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Want to learn more about the stars? The Oracle State Park is hosting a Star Party. Bring your own telescope or use one of the volunteer’s.
Two hours of soothing, soulful sounds by Heather “Li’l Mama” Hardy playing her electronic violin will set the concert tempo at Oracle State Park on Sunday, September 25. Performing on the upper patio of the historic Kannally ranch house from 4-6PM, her program will be followed by after-dark star viewing through telescopes with members of the Oracle Dark Skies Committee.
The program, presented with support of Friends of Oracle State Park, is free with park admission of $7 per car at the main gate on Mt. Lemmon Rd., in Oracle. Persons are welcome to bring snacks and beverages, tour the ranch house, and enjoy the mountain views.
The following programs are also on the September schedule:
Sun., Sept. 18 : “Pollinators Plus” Program and Guided Walk about Phenology and Making Connections with Hillary Cox starting at 5:15PM at the ranch house. The walk will end about 7:15PM after an up-close review of how pollinators — bees, birds, butterflies, bats, and beetles — positively affect all of our lives by supporting wildlife and a healthy watershed. Free with park admission; reservation suggested by calling the park, 520-896-2425..
Sat., Sept 24: Ethnobotany Program/Plant Walk. Join Sonoran herbalist, John Slattery 9-11AMAM for discussion of what is on view along the trail. Workshop fee is $3. Botanical products and books for sale. Space is limited; reservation required by calling 520-896-2425. Sponsored by Friends of Oracle State Park.
Guided tours of the historic Kannally ranch house are scheduled for 11AM every Saturday and Sunday for 45 minutes. The multi-level Mediterranean-Revival style house, built in 1929-33 by one of the earliest cattle ranching families in Oracle, is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. An exhibit of impressionistic-style cowboy paintings by self-taught artist Lee Kannally is on display in the living room and dining room.
The American Avenue trailhead parking lot is open every day to access the National Scenic Arizona Trail, and to accommodate use by night-time stargazers. The park is an International Dark Sky Park, designated in 2014 by the International Dark Sky Association.
The park is a 4,000 acre wildlife refuge with over 15 miles of maintained trails for use by hikers, mountain bikers, and equestrians.
Up-to-the-minute Oracle State Park event information is always posted on the state parks website: www.azStateParks.com/Parks/ORAC.
There are news or informational items frequently written by staff or submitted to the Copper Basin News, San Manuel Miner, Superior Sun, Pinal Nugget or Oracle Towne Crier for inclusion in our print or digital products. These items are not credited with an author.
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