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Visitors to the Oracle State Park enjoyed a wintery snow day. (John Hernandez photo)
By John Hernandez
Even an inch of snow could not stop the Oracle State Park from opening on Saturday. The Park and Center for Environmental Education is now open every Saturday and Sunday through April.
Guided tours of the historic Kannally Ranch House are offered every Saturday and Sunday at 10:00 a.m. and 2:00 p.m. A wildlife slide show and interpretive bug display is ongoing and gift shop is open.
The park is a great place for friends to bring a picnic lunch, hike, take photographs and commune with nature. Monthly activities such as hikes and bird walks are scheduled regularly and other events are planned.
The available schedule for February includes:
• Feb. 15: Volunteer orientation and training from 9 a.m. to noon. Call park to sign up.
• Feb. 16: Guided bird walk with M.E. Flynn begins 8:15 a.m. at the ranch house.
• Feb. 22: Volunteer orientation and training continues 9 a.m. to noon.
• Feb. 23: Group trail hike of 3-5 miles guided by Gaston Meloche begins at 9 a.m. Reservations are required at (520)638-5404.
• Feb. 24: Bighorn basics talk with Richard Boyer a retired National Park Service ranger begins at 11:30 a.m. Learn about animal history and the re-introduction efforts. Call park for reservations.
For information about the park or reservations call 520-896-2425 or visit their website: www.azstateparks.com.
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