Special Events -- Most Are Included With Daily
Adult Admission of $7.50, or $3 for ages 5-12

Daily Guided Tours at 1:00 p.m.
Every day through March 30
Learn the best spots to observe Arboretum wildlife -- and fascinating facts about familiar plants by walking the Main Trail and exploring our gardens alongside knowledgeable resident "Park Host" volunteers who live and work here during the winter and spring months. Guided tours will be daily at 1:00 p.m. continuing through March. Starting in March we offer additional Saturday and Sunday morning general tours at 10:00 a.m.

Gallery Exhibit: State Parks Plein Air 2007 Winners
 Daily Through January 26 in our Visitor Center Gallery
 Arizona State Parks has a new exhibit in our visitor center art gallery showcasing winners of the "paint out" series held at different state parks throughout 2007. For details about future "paint out" events at other State Parks email coordinator Mary Alice Daenzer at mdaenzer@azstateparks.gov or call her at 602-542-7119

Edible / Medicinal Desert Plants Guided Walk
 January 12, Saturday, at 1:30 p.m. and again January 27
 Learn how desert plants have fed, clothed and healed native peoples for millennia. On December 8 the tour will be guided by Apache Junction authors Jean Groen ("Foods of the Superstitions") and Don Wells. Don't be in a rush to leave after their guided walk -- Jean often shares serves homemade desert edibles such as cactus fruit jellies with mesquite meal crackers. Please note that this tour explores our Curandero Trail, which has moderately steep sections
and is not accessible by wheelchair. Read more about jojoba, creosote and prickly pears

Plants-of-the-Bible Guided Tour
 January 19 (Saturday) at 1:30 p.m., then again February 3, February 16
 Join Arizona State Parks volunteers and learn about botany, history and Scripture on this relaxing, slow-paced walk. The tour follows paths that are accessible to wheelchairs and walkers; proceeding through collections including the picnic area, Demonstration and Herb Gardens. During fall and this tour is offered twice each month at 1:30 p.m. on the first Sunday and third Saturday ( February 3, February 16, March 2, March 15 ). See photos and read more

Photography Classes
 January 20 (Sunday) at 9:30 a.m., and then different classes January 30 at 2:00 p.m. and also February 9
 Take your pick of three separate photography classes we'll offer over the next few weeks, starting with:
         * a beginners' class in "digi-scoping" on Sunday January 20 with Apache Junction wildlife photographer Bob Ruszala. This Sunday class is geared towards beginners from 9:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. and teaches basic wildlife photography. Bob will explain the tricky technique of "digi-scoping," or using binoculars or spotting scopes to magnify the power and reach of basic digital cameras (this technique applies to those simple and inexpensive digital point-and-shoot cameras -- and is not suitable for the more complex SLR cameras). Cost to enroll is $15 for Arboretum annual members, $32.50 for nonmembers; call 520-689-2723 to sign up.
          * "Superior Sunsets with Harley Bonham" Photography workshop January 30 (Wednesday). Learn to shoot golden late afternoon sunlight on stunning volcanic rock formations and cactus gardens alongside artist Harley Bonham. The Phoenix resident has been a professional photographer for 20 years and shoots primarily with Nikon optics. From 2:00 until 5:00 p.m. Bonham will lead a dozen students through his favorite Arboretum collections - explaining camera features, composition, and lighting. This class is limited to a dozen pre-paid participants and the cost is $22.50 for nonmembers, $15 for Arboretum members. Sign up during daytime business hours by calling 520-689-2723. Check out the "galleries" section at harleybonham.com to see a range of Bonham's photography of landscapes and sunsets in Arizona and Utah.
        * An in-depth, three-hour session (half in the classroom, half in the field) with Chandler artist Sue Cullumber Feb. 9 from 1:00 to 4:00 p.m. Cullumber will spend 90 minutes indoors offering a presentation on aperture, ISO, and shutter speed. Classroom time will be followed by another 90 minutes shooting scenes around the cactus garden - explaining camera features, composition, and lighting (students are advised to bring along a tripod). $25 for members to enroll, $32.50 for nonmembers. See a gallery of recent works Sue posted on her website following her December class

