Sedona AZ (May 8, 2015) – Join us at Red Rock State Park in May 2015! “Come to Red Rock State Park in Sedona and enjoy the Star Party and special video screenings for “Butterfly Month,” and walks and hikes in the month of May,” said Sue Black, Executive Director.
Geology Walk: Sunday, May 11 at 1 p.m., join our knowledgeable volunteers as they venture out on our trails and discuss how Sedona transformed into what can be seen today. Red Rock State Park is located at the base of the Mogollon Rim, the southern edge of the Colorado Plateau. The escarpment is more than 200 miles long and ranges in elevation from 2,000 to 3,000 feet. This is an interpretive experience for both the beginner and experienced hiker that lasts between 2 to 2 ½ hours and has an elevation gain of 250 feet. Please bring water and wear suitable footwear.
Star Party: On Friday, May 15, come out and enjoy the night skies with the Astronomers of Verde Valley. An introduction presentation at 7:30 p.m. will show current sky events and what’s “up” in the spring skies. The planets Jupiter and Venus will provide views of our near neighbors and Saturn will make a brief appearance as the viewing session ends at 10 p.m. Attendance is limited and reservations are required. Make a reservation by calling Red Rock State Park at (928) 282-6907. This program requires a $5 reservation fee per person prior to the event in addition to the park’s admission fees.
Lecture: On Sunday, May 17 at 2 p.m., Gail Morris will present “Chasing the Monarch Migration through Arizona.” The monarch is often considered the jewel of the butterfly world but little is known about their migration in the western United States. It was once believed that Arizona was too hot and too dry for monarchs. But instead, could Arizona be the western migration gateway? Join us to learn about what we’ve untangled about the migration and breeding behavior of monarch butterflies in Arizona, the importance of native Asclepias species, and the many questions that still remain. Morris is the Coordinator of the SW Monarch Study and the Monarch Watch Conservation Specialist for Arizona and the West.
Watercolor Workshop: On Saturday, May 30 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. in the Hummingbird Room, join Cathy Stedman for the “Butterflies” watercolor workshop. Are you interested in learning some basic tricks to watercolor painting? This is an introductory to intermediate class. The series will cover the basics to watercolor painting-providing instruction and techniques with a theme each month. Space is limited to 12 participants, so call ahead to reserve your spot. The workshop reservation fee is $50, which includes park admission, instruction, and all supplies or $40 with your own supplies. Please bring your own lunch. For additional information and reservations, please call Red Rock State Park at (928) 282-6907.
Cathy Stedman, a Sedona local, has been teaching watercolor since 1997. “Teaching is simply my best learning tool and I hope to bring others along as I learn,” she says. Stedman has taken
classes from several well-known artists including Frank Web, John Salminen and Gretchen Lopez.
Bird Watching: On Wednesday and Saturday mornings at 8 a.m., bird enthusiasts will join a naturalist for a guided walk appropriate for beginning and advanced birders. Bring your own binoculars since only a limited number are available for loan from the park. Visitors will see many birds that make the park their home. The Hummingbird Patio is an excellent spot to start your tour. Another good viewing point is the visitor center roof. Most year-round birds are found in the riparian area next to Oak Creek or along the field behind the visitor center. The Audubon Society has designated Red Rock State Park as an Important Birding Area because of the many species who live or visit here.
Nature Walk: Daily at 10 a.m., a volunteer naturalist leads a guided nature walk and informs visitors about the different life zones of Red Rock State Park. The subjects discussed on the walk include: plants, wildlife, geology, history and archaeology. The walk is a learning experience allowing participants to take part in question and answer sessions.
Daily at 2 p.m., the park hosts a ranger/naturalist led activity of approximately 45-minutes. Programs may include a nature-hike, a special presentation or an educational/nature video. This program may be an indoor or outdoor activity.
For more information about Red Rock State Park call (928) 282-6907 or visit AZStateParks.com/parks/RERO. Red Rock State Park is located at 4050 Lower Red Rock Loop Road in Sedona. Park hours are 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. and the Visitor Center is open 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. The Park Entrance Fee is $5 per adult aged 14 and older, $3 per youth aged 7-13 and free for children 6 and younger. The Arizona State Park Annual Pass is available for $75 (some restrictions apply).
For information about all 28 Arizona State Parks, the Trails and Off-Highway Vehicle Programs and State Historic Preservation Office call (602) 542-4174 or visit AZStateParks.com. Campsite reservations can be made online at AZStateParks.com or by calling the Reservation Call Center at (520) 586-2283. Open 7 days a week, from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. MST. Follow AZStateParks on Twitter and Facebook.