Tucson Weekly: Listings: Outdoors (September 11

OUTDOORS
BUTTERFLY SAFARI. Join butterfly expert Jim Brock, and botanist Mary Erickson for a delightful day near the Huachuca Mountains on Sunday, September 14. Spend the day meandering through a riparian canyon with colorful wildflowers that support more than 100 species of butterflies. Wear walking shoes, and bring a sack lunch; beverages and snacks will be provided. Cost is $49, and transportation is included. Call 887-2340 for reservations and information.
DESERT ARCHAEOLOGY TOURS. The Center for Desert Archaeology offers whole- and half-day tours of local archaeological treasures, including: the Romero Ruin Tour, a look at the remnants of the four great cultures that once inhabited the Catalina State Park area; the Rock Art Tour, an in-depth look offering hikers a chance to visit petroglyph sites near Tucson; and the Downtown Tucson Tour, featuring more than 30 centuries of history. Half- and full-day tours available for individuals and groups. Wear long-sleeved clothing and a hat, and make sure you've got sturdy shoes with ankle support and good traction. Water is provided. Call 885-6283 for information.
Listings DIG IT. Old Pueblo Archaeology Center, a nonprofit corporation, offers opportunities for you to dig with archaeologists at the Sabino Canyon Ruin, where Hohokam Indians lived 650 to 1000 years ago. Experience the thrill of discovering buried pottery and other items left behind by prehistoric Arizonans, as the professionals show you how archaeologists excavate, interpret, and care for ancient finds. Reservations are required, fee includes tax-deductible donation to help fund the research. Archaeologist-guided tours of the ruin are also available. Call 798-1201 for information.
MOUNTAIN CLIMB. Join Peter Galvin, conservation biologist for the Southwest Center for Biological Diversity, for a hike in the Catalinas from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, September 13. Learn about the diverse forest ecosystem while escaping the Tucson heat. Bring a sack lunch, hat, and sunscreen. Meet at the parking lot on the southeast corner of Fifth Avenue and Seventh Street for carpooling to the hike departure point. Call 623-5252, ext. 303, for information.
SANTA RITA SCENE. Join Save the Scenic Santa Ritas for a hike up to Mt. Wrightson via Gardner Canyon on Sunday, September 14. Enjoy breathtaking views of southern Arizona, the Santa Ritas, and the proposed Rosemont Ranch land swap and open pit mine area. During the hike, SSSR will conduct informal presentations on the land exchange process, NEPA, and how you can participate in this public process. This 10-mile hike has an approximate 4,000-foot elevation gain. Bring food, water, hat, sunscreen, good hiking boots, cameras and binoculars. Call 623-2872 or 624-2107 for meeting time and place.
TOHONO CHUL PARK. 7366 N. Paseo del Norte. 742-6455. Look for the Birds of Tohono Chul, with this docent-led birdwatching tour at 7 a.m. Wednesday and Saturday. Walk in the Park tours, an overview of the Park's 48 acres and its flora and fauna, are offered at 8 a.m. Tuesday and Saturday. Art in the Park tours, docent-guided looks at gallery exhibits, are at 11 a.m. Thursday and Sunday. The park offers additional guided tours for your enjoyment. Grounds are open from 7 a.m. to sunset daily. Exhibit hours are 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Saturday, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday. Admission is $2. Learn more about the principles and types of plants used in xeriscape design with an Xeriscape Tour at 9 a.m. Saturday, September 20. A drip irrigation demonstration will follow. Call for reservations and information. Call 742-6455 for park information and daily events schedule.
DOCENT CALL. Tohono Chul announces its next docent training session, beginning October 1. Docents will attend an 18-week lecture series from 9 a.m. to noon Wednesday and Friday mornings, explaining the interrelationships between the plants, animals, and people of our desert environment. Find out more at a Prospective Docent meeting at 10 a.m. Wednesday, September 17. Call 742-6455 for registration and information.

Out Of Town

BYE, BYE BUZZARDS. Visit the Boyce-Thompson Arboretum for a bon voyage party that's for the birds--from 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. with Arboretum will host Bye, Bye Buzzards, a day of bird watching with Dr. Carol Crosswhite, Curator of Zoology; educational displays on buzzards and other animals; special appearances by Fester the turkey vulture; and cake and refreshments. In addition to the buzzard festivities, visitors can enjoy the beautiful grounds of the Arboretum, including specialty gardens, and the myriad of trees, cacti, shrubs, and other plants. The Arboretum is located in Queen Creek Canyon, 45 minutes east of Mesa on Highway 60, and 90 minutes north of Tucson via Highway 79. Admission is $5 for adults, and $2 for children ages 5 to 12. Call 520-689-2811 for information.