2007-06-30 \Tucson\Parks & Rec\Desert Museum\ Reptile Room : A few photos...
2007-06-30 \Tucson\Parks & Rec\Desert Museum\ Chuckwalla not in the cage today : Perhaps this wasn't so friendly - when we went to the DM last week, the Chuckwalla was no longer in the cage (and he has been there with the desert iguana for years). Will ask a docent if we get a chance.
2007-06-22 \Tucson\Parks & Rec\Nature Observations\ Cliff Swallows nesting under I-10 by Colorado river : We just came back from a driving trip to California, and saw a big colony of birds that built mud nests under the I-10 freeway where it crosses the Colorado. A check in my Sibley's guide looks like they are Cliff Swallows. Its neat to see them all wheeling in the air and feeding their babies up in the nests.
2007-06-03 \Tucson\Parks & Rec\Natural History\ About Saguaros : This is not a Tucson specific site, but an excellent source for the life cycle of the Saguaro (Carnegiea gigantea). I thought I knew a bit about them, but here is something new to me - Saguaros may only be able to propagate a few times a century! "recent evidence suggests that Saguaro seeds germinate and survive in considerable numbers rather rarely, only after unusually propitious weather conditions facilitate this in particular locales." with ref to Dimmitt, Mark, "Cactaceae" in A Natural History of the Sonoran Desert, pp.84-93, Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum Press
2007-06-03 \Tucson\Parks & Rec\Desert Museum\ Lizard Friends : Check out this photo - the Desert Iguana and Chuckwalla not only share a cage, they seem to enjoy playing lizard stack today.
2007-06-02 \Tucson\Parks & Rec\Sabino Canyon\ Streamside : Back in April we took the kids to Sabino Canyon, rode the tram and played in the water. Where else can you find a sandy beach by clean running water in Tucson?
2007-05-04 \Tucson\Parks & Rec\T-Rex Museum\ T-Rex Museum official site : Browse calendar of events, sign up for Trex summer camp, take a virtual tour, and learn about preliminary plans for a new museum location!""
2007-04-23 \Tucson\Parks & Rec\ Summer Class Registration Now : The Parks & Rec summer class catalog is out. Pick one up at any rec center or visit the website to sign up!
2007-04-20 \Tucson\Parks & Rec\Botanical Gardens\ Tucson Botanical Gardens : A 5 1/2 acre shady oasis in central Tucson. From an earlier time when native plants were not the 'thing' to do, TBG is a nice mix of lush gardens, kitchen herbs, children's area with water feature, earthworms and touchable plants, plus native wildflowers and cacti. And of course during the winter months the Butterfly Magic exhibit is a unique chance to view incredible tropical butterflies up close.
2007-04-16 \Tucson\Parks & Rec\Zoo\ About the Tucson Zoological Society : The official site of the Tucson Zoological Society, complete with map, calendar of special events, conservation info and more."
2007-04-16 \Tucson\Parks & Rec\Zoo\ New Baird's Tapir : The new Tapir in the South American area is quite people-friendly. He swam over to us and when we talked to him, actually climbed up and reached up his nose within about 2 feet from where we were standing! According to the sign he arrived at the zoo Mar 28. The Tapir lives next door to the Capybara, who was also swimming around and peering at visitors, and just across from the Jaguar sisters who spend the day lounging in trees..
2007-04-11 \Tucson\Parks & Rec\Botanical Gardens\ Tucson Botanical Gardens official site
2007-04-09 \Tucson\Parks & Rec\ Old Recreation & Nature page : Lots of misc recreational links - hiking, biking, destinations, culture, arts.
2007-03-30 \Tucson\Parks & Rec\Santa Cruz River\ : This cool little booklet is on sale at the Botanical Gardens. History and ecology of the Santa Cruz, with species lists. Now I know what those little guys are that come out of the mud in my backyard - almost certainly Couch's Spadefoots. For $2.95 and more local information than you'd find in many expensive field guides. " Also available online at the Western National Parks Association website.
2007-03-26 \Tucson\Parks & Rec\ Small Milkweed Bug link : Here's a nice link at bugguide.net with photos. These are the little reddish bugs you see running around attached back to back. I've always played with them since I was a kid, but never knew exactly what they were!
