Announcements & Changes to Festival Events

2010

Any changes that have been made to scheduled events will be posted here. This will include changes in guides, times, additions to scheduled events, cancellations, etc. Should you have any questions regarding changes or announcements, click here to communicate with someone who will respond to your question, by email or by phone. We apologize in advance for any inconvenience these changes may cause.

 

Workshop: Arizona’s Monarch Gail Morris
Saturday, April 24 Location: Cabin
10:30am – 11:30am Cost: $5
This year the World Wildlife Fund declared the Monarch butterflies’ migration ‘an endangered phenomena’ primarily due to loss of habitat. Some scientists feel if nothing changes, the monarch will lose their magnificent migration within 25 years. Are there monarchs in Arizona? You bet! The Southwest Monarch study tagged over 2,000 in 2009. Learn first-hand how we can help preserve the monarch migration directly from Gail Morris of the Southwest Monarch Study. She will be bringing free milkweed seed packets for anyone who wants to plant them to secure a monarch habitat on their flyway through Arizona.

Workshop: Roudy’s Story Elizabeth Ritcher
Saturday, April 24 Location: Cabin
Noon – 1pm Cost: Free
Meet the producer and watch a preview of this documentary of a black-hawk here in the Verde Valley. Local resident Elizabeth Ritcher produced this charming film when a fledgling black-hawk walked into her life. This movie is available for purchase at the Birdy Bazaar only on Saturday. You do not need to be registered to attend.

Workshop: Arizona’s Black-footed Ferret Project Jennifer Cordova and Lesley Zizz
Saturday, April 24 Location: Cabin
3pm - 4pm Cost: $5
Biologists working at Arizona’s Black-footed Ferret Reintroduction project will speak about the history of the effort, where the ferret reintroduction currently stands, goals, and the efforts taken in monitoring the recovery effort. These are not your domesticated pet ferrets. These critters are true carnivores, killing and eating primarily prairie dogs. These animals were twice thought to be extinct until a small population was found in the 1980s. In 1996, Arizona’s Aubrey Valley was selected as a reintroduction site. Come and learn more about the amazing uphill climb these small predators have faced.

Changes in Leaders:

Kazz Workizer will not be able to conduct the Landscaping for Wildlife workshop. We are seeking an alternative speaker.

Scott Woolbright will lead the Owl Prowl on Thursday 6 - 7:30 pm in the Park.

David Moll will lead the Owl Prowl on Saturday.

Kathe Anderson will lead the Beginning Birding Walk for Adults on Saturday.

Phyllis Lindberg will lead the Sunday Greenway walk.

Wilma Morrison cannot do the Armchair Birding on Sunday. She is being replaced by Craig Anderson.

Additional Leader Bios:

Craig Anderson
Craig is a member of both Maricopa & the Desert Rivers Audubon Clubs and an experienced birder for over 35 years. Recently retired, he has generously offered to help lead the Armchair Birding at this year’s festival.

Doug Von Gausig
Doug is an expert birder and long-time naturalist in the Verde Valley. He is also a nature recordist and photographer who has catalogued the sounds and images of virtually all the bird species that inhabit the Verde Valley. Doug is an expert "ear birder" and concentrates on helping his trip participants recognize the songs and calls heard on his trips. His web site, devoted to natural sound and animal communication, is Naturesongs.com. He is also the Mayor of Clarkdale, Arizona.