Calendar of Interpretive Events
March 15Sonoran Desert Spring Beauties along Alamo Canyon
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Mother Nature has fooled us again. La Nina brought our desert gentle winter rains
and wildflowers this year. No better (and easier) place on the Arizona Trail to
experience this phenomenon than the newly routed trail from Picketpost Trailhead
south along Alamo Canyon. Great trip for those who have as yet to hike along this
gorgeous route, and for those who already have can see what could be a wonderful
display of wildflowers.
We’ll talk about what plants are what, ecology, and human uses. Feel like photographing or sketching plants and landscapes? By all means, such activities are encouraged! We will meet at the Picketpost Trailhead at 8:30 AM and hike well into the afternoon. Make sure you bring water, snacks and lunch; binoculars would be good, too. |
Mirabilis multiflora - photographed in Whitford Canyon. |
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We are very pleased to offer a field trip with renowned naturalist and writer Pinau
Merlin, author of many books including field guides to soaring birds of the West,
southern Arizona nests and eggs, and hummingbirds of the West. And, have you ever
wondered who makes all of those little (and big) holes we encounter as we hike along
the desert landscape? Her Field Guide to Desert Holes will answer that and much more,
a book so popular it is now in its fourth printing!
Armed with an intense sense of curiosity and an amazing knack for describing and writing what she sees and knows, a walk with Pinau Merlin is a walk one does not soon forget. Her interest (and philosophy) in nature, including holes, reflects exactly what I believe: “the more you know about what you see, the more you come to appreciate the intricacies of life and the fantastic ways that animals [and plants!] have evolved to live in specific environments” (from an article by Valerie Young, Turning a Love of Nature Into a Livelihood, Changing Course.com). And from appreciation comes better stewardship – we take better care of our land and its inhabitants. Come join us and be prepared to have fun observing and learning desert mysteries. We’ll start at 8 AM, meeting at the fee booth entrance to Colossal Cave Mountain Park. |
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On Saturday June 21st we will hike a part of the AZ/Highline trail in pursuit of
colorful butterflies. As the temperature rises, the flowers start to bloom higher and
higher in elevation. Butterflies follow this nectar flow “up the trail” and June is the
perfect time to check them out. For example, bergamot (Monarda fistulosa) is an
abundant plant along the trail that attracts the pretty Fritillaries. Orange milkweed
(Asclepias tuberosa) and thistle (Cirsium spp.) are also popular amongst
the nectar feeding butterflies. Other butterflies (like Blues) are more interested in
"mud-puddling" at one of the three springs we will pass. Other butterflies, like California
Sister and Weidemeyer’s Admiral, are mostly found on trees. Please wear sturdy shoes and
a hat, bring water, snacks and a sack lunch. A pair of close focusing binoculars will be
handy too. The trail is moderately steep in places, but we will take our time.
Meeting place is Denny’s on Shea Blvd in Fountain Hills at 6:30 AM or at the trailhead at 8 AM. Directions to get to the trailhead: drive to Payson, go straight at the Hwy 260 intersection. After 3/4 mile turn right onto Houston Mesa Road. Cross all 3 "water crossings", and after about 8 miles turn left at the stop sign. The road now turns into a dirt road. After about 2 miles turn right towards Shadow Rim Camp and Washington Park Trailhead. Follow this road up for about 6 miles until the right turn-off to the Washington Park Trailhead (marked). After a bit, turn left (signs again) and you will find the trailhead well marked. Contact Wendy Hodgson (whodgson"at"dbg.org or (480) 481-8108) to register for this fun and informative trip to learn about our amazing butterflies. |
| More field trips and interpretation programs are being planned for the future, and information for these activities will be posted in the Arizona Trail Newsletter and website. Keep an eye out for further developments! |
Arizona Trail Association, PO Box 36736, Phoenix, AZ 85067-6736
Phone (602) 252-4794. E-mail:
