Val Bembenek
Two hours of soothing, soulful sounds by Heather “Li’l Mama” Hardy playing her electronic violin will set the concert tempo at Oracle State Park on Sunday, September 25. Performing on the upper patio of the historic Kannally Ranch House from 4:00 to 6:00 p.m., her program will be followed by after-dark star viewing through telescopes with members of the Oracle Dark Skies Committee.
The program, presented with support of Friends of Oracle State Park, is free with park admission of $7 per car at the main gate on Mt. Lemmon Road in Oracle. Persons are welcome to bring snacks and beverages, tour the ranch house and enjoy the mountain views.
The following programs are also on the September schedule:
Sunday, September 18: Pollinators Plus Program and Guided Walk about Phenology and Making Connections with Hillary Cox starting at 5:15 p.m. at the ranch house. The walk will end about 7:15 p.m. after an up-close review of how pollinators — bees, birds, butterflies, bats and beetles — positively affect all of our lives by supporting wildlife and a healthy watershed. Free with park admission; reservation suggested by calling the park at 520-896-2425.
Saturday, September 24: Ethnobotany Program/Plant Walk. Join Sonoran herbalist John Slattery from 9:00 to 11:00 a.m. for discussion of what is on view along the trail. Workshop fee is $3. Botanical products and books for sale. Space is limited; reservation required by calling 520-896-2425. Sponsored by Friends of Oracle State Park.
Guided tours of the historic Kannally Ranch House are scheduled for 11:00 a.m. every Saturday and Sunday for 45 minutes. The multi-level Mediterranean-Revival style house, built in 1929 to 1933 by one of the earliest cattle ranching families in Oracle, is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. An exhibit of impressionistic-style cowboy paintings by self-taught artist Lee Kannally is on display in the living room and dining room.
The American Avenue trailhead parking lot is open every day to access the National Scenic Arizona Trail and to accommodate use by night-time stargazers. The park is an International Dark Sky Park, designated in 2014 by the International Dark Sky Association.
The park is a 4,000 acre wildlife refuge with over 15 miles of maintained trails for use by hikers, mountain bikers and equestrians.
Up to the minute Oracle State Park event information is always posted on the state parks website: www.azStateParks.com/Parks/ORAC.