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Home > News > In Memoriam > In Memoriam: Dale Shewalter > dales_dream

dales_dream

December 26, 2017 Matthew Nelson

NEWS CATEGORIES

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The next time you’re in the #ArizonaTrail Gatewa The next time you’re in the #ArizonaTrail Gateway Community of #OracleAZ, don’t miss this new interpretive sign celebrating some of the fascinating creatures that call this corner of Arizona home. Thanks to support from a grant from the @aztourismnews , the ATA worked with local biologists to develop a sign that can be found within the Arizona Trail kiosk located at Casa Rivera in downtown Oracle.
 
Nestled at the intersection of four major bioregions—Rocky Mountains, Sierra Madre, Sonoran Desert, and Chihuahuan Desert—Oracle is a rare ecological crossroads teeming with life. The transition from oak woodlands to desert grasslands across a 900-foot elevation change from 3,700’ to 4,600’ fosters an exceptional diversity of habitats and species.
 
Among Oracle’s most fascinating wildlife are many species of owls—a powerful symbol of the region’s rich biodiversity. From the commanding Great Horned Owl, our most commonly seen owl, to the elusive Elf Owl, the smallest owl species in the world, each species reflects the area’s range of elevations, vegetation, and unique ecological niches.
 
The Western Screech-Owl and Barn Owl are year-round residents, often heard during quiet moonless nights. Look closely—or listen carefully—and you might also detect the Northern Pygmy-Owl, a daytime hunter, or the mysterious Whiskered Screech-Owl, found near the northern edge of its range. In the cooler months, migratory owls like the Long-Eared, Short-Eared, Northern Saw-Whet, and Mexican Spotted Owl may also be found roosting quietly in thick oak or rocky outcrops.
 
A great place to experience all of this firsthand is @oraclestatepark, a designated #DarkSkyPark located just minutes from town. With miles of scenic trails, stunning vistas, and educational exhibits, the park offers an ideal starting point for wildlife viewing, hiking, and connecting with nature.
🌵🥪 Welcome, Parkie Sandwich ! 🥪🌵 We'r 🌵🥪 Welcome, Parkie Sandwich ! 🥪🌵

We're thrilled to welcome @parkiesandwich  as the Arizona Trail Association’s newest Saguaro-level business partner! This partnership means a lot to us—not just because of the support, but because it's rooted in a shared love for the outdoors and a deep appreciation for the Arizona Trail.

Parkie isn't just serving up amazing sandwiches—they’re serving the trail community, too. As avid outdoor enthusiasts, the Parkie team understands the importance of protecting and preserving wild places. We're honored to have them in the growing network of businesses helping keep the AZT alive and thriving.

Next time you're in Tucson, stop by and show them some trail love! 💚
Learn more about them here 👉 https://www.parkiesandwich.com

#ArizonaTrail #parkiesandwich  #AZTBusinessPartner #AZTCommunity
Trail Skills Institute – Module 4: Trail Layout Trail Skills Institute – Module 4: Trail Layout & Design
📆 August 2-3
📍 Arizona Trail Passage 27 – Blue Ridge

Ready to take your trail expertise to the next level? Join us for an immersive two-day workshop focused on the art and science of trail layout and design.

🧭 Learn how to:
• Identify the why, who, and what of trail design
• Analyze terrain, climate, and site conditions
• Apply Trail Management Objectives to shape sustainable routes
• Spot control points and trail corridors using both GIS and boots-on-the-ground tools
• Practice tight flagging and develop construction-ready prescriptions

Perfect for volunteers, stewards, and anyone looking to plan trails with intention and care.

🛠️ Get out there, sharpen your skills, and help shape the future of the AZT.

🔗 Sign up now (link in bio) — spots are limited!
We are heartbroken by the devastation caused by th We are heartbroken by the devastation caused by the Dragon Bravo Fire on the North Rim of Grand Canyon National Park. On July 4, a lightning strike sparked a wildfire that consumed the historic North Rim Lodge, employee housing, visitor centers, countless rental cabins, and vital infrastructure. Our thoughts are with the National Park Service staff and nearby communities who have lost so much.

This fire also has significant implications for the Arizona Trail, including 100 miles of AZT being closed between the South Kaibab Trailhead and Stateline Campground at the Utah border. The following trail closures are in effect:

Passage 38 (Grand Canyon - Inner Gorge) — Currently closed, may reopen pending assessments.

Passage 39 (Grand Canyon - North Rim) — Closed through the end of 2025.

Additionally, due to the White Sage Fire on the Kaibab National Forest, these closures are also in effect:

Passages 40-43 (Kaibab Plateau South, Central, North, Buckskin Mountain) — All are currently closed but may reopen depending on fire containment and damage evaluations.

Highway 89A — Closed between House Rock Valley, Jacob Lake, and Fredonia.

House Rock Valley Road — Closed between Hwy 89A and 89.

This is a devastating blow to the Grand Canyon ecosystem and infrastructure, but to the Arizona Trail community as a whole. Please stay updated and respect all closures for your safety and the recovery of these areas. 

For more information, continue to monitor:
- Dragon Bravo Fire - Watch Duty
- White Sage Fire - Watch Duty
- NPS Emergency Info - Grand Canyon
We’ll continue sharing updates as we receive them. In the meantime, let’s support one another, the land managers working tirelessly through this crisis, and look toward a future of recovery and restoration.
Arizona Trail in a Day is back for 2025, and this Arizona Trail in a Day is back for 2025, and this year, it’s getting a refresh — one that puts joy, connection, and safety at the center of it all.

Instead of racing to complete miles, we’re inviting you to spend a day out on the trail simply enjoying it. No competition, no pressure, and no expectations. Whether you hike, bike, run, or ride a short section or a long stretch, the goal is the same: experience the Arizona Trail in whatever way feels best to you. We believe that by spending the day together as a community on the same trail that we’ll accomplish something truly spectacular.

Fundraising is simpler than ever this year. If you feel inspired to give back to the trail, you can make a donation directly through our website. No peer-to-peer campaigns, no creating new profiles. Just you, the Trail, and the impact you want to make. 

We can't wait to see you all on Saturday, October 4th! 

More info here: https://aztrail.org/azt-in-a-day-2025/
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