2007-03-26 \Tucson\Parks & Rec\ seed bugs and desert butterfly lifecycles : The fourth Saturday of every month, the Sonoran Arthropod Studies Institute (SASI) has an open house. We love to go, the program is different every month and there are lots of chances for kids to have close-up buggy encounters if they like, even take home habitats for various critters. This month John Rhoades, who is also butterfly curator at the Botanical Gardens, gave an excellent slide show on lifecycles of desert butterflies. He has close-ups of a wasp actually laying eggs into a pupa, ways to tell the Queen caterpillars from Monarches (the Queens have three sets of little horns, Monarchs have two), and much more. We also read in the loose-leaf notebook about Small Milkweed Bugs (Lygaeus kalmii), that they can easily be raised in captivity. Now we know why we've been failing with them - Carl Olson's 50 common insects of the Southwest book just identifies them as "Seed Bugs" - which is the family, but they need Milkweed seeds or shoots, also flowers with nectar. We've been trying to just feed them seeds of various kinds, without success. Got it now!
2007-03-22 \Tucson\Parks & Rec\Parks & Rec Classes\ Movers and Shakers adds class : If you have a 2-3 year old you don't want to miss this fun class. Basically a large padded running room with soft climbers, tunnels, huge balls, inclines, you name it. Circle time has stretches and movement done in a toddler-friendly way, then they have somersaults, races, free play, songs, parachute and bubble time. Movers & shakers classes are so popular that all the regularly scheduled ones filled up. So Parks & Rec added a class that's not in the printed schedule, a Tuesday 3PM timeslot that still has lots of spaces. Call 791-4877 to give your 2-3 yr old a really fun time with plenty of exercise and motor development.""
2007-03-21 \Tucson\Parks & Rec\Zoo\ Baheem and Raja, Tiger Brothers : As any mother of boys will tell you, brothers sometimes fight, and twin tiger brothers Baheem and Raja are no exception. Born in the Cinncinnati zoo May of 2001 and arriving in Tucson at 5 months of age, our tigers have spent their lives together. Their first years were spent growing rapidly, from 50lb cubs to 234 lb adults [check - is this lbs or kg? Adult male tigers should be 400lbs]. Fierce predators, they still need consolation - at two, Baheem engaged in tail sucking, and Raja has been spotted pacifying himself with his tail as recently as last month. But boys will be boys, and upon reaching four years of age Baheem and Raja engaged in fights and scuffles on and off. Keepers and alert visitors have kept a close eye on the pair, and periodically Baheem and Raja have been separated for a 'cooling-off' period. Just like human brothers, they are glad to see each other on being reunited, and may be friends again for some time before starting up. Baheem is the dominant tiger of the two, and has been observed stalking and hunting his brother. Raja is a tiger too, though, and when feeling good will pick on Baheem! Indochinese Tigers (Panthera Tigris Corbetti) are highly endangered species - between 1200 - 1700 may exist in the wild, mainly in Malaysia and some in Vietnam. Little is known about their behaviour in the wild as access to the tigers is strictly controlled. Perhaps Baheem and Raja can teach us important elements of tiger psychology as well as serving as fathers of their species sometime in the future.
2007-03-13 \Tucson\Parks & Rec\Sabino Canyon\ Deer tracks & phainopeplas : We took a short hike down the Bear Canyon trail at Sabino Canyon this Sunday - beautiful hiking weather, and good birding. The Phainopeplas have arrived, we saw at least 5 birds on our short walk to the creek. We ate our snack under the shade of some large cottonwoods, and down at the creek we saw many deer prints. That must be why its in the high danger area for Mountain Lions! But we didn't see any lions or deer, just birds and a rather bold rabbit. Bear Canyon is a nice trail that connects to the nature trail behind the visitors center. Because its not on the tram path, it makes a more peaceful hike, and this section is quite flat and easy for all ages.
2007-02-12 \Tucson\Parks & Rec\Birding\ Tucson Audubon Society Birding Resources : All kinds of birding destinations, trips & tips as well as info about bird conservation.
2007-02-12 \Tucson\Parks & Rec\Birding\ Sweetwater Sunday : Visited the ironically named Sweetwater Wetlands yesterday - its a set of water treatment ponds, but the odor is not bad and the birding quite good from my amateur standpoint. Many verdins and redwing blackbirds, some kind of nesting egret, I think, plus a fair assortment of ducks, sparrows and grackles. My kids particularly liked the tall reeds growing along the shore, with fluffy cattail seed heads for blowing in the wind. I'm not sure what species they are but it may be just what we need for our home greywater stream from our laundry water. All in all it was a successful outing and the large number of trails to explore makes it tempting to return again. ""
2007-02-09 \Tucson\Parks & Rec\Zoo\ Polar Bears Playing : Every zoo visit - and we visit a lot! - we see something new. Today it was Boris and Kobe, the two Polar Bears, wrestling and playing in the water. They looked like two huge dogs, chomping playfully at each other, going under and bear-hugging. Next time we'll definitely take some video.
