So what does a stingray feel like? We asked guests and these were some of the top answers we heard - "wet velvet, mango, and gooey." The official opening was wonderful, with more than 800 people experiencing the touch of a stingray last weekend. Still haven't ventured out? Check out Stingray Touch hours, feeding schedules and members' only discount rates. Then let us know, do stingrays feel like wet velvet ? How would you describe their touch?  Who's Touching Who?

Calling all art enthusiasts! We are hosting a Community Mural Project in September and October and would love your help. The mural will raise awareness about the importance of conserving Sonoran Desert pollinators, including monarch butterflies, hummingbirds, flowers, bees, and bats. Interested in helping out? No special skills required! In fact, a paint-by-numbers format makes it easy for any age or skill level to participate. Paint With a Purpose!

Are you mad about minerals? Join Anna, Mineralogist Emeritus (aka Mineral Master), on a two-day tour of past, present, and future minerals! Guests will visit Bisbee's 100 year-old underground Queen Mine, wine and dine in Brewery Gulch, and shop numerous art galleries. The next day will include exploring Tombstone and the ghost towns of Courtland, Gleeson, and Pearce. $387/members, $426/non-members. Minerals & Ghosts & Art, Oh My!

Happy Flower Friday! The Velvet Pod Mimosa (Mimosa dysocarpa) is a beautiful sight. Curious how it got its name? In late August, the marginally prickly, constricted fruit develops a reddish brown tomentose (velvety) surface. These blooms are extremely drought and heat tolerant (makes sense why they flourish here...).  These beauties are just another reason to join us for tomorrow's Cool Summer Nights (Astronomy Night). You can spot them by our peppy prairie dogs. They'll bloom for two weeks. Dig Deeper!

Last month, three Desert Museum staff members attended the The Invertebrates in Education and Conservation Conference in Tucson. This annual event brings together entomological professionals from a wide variety of zoological and educational backgrounds. Catherine Bartlett, Howard Byrne, and Sergio Avila (aka our Bug Brainiacs) presented papers, led field trips and round tables, and collaborated with with their peers from other museums and zoos.  Interested in Invertebrates?

We would like to congratulate our volunteers of the month, Tom Sturdy and Norman Peart! Tom is a Tuesday Docent and Public Programs volunteer. Aside from taking on new docent duties, he supports Desert Museum cooking classes. Delish! Norman is a volunteer with the Security Department. For the past seven years, he has dedicated part of his week to providing outstanding customer services to guests of the Desert Museum. We could not do what we do without these two gentlemen. Thank you! Volunteer Today!