Australia Day
January 26 (2008) from 11:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.
Go to the land down under without leaving Arizona -- celebrate our "Australia Day" celebration here at the Arboretum. Tour guides will lead a "walk-a-bout" through our Australian collections at 11:00 a.m. Savor the fragrance of the Gum Bark trees and the towering eucalyptus trees, then check out a live
afternoon performance of didgeridoo music at 1:30 p.m. To sign up in advance and arrange pre-payment of $35 for the "build your own didjeridoo" class, call 520-689-5248.

8:30 A.M. Bird Walks
February 2, 10, 16 and 24 at 8:30 a.m. (continuing March and April)
Learn to identify native Sonoran desert birds, and exotic migrants as well, on a two-hour bird walk guided by different avian experts each week. Bird walks repeat on the first and third Saturdays (second and fourth Sundays, too) during February, March and April. Guided walks will be February 2 lead by Cathy Wise and then with Cindy Marple February 10, Rich Ditch February 16, Kathe Anderson and Vera Walters February 24, Dave Powell March 1, Cindy Marple & Marceline VandeWater March 9; Troy Corman, Pete Moulton and Cynthia Donald on March 15, Kurt and Cindy Radamaker March 23; Troy Corman, Pete Moulton and Cynthia Donald on April 5; Dave Powell and Marceline VandeWater April 13, Kathe Anderson April 19 and the final scheduled walk lead by Rich Ditch on April 27. Admission of $7.50 for adults, $3 ages 5-12 includes guided bird walks. Future outings are scheduled March 1, 9, 15 and 23, then April 5, 13, 19 and 27. Read recent birder checklist reports

Identifying Native Plants Without Leaves (Class)
February 2, Saturday, from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.
Do your native plant investigations take a hiatus during winter months when trees are leafless? Winter can be one of the best times to make your native plant forays, without leaves getting in the way of identification. During this class Education Director Chris Kline will share the secrets of native tree identification using bark, buds, and odor. Cost to enroll is $10 for Arboretum members, $17.50 non-members. To enroll and pre-pay call our gift shop staff during daytime business hours at 520-689-2723

Home School Day Tours
February 5, Tuesday, and February 27, Wednesday, at 10:00 a.m.
Home schooling families are invited to gather and experience Arboretum education programs including "The Arizona Tour" on February 5, and our popular and Scriptural "Plants of the Bible" walk on February 27. Admission for participating students and families is $1 each day for these events. Sign up during daytime business hours by calling Jana Baldwin at 520-689-2723, or else by email to jana@cals.arizona.edu

Geocaching for Fun and Treasure (Class)
February 10 from 1:00 - 5:00 p.m.
Geocaching is a popular outdoor treasure-hunt where participants use a Global Positioning System (GPS) to find a "cache" (typically a logbook and trinkets). In this introductory class, participants will learn how to get more out of your GPS, learn about geocaching clubs and websites, and get a chance to navigate through the Arboretum for geocaches. Bring your own GPS, and come join local geographer, instructor, and geocache explorer Peter Marckmann for this exciting new class! Cost to enroll is $20 for Arboretum members, $27.50 non-members. To enroll and pre-pay call our gift shop staff during daytime business hours at 520-689-2723

Language of Flowers Exhibit & Chocolate Tasting
February 14-17, from 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Treat your senses while you learn the ancient code to the intricate language of flowers. Each year for Valentines day we fill the lecture room of our historic Smith Building with the fragrant, colorful Language of Flowers exhibit. Decadent gourmet chocolates from Cerreta Candy Company in Glendale are available for $1.00 from 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. during the days of this exhibit.

