DONATE  |  VOLUNTEER   |  JOIN   | 
Photo: ASDM/Kat Rumbley
Only Three Days Old!

On Tuesday morning, our HIIZ keepers noticed something new in the Mexican gartersnake household: 6 babies! In 2006, the Desert Museum (along with our wonderful partners at Arizona Game and Fish Department and USFWS Fisheries) began breeding efforts, which led to the first captive-born Mexican gartersnakes! Now, more than 100 snakes have been bred - which have been released into their native habitat to keep this threatened species from slipping into endangered status.  See Them Slither!
Photo: ASDM/Kat Rumbley
Teacher Appreciation Night

Teachers and nature. What do they have in common? Both are educators and deserve to be honored! Do you know a teacher? If so, you should invite them to Teacher Appreciation Night (Cool Summer Nights) from 5-10 p.m. next Saturday. Teachers receive free admission!   Guests can enjoy a 'Rockin  Amethyst' cocktail or a local brew, experience live animal shows, and explore the flora and fauna of the Sonoran Desert. Teachers also receive 10% off in the gift store with teacher ID.  Thank Our Teachers!

Photo: Jay Pierstorff
Don't Miss The Eclipse!

Did you know that this upcoming solar eclipse will be the first total eclipse observed in the United States since 1979? Although Tucson isn't in the direct path, we will be able to see a partial solar eclipse! View this marvelous natural wonder through our 8-inch Celestron telescope on Monday, August 21, from 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. on our front patio. This is something you won't want to miss! Why? You'll have to wait until April 2024 to see the next one in Tucson! Try the Telescope!
Photo: Jim Honcoop
Flower Friday

If you've driven up Gates Pass lately, you may have noticed pops of yellow sprinkled between the various shades of green. The Arizona Summer Poppy (Kallstroemia grandiflora) is responsible for these bright bursts of yellow in the summertime. Not to be confused with the Mexican Gold Poppy, these pretty plants are related to the creosote bush. They tend to bloom after the monsoons and serve as a pollinator pad for more than 46 species, including bees, wasps, flies, and butterflies. 

Photo: ASDM/Kat Rumbley
Volunteer Viernes

We would like to congratulate our volunteers of the month, Gene Chao, Susan Small, Libby Sullivan, and Katherine Henckler. Gene, Susan, and Libby are all Docents at the Museum. Their extensive knowledge on the Sonoran Desert region exponentially increases our guests' experiences. Katherine is an Aquatic Interpreter and guides people through our Stingray Touch exhibit.  We could not do what we do without them. Thank you for being such a great addition to the family.  Volunteer Today!

What's Going Down in the Desert? 
  • Creatures of the Night (August 12)
  • Teacher Appreciation Night (August 19)
  • Solar Eclipse Viewing (August 21) 
Want more info on these awesome events? Check it Out!  
 
August 11, 2017