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SUMMER SOLSTICE PLANT WALK
June 21, 2014 @ 6:00 am - 8:30 am
Summer Solstice, day of longest light hours, of fire and sun festivals, and of appreciation and respect for our guiding fire-star, the Sun. How can we fail to notice the sun’s power here in the Southwest, at the very height of summer, when need for protection and water is crucial to survival? Notice and learn about desert plant strategies for surviving this intense time of little rain, low humidity, and sizzling heat. The mighty saguaro cactus is flowering and forming delectable fruits at this sacred time too.
Before the summer sun starts blazing, and mirage waves begin shimmering off the road, before shadows grow skinny, with nowhere to hide, let’s ramble and take advantage of the cool that can be found in the shade and moisture near Sabino Creek. Big rocks hold the relative cool of night. Let’s seek this out, plus the plants that endure the same conditions we attempt to avoid. Note common perennials fully leafed out, and accessible medicinals for summertime skin irritations.
WHERE: Sabino Canyon
WHEN: June 21st, 6:00am-8:30am
HOW MUCH: $10/person, up to ten people. Entrance to Sabino Canyon is $5/carload. Please CONTACT me to sign up. Pay fee day of walk.
ETC: Wear comfortable/sensible walking clothes and shoes. Bring personal gear you need, like walking stick, water bottle, snax, sun protection, extra clothes, pack, camera, first aid, etc. Bring supplies for notes and drawing if desired. Please arrive 10 minutes early so walk starts on time. Carpool if possible. Snakes are likely to be active, so be aware.
OPTIONAL: Make a plant print on photosensitive paper, 9-10am. Following a break after the walk, collect memorable plants you observed, arrange on paper, and let the sun do the print work. Use prints to make cards or other art projects. $5 for materials.
Sabino Canyon visitor center provides other resources and a cool indoor space for learning more about the Sonoran Desert and unique riparian areas like Sabino. Tram takes visitors all the way up the Canyon, and can be caught at any pick-up point on the way back down. $8 fee for docent-guided tram ride. Tram rides are also offered 3 nights a month during the summer.