Arizona State Parks

Arizona State Parks - Press Release

ARIZONA STATE PARKS
For Immediate Release
Managing and conserving Arizona's natural, cultural and recreational resources for the benefit of the people, both in our Parks and through our Partnerships.
FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT: Ellen Bilbrey at (602) 542-1996 or (602) 228-8518, or Monica Enriquez at (602) 542-6997... both at pio at azstateparks.gov

Discover What Lives Inside the Cave at Kartchner Caverns State Park

(Phoenix, AZ - July 24, 2007) - There are many things to do at Kartchner Caverns during the summer months including taking the Rotunda/Throne Room tour, hiking, camping and educational programs in August.

On Saturday, August 4th from 9 to 11 a.m., visitors can learn about "Worms: Not Just for Bait." Ranger John Hawkins explains that worms are your friends (we're talking composting Egyptian red worms), and at the end of the program you will be able to choose to participate in leaving the planet in as good or better condition than you found it.

On Sunday, August 5th from 9 to 11 a.m., Ranger Rachel McKay will present Javelina - Don't Call Me a Pig!" Where did the javelina come from? Why do they eat prickly pear cactus? Learn why they smell so bad. Whether you love them or see them as pests, come learn about the javelina and how they have adapted to life in the desert.

On Saturday, August 11th from 9 to 11 a.m., Ranger Mike Woods shows visitors how to use a map and compass. Getting from point A to point B isn't always as easy as it seems. Get your bearings in this two-hour class that teaches visitors how to use U.S.G.S. topographic maps (7.5") and compasses. The class is presented in the hummingbird garden. If you have your own compass bring it along, otherwise, we'll have some you can borrow for the exercises.

On Sunday, August 12th from 10 to 10:45 a.m., Ranger Emily Bennett will give you an up-close and personal look at a live, common desert snake as you learn more about its fascinating behavior and physiology. Whether you love them or loathe them, join us for insights into the integral role snakes play in our desert ecosystem.

On Saturday, August 18th from 1 to 1:45 p.m., come and join Ranger Susan Stucker on an adventure as she unveils the small world that lives inside our caves. Where did the animals come from that live inside Kartchner Caverns? What do they eat? Where does the food come from? How do they get around in the dark and why would they rather live inside a cave?

On Sunday, August 19th from 10 a.m. to 12 noon, see the presentation "Don't Tread On Me!" Park Ranger Karen Gonzales tells you how to react if you suddenly find yourself sharing space with a rattlesnake. If you or someone you're with is bitten, what should you do? Learn the answers to these questions and how you can prepare yourself and others to avoid conflicts with one of our desert's oldest and most successful reptiles.

On Wednesday, August 22nd from 12 to 1 p.m., Ranger KC Curtis will present "Speleothems - What a Deep Subject." Learn how cave formations grow deep underground. Join Ranger Curtis for interactive experiments and displays.

On Sunday, August 26th from 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., Ranger Grant Wiegert will show how to reduce, reuse, refuse, and recycle. Learn what Cochise County is doing to reduce waste. What can business, government agencies, and private individuals do to reduce waste and conserve? Come and find out.

In celebration of Arizona State Parks' 50th anniversary, State Parks is offering cave tours at 50% off from now through September 24th. If you book on the Internet or call the park for RESERVED cave tour tickets, the prices are (adults $10.98, children $6.48) and you will be guaranteed your tours when you arrive at the park. If you are just in the area and stop by for a walk-up ticket, there is a $5 park entrance fee and the tickets are (adults $9.48 and children $4.98.). Remember there are only 100 walk-up tickets per day. Camping spaces are also available at 50% off.

Reservations can be made by calling (520) 586-CAVE (2283) or online at www.azstateparks.com.

To book a tour or get information about Kartchner Caverns State Park call (520) 586-2283. Park Entrance Fee is $5 per vehicle for up to two adults. There is a charge of $2 per adult for each additional adult passenger. (The Park Entrance fee is waived with a tour reservation).

Kartchner Caverns State Park is located on Highway 90, nine miles South of I-10 near Benson, Arizona. Park is open daily. Park hours are 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Discovery Center hours are 7:30 a.m. to 6 p.m.

For information about Arizona State Parks call (602) 542-4174 (outside of the Phoenix metro area call toll-free (800) 285-3703) or visit the website at www.azstateparks.com.

-end-


 | What's New | State Parks | Partnerships | Grant Programs | Off-Highway Vehicle |
| Planning | State Historic Preservation Office | Trails Program | Gift Shop |
| Employment | Comments | Site Map |
Unless otherwise noted, all images on this website are copyright Arizona State Parks.