 Winter speaker series explores
our connection to the desert
For much of the country, winter means snow and ice. For inhabitants of the Sonoran Desert, though, it can be a time to reflect on the uniqueness of our home; the chill temperatures and frosty mornings help us see the desert in a new light.
If you’re looking for new insights into desert life, there’s no better place to begin than Pima County Conservation Lands & Resources’ Winter Speaker Series, which runs through March. The theme of this year’s series is “Desert Dwellers: Building Ecological Literacy Through Storytelling."
The speakers’ topics range from the culinary heritage of Sonora to the implications of climate change for the County. The events are free, though donations are appreciated. Registration online is strongly suggested, but walk-ins are welcome when space permits.
Bird of the Month: American Kestrel
The American Kestrel, a small falcon species found across North America, is known for its vibrant plumage and keen hunting skills.
Kestrels are adaptable and can thrive in a variety of habitats, including open fields, grasslands, and urban areas. They primarily feed on insects and small vertebrates, employing a unique hunting technique called “kiting,” where they hover in mid-air while scanning the ground for prey. Their exceptional vision allows them to detect even the slightest movement, making them efficient hunters.
As an important part of the ecosystem, American Kestrels help control pest populations, showcasing the intricate balance between species and their habitats. They are one of the many beautiful birds you might be able to spot on your next visit to Historic Canoa Ranch!
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Digging through the past
Historic Canoa Ranch is home to numerous fascinating artifacts from its long history, including some objects that might look unfamiliar to many people today.
This antique horse-drawn plow was used for many years to prepare soil for planting. During planting season, a ranch hand would walk behind the plow and hold it to keep the horse on the right path. It was a long and exhausting job, but one that was necessary during the property's days as a working ranch.
Modern plows are drawn by tractors, but this old-fashioned plow remains on display at the ranch as a reminder of how much has changed in the world of ranching and farming.
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Support the Ranch through
Friends of the Canoa Parks
 Would you like to help support Historic Canoa Ranch? Friends of the Canoa Parks is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization located in Green Valley. They are dedicated to supporting Pima County in promoting and preserving the Canoa Parks, including Historic Canoa Ranch, through community outreach, education and fundraising.
Please consider joining, volunteering or donating to support this important work! To learn more, visit https://gvc-foundation.org/friends-of-the-canoa-parks/.
Share your feedback on the future of Pima County's parks and amenities
Pima County Parks & Recreation is conducting a Master Plan to provide a strategic road map for the future of Pima County urban parks, recreational amenities and programming over the next 10-25 years. Your opinion matters; take the 10-15 minute survey and provide your feedback to ensure the right amenity will be built at the right location that fits your needs. Those who complete the survey will be entered to win a $100 prize!
February programs and events
 Please visit our website to register for any of these upcoming events!
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Saturday, Feb. 8 • 10:30 a.m.–noon
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Historic Canoa Ranch Tour
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Friday, Feb. 14 • 9:30 a.m.–10:30 a.m.
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Anza Tour
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Saturday, Feb. 15 • 10:30 a.m.–noon
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Historic Canoa Ranch Tour
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Wednesday, Feb. 19 • 8:00 a.m.–10 a.m.
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Birding
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Friday, Feb. 21 • 8:30 a.m.–11:00 a.m.
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Anza Trail Hike
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Friday, Feb. 21 • 9:30 a.m.–10:30 a.m.
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Anza Tour
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Saturday, Feb. 22 • 10:30 a.m.–noon
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Historic Canoa Ranch Tour
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Wednesday, Feb. 26 • 8 a.m.–10 a.m.
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Birding is for EveryBODY (Register here)
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