Val Bembenek
An exceptional exhibit of out-of-this-world images by award winning photographer Adam Block of the University of Arizona’s Mt. Lemmon Sky Center is on exhibit through December 20 at Oracle State Park Center for Environmental Education.
Weekend visitors to the park and ranch house can combine viewing with other events such as guided hikes, a birding weekend with classes, walks and a breakfast on the patio, interpretive talks about large animals living nearby and a wreath-making workshop using native plant materials.
The popular birding weekend with Kathe Anderson is set for November 21 and 22 with a Saturday afternoon program on common birds followed by a guided pre-sunset walk. On Sunday an early two hour walk will be followed by a breakfast prepared by Friends of Oracle State Park. Visitors may attend any or all of these programs and should make reservations.
A schedule of 45-minute historical commentary and guided tours of the historic Kannally Ranch House, a multi-level Mediterranean Revival style house built in 1929 by the early Oracle ranching family is included in upcoming events. Led by docent Mary Bast, visitors will visit rooms and patios extending down the hillside. Dates and times are November 14 at 10:00 a.m., November 22 at 2:00 p.m., November 28 and December 5 at 10:00 a.m. and 1:00 p.m. and December 13 and 19 at 1:00 p.m.
The astro-photography exhibit emphasizes the growing interest in the Park’s recent designation as an International Dark Sky Park. Adam Block, recipient of the 2012 Hubble Award, is recognized around the world as a leading astrophotographer. His images are published in magazines, books, posters and widely on the internet.
Block will give a presentation and short film on Sunday, December 20.
Interpretive docent Richard Boyer, formerly a National Park Service ranger in Colorado, will give his popular Bighorn Basics talk on November 15 at 12:30 p.m. His new program Bear Necessities on December 6 at 11:00 a.m. features the Arizona black bear, including a visit with “Everywhere Bear” and bear safety lessons.
Most programs are free with park admission of $7 per car at the main gate on Mt. Lemmon Road in Oracle, but reservations are requested by calling Ranger Jennifer Rinio at the park office at 520-896-2425.
A complete Oracle State Park event information and program time is always posted on the state parks website: www.azStateParks.com/Parks/ORAC. The park is open 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. on Saturdays and Sundays.
Other Upcoming Highlights
November 21: Mineralogy walk with local mineralogist Wolfgang Mueller begins at 11:00 a.m. Reservation required.
December 12: Holiday wreath making workshop at 1:00 p.m. Reservation required.
December 19: Guided six-mile hike on park trails with Gaston Meloche. Reservation required by calling Gaston at 638-5404.
The park, at a comfortable elevation of 4,500 feet, has 15 miles of hiking trails, including a section of the National Scenic Arizona Trail, and numerous day-use picnic areas as well as vista patios at the ranch house.
For information about all 28 Arizona State Parks, the Trails and Off-Highway Vehicle Programs and the State Historic Preservation Office, call 800-285-3703. Campsite reservations can be made online at AZStateParks.com or by calling the reservation call center at 520-586-2283. Follow AZStateParks on Twitter and Facebook.