2007-02-09 \Tucson\Parks & Rec\Zoo\ Elephant Art Notecards : Another thing we just found out today, you can buy packs of abstract Elephant Art, created by Shaba the African Elephant. We bought an 8-pack of these unique cards for $10 - figured this was a good way to donate to the new elephant habitat.
2007-02-08 \Tucson\Parks & Rec\Ecology\ Win-Win Ecology Part II : Reconciliation Ecology - so what is that, exactly? According to Rosenzweig's book, it is "the science of inventing, establishing, and maintaining new habitates to conserve species diversity in places where people live, work or play". Kind of ecological engineering, with the specific goal of preserving 'species diversity'. Since the book was published in 2003, I asked Dr Rosenzweig how well RE (standing for Reconciliation Ecology) had caught on over the last few years. Mixed results, not too bad for a new-old idea: the Audobon Society under Dr Trish Tess has recognized the need for RE in their research library. Research is important because fundamental to RE is researching the needs of individual species and taking action to fill them (as opposed to just taking general steps to 'green' the environment). Then the Nature Conservancy uses RE, and the Environmental Defense [league?] does something similar by the name of Safe Harbor. Dr. Rosenzweig's site, http://winwinecology.com , lists some individual success stories and some resources. Here locally in Tucson, we've made some steps forward with the Tucson Bird Count, which is now tracking year by year the number of species seen and heard in many (hundreds?) of sites around Tucson. This kind of data shows species survival trends and can show scientifically the results of changes in habitat. Then I asked, so what can an individual or neighborhood group do to practice RE, to help preserve the wildlife in our backyards? The answer - it depends which species you are trying to preserve. So, I asked, what about Horned Toads, those little spiny lizards that used to be common when I was a kid and which you don't see around much now. The answer surprised and shocked me - "Horned Toads are in trouble in cities and out. We don't know why and we don't know how to create habitat for them" We don't know. And if we wait for funded research for each and every species in trouble, it may be too late. It seems to me that individual efforts and research, pooling information the same way open source software developers do, could help in the myriad areas of research and simple experimentation that needs to be done. We do know, however, for some species. Dr. Rosenzweig gave some general principles, and a few species that we know we can be effective in preserving. More on that in part III...
2007-02-05 \Tucson\Parks & Rec\Ecology\ Win-win Ecology Interview : On Friday I had a chance to interview Mike Rosenzweig, author of 'Win-Win Ecology, How the Earth's Species can Survive in the Midst of Human Enterprise". Its a subject I've always been interested in, at least from the perspective of creating backyard and other in-city wildlife habitat. The book added some urgency to my interest, as it makes a strong scientific argument that a large majority of Earth's species are doomed if we cannot accomodate them along with the human species. Reserves and set-asides are fine and well, but they are just not large enough. Well, now I had a chance to follow up with the author himself. We started with some background material: Dr Rosenzweig started out in basic ecology research 37 years ago as a grad student trying to figure out what exactly regulates the number of species in the world. A fascinating subject - but "it's very, very, very hard to get data." After all, "we're talking about the total number of species in a continent, not in Reid Park"" I learned some things I had never even thought about - like how the total land area of the world changed by as much as 2 and a half -fold over the course of 400 million years, as the sea level rose and fell. That gave fossil records of diversity vs land area, and starting a long time ago - as far back as 1805 - ecologists started realizing that there was a relationship between total land area and number of species. So, to make a long story short, after summarizing this research for his students and coming to the clear conclusion that Earth's species really need more land area to survive, Dr Rosenzweig became convinced of the need for Reconciliation Ecology. .. to be continued...
2007-01-16 \Tucson\Parks & Rec\Natural History\ Fossil Finds in Southern Arizona : website shows fossil photos from all around S Az, including some right near Tucson - see a Branching Bryozoa from a road cut on old Nogales Highway. Also find out about trips and sites."
2007-01-02 \Tucson\Parks & Rec\Sonoran Sea Aquarium\ Sonoran Sea Aquarium : official website - has information on the project status of Tucson's future public aquarium, the travelling Desert Waters educational program, Arizona rivers slideshow and much more."