Birding 101
February 16 from 8:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. (then Birding 102 on May 10, and Birding 103 July 12)
Learn "the three B's of Birding" from Arboretum bird walk leader Kathe Anderson. This class is designed for beginners, and will teach novice bird enthusiasts about avian anatomy, binoculars and books as the key tools to bird identification. Cost for annual members is $10, and Non-members $17.50. Sign up for the entire birding class series (Birding 102 on May 10 and Birding 103 on July 12) and the cost is $45 for members, $60 for non-members. To enroll and pre-pay call our gift shop staff during daytime business hours at 520-689-2723

Artisans at the Arboretum
February 16 from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Browse booths showcasing the works of painters, photographers and artisans from the East Valley. This exhibit is sponsored by Soroptimist International of Gold Canyon, for booth vendor applications or more information about the event contact Barbara Plante via email to barbaraplante@mchsi.comor call her at 480-288-6195 or else 602-318-1138.

World Desert Fair
February 23 from 11:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m,
Explore the cultures, view the crafts and taste samples of arid land foods from around the world as part of your Saturday walk around the 1.5 mile long Main Trail, when our four-hour World Desert Fair event showcases different desert regions with sampling tables and music.

Spring Plant Sale
March 15-30 (Arboretum Members-only day March 14)
Stock up for Spring landscaping -- a huge variety of plants, trees and shrubs is always available during this seasonal sale, and our staff horticulturists and groundskeepers are available on the weekends to answer questions and offer gardening advice.

Wildflower Identification (Class)
March 8 and again March 22 from 12:00 - 4:00 p.m.
Would you really like to know the names of our local wildflowers, but don't know where to start? Botanists predict a bumper crop of wildflowers this spring, and Arboretum Education Director and plant taxonomist Chris Kline will guides students through the world of flower morphology and plant identification. Get up close and personal with these spring beauties as Kline points out key features of plant families and genera. Two class meetings are required. Cost to enroll is $30 for Arboretum members, $37.50 non-members. To enroll and pre-pay call our gift shop staff during daytime business hours at 520-689-2723

Sustainable Patio Gardening for Food and Fun (Class)
March 15, Saturday, from 9:00 a.m. until noon
This unique workshop will help make your patio or yard a more dynamic and functional xeriscape. Author and Mesa Community College instructor Ron Dinchak will demonstrate how to plant, grow, and harvest fruits and seeds that have been a sustainable part of indigenous peoples' lives for centuries. Gourds, devils claws and luffas will be among the many species demonstrated. Many of these are edible plants, and participants will learn to process their seeds, seed pods and other plant products into interesting decorative items. The fact that many of these thrive during monsoon conditions will extend your gardening season. Workshop fees include a luffa (to be processed in class) and also packages of native seeds, a gourd, and several devil's claw seed pods. Cost to enroll is $20 for Arboretum members, $27.50 non-members. To enroll and pre-pay call our gift shop staff during daytime business hours at 520-689-2723

Welcome Back Buzzards
March 22, Saturday, from 7:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.
Arrive early to see the Turkey Vultures, our seasonal flock which winters in Mexico and typically has returned by mid-March. They can usually be observed from dawn until about 8:00 or 9:00 a.m., then depart to circle the skies in search of carrion. We'll have a guided bird walk at 8:30 a.m., and Arizona Game & Fish wildlife rehab volunteers will bring their living exhibit of birds, mammals and reptiles.

