For reservations, call 520-896-2425; azstateparks.com.
Saturday, September 16: Prickly Pear Fruit Processing Workshop, 8:00-11:00 a.m. Join Sonoran Herbalist John Slattery for a trail walk and talk to learn about the wonders of the prickly pear cactus, with some discussion of prickly pear medicine. With blender and straining equipment, John will demonstrate a relatively quick and simple method to process prickly pear at home. Enjoy a freshly made juice drink at the end. Botanical products and books for sale as well. Workshop is $15 in addition to park entrance fee. Reservation required, limit 15. Program sponsored by Friends of Oracle State Park.
Saturday, September 23: Solar Eclipse Tour and Star Party, 5:30-9:00 p.m. Mike Weasner of the Oracle Dark Skies Committee will share a PowerPoint presentation in the living room of the Kannally Ranch House, beginning at 5:30 p.m. He will offer a slideshow report on his total solar eclipse experiences as part of an August Sky and Telescope Tour. A solar eclipse occurs when the moon passes between Earth and the sun. On August 21, 2017, a rare total eclipse occurred and was visible along a path across the United States; first seen from land in the US at Oregon’s Pacific coast, and then it progresses eastward along a path through Oregon, Wyoming, Nebraska, Kansas, Tennessee and South Carolina. It was seen in the U.S., and only within a 70-mile-wide band. A Star Party followed the program, and from 7:00-9:00 p.m., telescope viewing and night sky interpretation was offered, thanks to Tucson Amateur Astronomers Association.
Saturday, September 30: Phenology Bingo, 3:00 p.m. Join a Talk and Walk beginning at 3:00 p.m., with plant specialist Hilary Cox. Meet in the Kannally Ranch House living room for a 45-minute PowerPoint slideshow to learn more about the National Phenology Program that allows public participation in scientific research, connecting people with nature to benefit our changing planet. Phenology refers to key seasonal changes in plants and animals from year to year – such as flowering, emergence of insects and migration of birds – especially their timing and relationship with weather and climate. Park visitors can help monitor seasonal changes and add observations to the national database. There will be an optional short group trail walk following the presentation, to participate in a “Phenology Bingo” activity and special prize for the winner. Reservation preferred; free with park admission.
Saturday, October 7: Common Butterflies in Southern Arizona, 3:00 p.m. Join butterfly enthusiast Larry Fellows of the Southern Arizona Butterfly Association for a PowerPoint slideshow presentation in the living room of the Kannally Ranch House. SEABA’s mission is to advocate for butterflies and their habitats through conservation, education and recreation. Please call for a reservation; free with park admission.