2007-01-02 \Tucson\Parks & Rec\Sonoran Sea Aquarium\ Interview - Sonoran Sea Aquarium : We live on the Santa Cruz river, and my daughters love the frog & fish exhibits at the Desert Museum. So we've been following the news on the possibility of a Tucson Aquarium - it would be so cool! This week I had a chance to interview Franklin Lane, the Director of Education at the Sonoran Sea Aquarium, who graciously took the time to answer in detail: Q : How do the current prospects look for the Sonoran Sea Aquarium? With the new council makeup have you considered joining the list of projects being considered for the Rio Nuevo? Would you care to elaborate on the barriers encountered with the original R. N. project? A : Our prospects look very good now that we have formed an informal partnership with the Arizona Sonoran Desert Museum. The direction of that association is discussed in a letter drafted by Dr. Rick Brusca, Associate Director of ASDM and posted under "What's New" on our website: http://www.tucsonaquarium.com. While I personally thought that building downtown under the umbrella of RN would have been terrific and a tremendous asset to the project I don't see SSA asking for re-consideration. The credibility alone that we gain from our new association with ASDM is worth any delays in not being part of RN... and since RN is moving at near glacier speed we may be putting fish in tanks long before anything happens downtown. Since I've only been the Director of Education for SSA since 11/22/06 I don't have much corporate memory in terms of barriers. Q : Where can Tucson families go now to learn about the 'circle of life' you describe of desert rivers and sea? Are there any books written about local river life/ecology? Is there any river ecology left in the Tucson area? A : The best place to visit is still the Arizona Sonoran Desert Museum, specifically their riparian exhibit. Arizona Highways remains an excellent reference, especially their recent special edition on the "Rivers of Arizona". The best factual reference I've found is Arizona's Changing Rivers: How People Have Affected The Rivers Barbara Tellman, Richard Yarde and Mary Wallace Water Resources Research Center College of Agriculture University of Arizona March 1997 (issue paper #19) There is quite a bit of river ecology still out there to save. Most, of course, is in the northern part of the State; Verde, Little Colorado, Salt etc. Around Tucson our attention should focus on our only remaining perennial river; the San Pedro. Q : My 5 yr old daughter would like to know, are there any fish living in rivers anywhere near Tucson? The only native fishes near Tucson are various species of minnows and pup fish. They can still be found in the San Pedro and have been introduced at Aqua Caliente Park. Again, the ASDM has a native fishes exhibit that is the best place to observe these species. Our State fish, the Apache Trout that was nearly driven to extinction by the introduction of the non-native (but more recreationally attractive Rainbow Trout) only exists in the wild in a few cold water streams in the White Mountains. They are making a come back but it is slow, imagine losing your State Fish! I liken it to the tragedy of losing our State Tree (Palo Verde) or the blossom of the Saguaro. Q : By adding native vegetation and birdfeeders, local homeowners can impact the ecology and wildlife population of the desert - is there any way that local families and businesses can likewise work for the restoration of our local waterways? Does adding a backyard pond improve the habitat for our native desert toads? Can greywater be a component? The single best thing Tucsonans can do is reduce water consumption and harvest the precipitation we do get. Landscaping your property to retain and use run off is a big start. Rain water cisterns are another. Brad Lancaster is a local champion of this effort and has published information on water harvesting. Check out: http://www.harvestingrainwater.com/aboutbrad/ Q : Is there any prospect of restoring the local rivers such as the Santa Cruz, and is that something the Sonoran Sea Aquarium is involved in? A : We are not currently involved in this effort directly but would certainly support it. There is a grass roots organization called the Friends of the Santa Cruz River that does some good work. http://www.friendsofsantacruzriver.org/images/FLOWFall2003Excerpt.htm Q : How can people get involved in the mission of the Aquarium and help make it materialize? A : We are a 501(c) 3 organization which means we survive and are able to continue our outreach and education programs only through grants and donations. Even our minimum member donation fee of $35 a year is a help. I also have a cadre of volunteers that help keep us going. Recommending our program to schools and community organizations not only gains us a revenue stream but directly projects our conservation message. I'd encourage your readers to visit our website at http://www.tucsonaquarium.com or contact me directly if they have questions or would consider volunteering. Franklin Lane Director of Education Sonoran Sea Aquarium 2021 N. Kinney Rd. Tucson, Arizona 85754 (520) 908-1600
2006-09-19 \Tucson\Parks & Rec\Zoo\ Reid Park Zoo : See http://TucsonZoo.org, the official Reid Park Zoo website""
2006-09-19 \Tucson\Parks & Rec\Nature Observations\ Passion Vines bring Gulf Fritillarys : We planted passion vines in our front yard and within 2-3 weeks the butterflies had found them and we had Gulf Frit caterpillars all over the vine. They will consume most of the leaves, but in return you get these beauties coming out right in your yard...great for kids, take in the chrysalis and make sure it has plenty of space and sticks to climb on, and you'll be able to release the butterfly when it emerges.
