Events
Monthly Sonoran Desert Weedwackers - 3rd Saturday

The Sonoran Desert Weedwackers is a group of volunteers coordinated by Pima County Natural Resources, Parks and Recreation and the Arizona Native Plant Society (ANPS) in collaboration with SASI and other organizations. The purpose of this group is to remove infestations of fountain grass (Pennisetum setaceum), Buffelgrass (Pennisetum ciliare), and other exotic plant species that threaten native plant and wildlife populations in the Sonoran Desert. Please RSVP to skye@sasionline.org for meeting times and places.

Map to SASI

Monthly Community Day at SASI - 4th Saturday

Schedule for March 22, 2008.

9:00 Gate off Gates Pass Rd. opens
9:15 – 10:15 Nature Walk to the Bat Mine

We will go on about a one mile walk west of SASI headquarters in beautiful Tucson Mountain Park and see if we can find a large vertical mineshaft that is said to be the hame to a large number of bats and sometimes a nesting site for barn owls . Wear good walking shoes, and bring binoculars if you have them. We will not attempt to enter the mine.
10:30 – 11:30 Speaker: Michelle Lanan - Barrel Cactus and Ants

Harvester ants are the industrious ants of legend that store seeds for the winter. Their colonies are easy to find because they usually clear a conspicuous bare patch around the hole.

12:00 – 1:00 Potluck Lunch – Bring a dish to share.
(Don't worry if you can't, we'll still feed you!)
12:00 – 3:00 Activity Tables Features will include seeds of butterfly garden, and butterfly coloring sheets and arthropod games for children.
1:00 - 2:00 Live Arthropod Demonstrations. Emily Francis and John Rhodes will show arthropods from the SASI collection. Featured this month will baby praying mantises and the life cycle of Cabbage White, and Painted Lady Butterflies.
2:00 – 3:00 Workshop: Aquatic Arthropods of the Sonoran Desert

Take home an aquatic arthropod habitat and learn how to care for it. Also learn how to find your own aquatic arthropods in the Sonoran Desert. This workshop is appropriate for all ages.

Future features:

April 23 - John Rhodes - Life Cycle of Native Butterflies

May 24 - Barbara Terkanian - TBD

June 28 - Stephen Buchmann - National Pollinator Week

SASI Members may visit anytime 9 AM to 4 PM, Tuesday - Saturday by appointment. Those wishing to see SASI in order to consider lending their support through a new membership are also invited to call to schedule a visit.

Map to SASI

Audubon Mason Center - SW corner of Thornydale and Hardy Rd.

Sonoran Arthropod Studies Institute and Tucson Audubon Society present:

Birds and Bugs Program - 3rd Saturday

8:00 to 10:00am
March 15, 2008

This is a joint program between the Tucson Audubon Society and the Sonoran Arthropod Studies Institute. It offers a morning of educational fun for adults and kids at the Mason Audubon Center on the SW corner of Thornydale and Hardy Rd. Parking is available on the south side of Hardy Rd.

Adults can enjoy a guided beginner’s bird walk around the half-mile nature trail, while kids participate in a hands-on arthropod workshop presented by SASI. No reservations are required and this event is free, although donations to SASI and Tucson Audubon will be graciously accepted. For more information call Lia Sansom at 744-0004 or John Rhodes at 444-2724.

SASI’s Workshop

Raising Painted Ladies – A Butterfly You Can Raise as a Pet!

Take home Painted Lady Butterfly caterpillars and learn how to raise them through a complete life cycle. This workshop is appropriate for all ages.
Contact Us
Mailing Address
Sonoran Arthropod Studies Institute
PO Box 5624
Tucson, AZ 85703-0624
Shipping Address
(Ship n' Mail Xpress)
Sonoran Arthropod Studies Institute
2114 W. Grant Road, #39
Tucson, AZ 85745
Phone
520-883-3945
Voice Mail will take your call if no one is available
Fax 520-883-2578

E-mail inverticap@sasionline.org
Use this address for inquiries concerning the Invertebrates in Education and Conservation Conference (formerly Invertebrates in Captivity Conference). Emily Francis will be able to answer your questions.

members@sasionline.org
Emily Francis, Assistant Director, answers inquiries concerning membership services and product orders.

skye@sasionline.org
Barb Skye Siegel, Community Outreach Coordinator, answers questions concerning community programs and volunteer opportunities.

cmadeheim1@netzero.net
Carol Madeheim answers questions about and takes requests for School Programs.