January 2010
Wings Over Willcox
Jan. 13 - 17
Come hear staff biologist and coordinator of the Northern Mexico Conservation Program, Sergio Avila, speak about the Sky Island Region—A Biological Hotspot and Efforts Across the Region as well as efforts and progress made working with El Aribabi, a conservation ranch in Sonora, Mexico. If you can only make it one day, come check out Sergio’s talks on Saturday, January 16th! http://www.wingsoverwillcox.com/
A Reading with Kansas Poet Laureate, Caryn Mirriam-Goldberg and special guest, Jefferson Carter
Jan. 17 (Sunday), 2pm, Historic Y Courtyard - 300 E. University Blvd.
Enjoy readings from her memoir, The Sky Begins at Your Feet: A Memoir on Cancer, Community and Coming Home to the Body, and her latest collection of poetry, Landed. A long-time bioregionalist, Mirriam-Goldberg is the author of ten books, and founder of Transformative Language Arts at Goddard College where she teaches. Jefferson Carter, SIA's 2009 Volunteer of the Year, just published his eighth collection of poems in My Kind of Animal.
Volunteer Orientation
Jan. 21st (Thursday), 6-8 pm, Historic Y Conference Room - 738 N. 5th Ave.
Have you thought about volunteering with Sky Island Alliance but would like to learn more? This is your chance! Enjoy light refreshments as you hear about the various volunteer opportunities with SIA. A power point presentation will be followed by a question and answer session with veteran SIA volunteers.
Contact Sarah to sign up! sarah@skyislandalliance.org, 520-624-7080 x23
February 2010
Witness for Wildlife Hiking Expedition
Feb. 6
Join us on an all-day hike in the Dragoon Mountains. We will check two wildlife cameras, and participants will also have a chance to learn basic GPS, species identification, tracking and photography skills as we assess the health of this wildlife corridor. All participants are required to complete and upload a wildlife corridor assessment form after the hike as part of a pilot citizen scientist project. Hiking difficulty is moderate. RSVP required by January 15th. Limited to 10 people. Contact: Jessica Lamberton at jessica@skyislandalliance.org
Road Closure and Restoration Weekend
Feb. 19-21, Las Ciénegas National Conservation Area
Join us in the desert grasslands to close and restore roads and trails made from unauthorized OHV activity. * Less than an hour from Tucson *
Skill level moderate. Contact Sarah to sign up! sarah@skyislandalliance.org, 520-624-7080 x23
Tumacacori Highlands - Atascosa Lookout Hike II
Feb. 20
A 6-mile round-trip hike to a restored fire lookout atop Atascosa Ridge at 6,249' elevation amongst pinion pine and juniper. The trail is maintained, mostly smooth, and the 1500' elevation gain is easily managed with switchbacks. From the summit, spectacular views of the Tumacacori Highlands lay before you, and in horizon are the Baboquivaris, Sierrita Mountains, Santa Rita Mountains and deep expanse of northern Mexico. Along the way, we will discuss the concept of "landscape connectivity" and its importance to wildlife. RSVP by February 12th. Carpooling available. Contact: Jessica Lamberton at jessica@skyislandalliance.org
Spring Wildlife Tracking Workshop
Feb. 26 - 28 and March 27-28 (must commit to both workshops)
Sign-up now! SIA’s tracking volunteers monitor the presence of large mammals (mountain lion, black bear, jaguar, Mexican grey wolf and others) between the mountain ranges in the Sky Island region. We are currently looking for dedicated “citizen scientists” who can commit to regular monitoring of an assigned tracking route for at least one year. You’ll learn where to look for signs and about the biology and behavior of local mammal species. Learn more by contacting Janice Przybyl, Wildlife Linkages Program Coordinator: janice@skyislandalliance.org
March 2010
Restoration Weekend
March 5-7, Aravaipa Canyon
Help to restore habitat damaged from off road vehicles in one of the most beautiful canyons in southeast Arizona. * 3 hours from Tucson. * Skill level moderate. Contact Sarah to sign up! sarah@skyislandalliance.org, 520-624-7080 x23
April 2010
Earth Day Restoration Weekend
April 23-25, Location TBD
Anyone can attend an Earth Day celebration in town but why not spend a weekend, not just a day, giving back to Mother Earth. Contact Sarah to sign up! sarah@skyislandalliance.org, 520-624-7080 x23