2006-09-19 \Tucson\Parks & Rec\Desert Museum\ Twice-stabbed ladybird beetles : Right outside the entrance of the Desert Museum - both palo verdes are attacked by scale insects, which are in turn being consumed by a large population of these striking ladybird beetles -Chilocorus stigma, I think
2006-09-19 \Tucson\Parks & Rec\Zoo\ Gibbons in the morning : The best time to visit the White-handed Gibbons is in the morning - not only are they vocalizing and swinging, sometimes you can actually catch them in a game of tag! Its a family unit - mom, dad and 6-yr old daughter who have lived together at the zoo for some time.
2006-08-24 \Tucson\Parks & Rec\Kennedy Lake & Park\ Down trees : The huge cottonwood tree and several mature palo verdes were knocked down in the storm last night. Such a shame - some of those trees must have been 30 or 50 yrs old (will try to check). Examining the down cottonwood - many nests, all wrapped up in fishing line! What kind of birds, and were they successful raising young in fishing line nests? Maybe fish and game knows...
2006-08-22 \Tucson\Parks & Rec\Desert Museum\ Butterflies by the dozen : Its butterfly season! Visit the butterfly demonstration gardens and see Queens caterpillars consuming the milkweeds, several other species as well. We saw a black pipevine butterfly laying eggs, and a beautiful but unidentified yellow cater. Queens of course are plentiful, hovering and feeding in groups of five or more."
2006-08-15 \Tucson\Parks & Rec\Desert Museum\ Dragonflys mating, baby lizards, barrel cactus flowers : There's always something new at the Desert Museum. Today we had closeup views of the Mountain Lion and the Coatis right by their windows. All the small blue and red dragonflys were mating - probably over 50 pairs right upstairs from the river otter exhibit. And some kinds of tiny bees and beetles seemed to have appeared just to eat Barrel cactus pollen. Docents were out with touchable fossils and cochineal insects (scale bugs that live on prickly pear cactus and are used for red dye). The gal with the fossils (I didn't get her name!) told us that in the San Pedro river area might be the best place to find them near Tucson.
2006-08-07 \Tucson\Parks & Rec\ Termination Tracks from the Dinosaur age : Visited the T-Rex museum today - where else can you see a 260 million year old story of a spider and a hungry lizard? Amazing that we can see just what happened one day that long ago...
2006-07-31 \Tucson\Parks & Rec\Nature Observations\ Horse Lubber Grasshoppers : Big black grasshoppers with yellow stripes. We found them at Desert Survivor's Nursery on 22nd st, look by the Tree Morning Glories. Lots of butterflies as well.
2006-07-14 \Tucson\Parks & Rec\Kennedy Lake & Park\ Tangled Geese at Kennedy Lake : Some of the newer, young white geese at the lake have gotton tangled in fishing line. They are fairly easy to catch; Thurs we caught one and cut the line off its leg with a pocket knife. "
2006-07-13 \Tucson\Parks & Rec\ Piano Lessons and more : Rosemary Snow at the Red Barn Theatre is a marvelous piano teacher! My daughter just started with her, it is a neat and kid-friendly environment and she charges only $ 10 for a half-hour lesson! "
2006-07-10 \Tucson\Parks & Rec\ Tiny tot splash pool at Quincie Douglas : For toddlers, Quincie Douglas pool at 36th & Campbell has the a great splash wading pool - just a few inches of water and lots of fun fountains. The big pool also has a beach feature. "
2006-06-13 \Tucson\Parks & Rec\ : Tucson Zoo at http://tucsonzoo.org now has electric train for kids to ride on out in front of the zoo
2006-05-01 \Tucson\Parks & Rec\Kennedy Lake & Park\ Hummingbirds at Kennedy Lake : At least five hummingbirds are resident in the large cottonwood tree on the South side of Kennedy Lake (on Mission/Ajo). Otherwise mainly muscovy ducks, several geese, a few American coots. """

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