Programs
Current Summer Program
“All are invited to attend our summer program of presentations on the natural and cultural history of the Huachuca Mountains and environs. These presentations are offered free of charge at 1:30 p.m. at the Carr House on alternate Sundays from April through November. The topics are wide-ranging as illustrated below by our presentation program for the summer of 2020
Sunday Afternoon Programs for May 5th to October 27th, 2020
Carr House Information Center at 1:30 – 2:30 p.m.
Maximum occupancy of Carr House is 49 persons
Night Sky Preservation
Ted Forte with Huachuca Astronomy Club
May 5th
Amateur astronomer Ted Forte of the Huachuca Astronomy Club will discuss how local amateur astronomers are enjoying our night sky and are activists for night sky preservation. Ted is a contributing editor for Sky & Telescope magazine and writes the monthly “Backyard Astronomer” column for the Herald/Review.
Mountain Lions
Mark Hart with Arizona Game and Fish Department
May 19th
This presentation will examine how to distinguish a mountain lion from other species, read its body language, and deter it if the encounter is too close or menacing. In addition, it will attempt to right popular misconceptions about this iconic and beautiful creature.
Hiking the Arizona National Scenic Trail
Steve Chaffee, Hiker of the Arizona Trail in both directions
June 2nd
Steve will share his own experiences on the trail along with some poetry that addresses some of the Arizona Trail’s natural history. He will also talk about hikers and bikers that he met along the trail.
Hooray for Herps-Snakes, Lizards and more
Tom Miscione, Herpetologist
June 16th
Tom will help us learn not to fear these important members of the local eco-system. His many live specimens will let you get up close and personal with a diverse number of snakes and lizards. Always popular, be sure to come early!
Cochise County Watersheds
MaryAnn Capehart, from the Water Wise Program
UA Cooperative Extension, Cochise County
June 30th
She will speak on how to visualize the watersheds in the topography of Cochise County. She will also comment on watershed moments in conservation in Cochise County, and discuss things we all can do to preserve our watersheds for the future.
Introduction to Birding by Ear
Rick Romea, Birding Expert
July 14th
In this class, we will start to develop a common language to describe bird vocalizations, using examples from common southwest birds. Then we will introduce some of the simple tricks that take the mystery out of birding by ear, including: name-saying, mnemonics and memory tricks, cadence and sound quality tip-offs, sound-alike birds, and figuring out thrillers.
Bisbee Walls: Past and Present
Colleen Crowlie, author
July 28th
There are hundreds of walls in Old Bisbee because it was built in a canyon. In the early twentieth century thousands of miners came to work in the copper mines and built walls to hold up their homes on the steep hillsides. The walls are all unique. Now Bisbee is an arts community and many artists have decorated walls. Bisbee Walls: Past and Present author, Colleen Crowlie will show a sampling of Bisbee’s finest walls and introduce the masons and artists who have created them.
The San Pedro River: A Fragile Oasis in the Desert
Bob Luce, Wildlife biologist, writer, and photographer
August 11th
Bob will present images of the spectacular scenery along the San Pedro River during the four seasons of the year, share images of some of the many native birds, mammals, reptiles and amphibians that inhabit the San Pedro Riparian National Conservation Area, and discuss the present and future impacts of humans on the river.
Southern Arizona’s Small Carnivores
Jeff Babson, Sky Island Tours
August 25th
Southern Arizona is home to a variety of small carnivores, including Northern Raccoon, Ringtail, Gray Fox, Ocelot, to name a few. This talk explores the diversity and life history of these wonderful mammals.
Plants of the Dragoons
Doug Ripley, Arizona Native Plant Society President
September 15th
Doug will provide an illustrated presentation describing the flora, fauna, plant communities, and geology of the Dragoon Mountains. Particular emphasis will be on the over 700 species of vascular plants he has identified during a ten year study of the Dragoon flora and comparisons of it with those of the two other major Cochise County Sky Islands, the Huachucas and the Chiricahuas.
Food from Desert Plants
Angeles Emory, Local Gardener and Plant Expert
September 29th
Angeles will share her knowledge and recipes using edible desert plants. You will be invited to have a small taste of some of these foods.
Amazing Arachnids
Jillian Cowles, Biologist and Author
October 13th
The southwestern United States is home to a rich diversity of amazing arachnids. Among their ranks are the tough, the resourceful, the beautiful, and the dangerous. Getting to know these small neighbors which share our planet (and sometimes our homes) is immensely rewarding and never dull.
Dia de los Muertos Celebration
Mike Foster, Videographer and Carr House Host
October 27th
Mike will show how the Aztec/Catholic holiday is celebrated in cemeteries just across the international border and more extended places in Mexico. Learn more about this holiday through traditional breads and beverages with accompanying videos and discussions.