Butterfly Walk
March 22, Saturday, from 9:30 - 11:00 a.m.
Learn to identify common species of butterflies -- and about the colorful insects' life cycles -- on a two-hour walk through the Demonstration and Hummingbird-Butterfly Gardens. Read recent butterfly checklist reports

Basic Plant Propagation
March 30, Sunday, from 1:00 - 3:00 p.m.
Arboretum Horticultural Technician Preston Cox will show several techniques to expand your plant collections through the use of cuttings, seeds, and other methods. Wear your gardening clothes, and arrive prepared for hands-on learning! Cost for annual members is $10, and Non-members $17.50. To enroll and pre-pay call our gift shop staff during daytime business hours at 520-689-2723

Butterfly Gardening
April 5, Saturday, from 12:00 - 3:00 p.m.
Even though your kids have left home, your yard can yet again be the most popular place in the neighborhood. Learn how to make your landscaping popular with butterflies. Arboretum butterfly walk leader Adriane Grimaldi will give you plant selection ideas and other tips to make your yard the talk of the town, at least among the butterflies! Cost for annual members is $20, and Non-members $27.50. Cost for annual members is $10, and Non-members $17.50. To
enroll and pre-pay call our gift shop staff during daytime business hours at 520-689-2723

Herb Festival
April 5, Saturday, from 11:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.
Parsley, sage, rosemary and thyme... you can grow 'em all here in Arizona. Particularly aromatic rosemary -- which has a wide array of culinary and medicinal uses. Learn more at this annual festival, which includes live music beneath the shady canopy of our 40-foot tall grove of Chinese pistachio trees across from
the Wing Memorial Herb Garden.

Earth/Arbor Day
April 19, Saturday, from 11:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.
Explore your green side with a day dedicated to trees, silviculture, enviromental awareness and live music here at the Arboretum. Events and music are included with daily admission of $7.50 for adults, or $3 for ages 5-12

Birding 102
May 10 from 7:00 a.m. to 10:00 a.m.
Arboretum bird walk leader Kathe Anderson focuses on the B's, C's and D's of basic birding in this intermediate level birding class. Anderson will teach students how a knowledge of bird behavior, calls, and diet can be used to enhance your birding experience. Cost for annual members is $20, and Non-members $27.50. Cost for annual members is $10, and Non-members $17.50. To enroll and pre-pay call our gift shop staff during daytime business hours at 520-689-2723

World Migratory Bird Day
May 10 from 6:30 a.m. to 11:00 a.m.
The Arboretum is among select sites around Arizona certified by the Audubon Society via the Important Bird Area (IBA) program. This lovely Arizona oasis attracts once-in-a-lifetime exotic migrant birds and the usual Sonoran Desert cast of characters, too (Curve-billed Thrasher, Black Phoebe, Cooper's Hawk,
Anna's Hummingbird, Verdin); enjoy a guided bird walk, a breathtaking presentation of avian photography by EJ Peiker, and exhibit booths.

Dragonfly Walk
May 3 from 9:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m., then again June 7, July 5, August 2and September 6
Queen Creek and Ayer Lake are great places to view Red Rock Skimmers, Blue-eyed Darners and various other species of these insect predators during a one-hour walk. Bring binoculars along for vivid close-up views of these insect predators.

Learn Your Lizards Guided Walk
May 10 from 8:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m., then again June 14, July 12, August 9 and September 13
Desert Spiny lizards at the Arboretum sometimes grow as big as bratwursts! This unique guided tour shows participants how to identify common lizard species such as Western whiptail, Side-blotched and Greater Earless. Kids enjoy this family-friendly walk on the second Saturday each month. Wear sunscreen and a wide-brimmed hat -- and bring along binoculars for the best close-up views of these engaging little reptiles.

Birding 103
July 12 from 7:00 a.m. to 10:00 a.m., again November 22 from 8:30 to 11:30 a.m.
In the final class of Kathe Anderson's birding series, the E's and F's of basic birding are the focus. Anderson will emphasize seeking out different habitats and environments when looking for particular birds. In addition, come prepared to learn how to distinguish different bird families. This particular class meets in July and again in November so mark both dates on your calendar. Cost for annual members is $20, and Non-members $27.50. Cost for annual members is $10, and Non-members $17.50. To enroll and pre-pay call our gift shop staff during daytime business hours at 520-689-2723



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