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John Wiens, Nursery Horticulturist
Are You Planting with a Purpose?

Are you a purposeful planter? This year, our Plant Sale will highlight different types of gardens that will guarantee planting with a purpose. In these videos, you'll discover what plants to purchase to ensure your garden will attract various types of animals (tortoises, hummingbirds, and butterflies). The Members' Only Preview sale starts tomorrow morning at 6:30 a.m., with the public sale on Sunday, September 25. Pro tip? Some species are available in limited quantities and are expected to sell out, so arrive early! Dig Deeper!
ASDM/Kat Rumbley
Curious About Chuckwallas?

Baby chuckwallas are the cutest! Did you ever notice the different coloration among chuckwallas? The color varies between sexes and with the age of the individual. Adult males have black heads and forelimbs and their trunks may be black, red, orange, gray, or yellow. Females and juveniles may have gray or yellow banding. Strictly a rock dweller, the chuckwallas are found in rocky outcrops, lava flows, and rocky hillsides of the desert. According to our keepers, each baby has its own personality too (feisty, relaxed, or curious). Check Out These Cuties!
Phil Coleman
Fly Away With Us

We are only one month away from Raptor Free Flight! Watch as these amazing aerialists soar and swoop in their native desert home. Ever wondered what it's like to feel the brush of their feathers? Join us for this incredible presentation! Opening day is Saturday, October 15, taking off with a Bird Walk at 8:30 a.m. Enjoy bird-themed activities and crafts in the Desert Garden. Please arrive at least 20 minutes prior to the presentation times. Birds of prey are popular! Join the Raptor Rush!
ASDM/Kat Rumbley
Flower Friday

Happy Flower Friday! The Cow's Horn Orchid (Cyrtopodium punctatum) is a lovely green gem to add to your collection.The orchid's common name comes from its swollen stems (pseudobulbs). Some people think they look like cow horns wrapped in papery sheaths! The plant's flowers (which bloom in the springtime) are a common pollinator pad for bumblebees. This rare plant will be available at our 19th Annual Plant Sale tomorrow and Sunday. Want a chance to win one?  Try Your Luck! 

Yoga Korgaonkar & Sue Bridgemon
Volunteers of the Month

We would like to congratulate our volunteers of the month, Sue Bridgemon and Yoga Korgaonkar! Sue is a Tuesday Docent and has volunteered with us for more than 27 years! She was instrumental in establishing several of our docent tours, including Spanish Tours and Bird Walks. Yoga is an Aquatic Interpreter at Stingray Touch. He was the first to sign up and has been an enthusiastic supporter for this unique experience ever since! 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? 

  • Annual Plant Sale (September 24&25)
  • Desert Museum Photo Walk (October 1) 
  • Raptor Free Flight Opening Weekend (October 14&15) 
Want more info on these awesome events? Check it Out!
 
September 23, 2016