THINGS TO DO AROUND ARIZONA
Milky Way 101
Check out the wonders of the night sky. Event includes star gazing, astronomy programs, telescope viewings with members of the Phoenix Astronomical Society and Junior Ranger Night Explorer activities for kids.
Details: 7-9 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 22. Tonto National Monument, 26260 State Route 188, Roosevelt. Free. 928-4672241, www.nps.gov/tont.
Sedona International Film Festival and Workshop
Check out new domestic and international films before their commercial release. Offerings include documentaries, animation, features and shorts. There will be a filmmaking workshop, and filmmakers will introduce their work and host Q&A sessions. On Feb. 29, Rob Reiner will receive the festival’s lifetime achievement award.
Details: Saturday, Feb. 22-Sunday, March 1. See website for screening times and locations. $10-250. 928-282-1177, sedonafilmfestival.com.
Star Party at Homolovi
Homolovi State Park is the only Arizona State Park with its own observatory, and it opens to the public for stargazing on the fourth Saturday of every month. There may be guest speakers, presentations or simply viewing through the telescope. Dress for the weather for this family-friendly event.
Details: Sunset Saturday, Feb. 22. Homolovi State Park, 3 miles north of Winslow at Exit 257 of Interstate 40. $7 per vehicle. azstateparks.com/homolovi.
Ethnobotany Hike at Red Rock
Your guide will explain how plant life in the Sedona area is interconnected with wildlife, indigenous cultures, pioneer settlers and contemporary people. The outing lasts 90 minutes to two hours and has an elevation gain of 250 feet. Bring water and wear suitable footwear.
Details: 1 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 23. Red Rock State Park, 4050 Red Rock Loop Road, Sedona. $7, $4 for ages 7-13. azstateparks.com/red-rock.
The Antiquity of Irrigation in the Southwest
Agriculture was introduced to Arizona more than 4,000 years ago, and irrigation systems were developed here at least 3,500 years ago. This presentation by archaeologist Allen Dart provides an overview of ancient irrigation systems in the southern Southwest and discusses irrigation’s implications for understanding social complexity. Reservations required: 928-282-6907.
Details: 1 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 23. Red Rock State Park, 4050 Red Rock Loop Road, Sedona. $7, $4 for ages 7-13. azstateparks.com/red-rock.
Adoptable dog hike
Pima Animal Care Center brings adoptable dogs to Catalina State Park for a hike on the Canyon Loop Trail. This 2.3-mile trek, rated moderate, makes its way along the bottom of Romero Canyon, where the snowmelt from Mount Lemmon is flowing. Meet furry friends, enjoy a hike and maybe take home a deserving pup.
Details: 10 a.m. Tuesday, Feb. 25. Catalina State Park, 11570 N. Oracle Road, Tucson. $7 per vehicle. azstateparks.com/catalina.
Earth Matters: A Brief History of Life and Climate
Join geologist Bob Scarborough for a discussion of local and regional geology. It takes place in the living room of Kannally Ranch House. If the weather is favorable, Scarborough will follow his program with a short walk to interpret sites along park trails. Reservations are required: 520-896-2425.
Details: 1 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 29. Oracle State Park, 3820 Wildlife Drive, Oracle. $7 per vehicle. azstateparks.com/ oracle.