Western Outdoor Times - Times Spent Outdoors: Priceless!

(Phoenix, AZ - February 18, 2016) - For the entire month of March 2016, the State Historic Preservation Office (SHPO)/Arizona State Parks (ASP) is coordinating activities throughout the state for the 34th annual celebration of Arizona Archaeology and Heritage Awareness Month (AAHAM).

These events will focus on efforts to preserve our past by protecting our cultural resources. AAHAM combines education with entertainment to reach both adults and children in an effort to teach responsible stewardship of our cultural resources. Museums, historical societies, tribes, agencies, parks, and archaeology organizations will be hosting events across the state including events planned in Arizona's State Parks.

Proclaimed by the Governor each year, this celebration will feature prehistoric and historic site tours, exhibits, hikes, open houses, lectures, demonstrations and other activities throughout Arizona. A free statewide listing of these events and activities is now available by contacting the SHPO offices at (602) 542-4009, or by visiting the website at AZStateParks.com/archy or see events in your region below.

The featured event for the month is the ARIZONA ARCHAEOLOGY EXPO (Expo). This year's Expo will offer many educational attractions for archaeology and history buffs, and will be located at Casa Grande Ruins National Monument, on Saturday, March 5, 2016, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. The Expo is open to the public and is FREE. The National Park Service is hosting the event in conjunction with the National Park Service's 100th Anniversary and the "Find Your Park" campaign.

The Expo will provide a special opportunity for visitors to learn more about why it is important to preserve archaeological sites and historic places, what archaeologists, historians, and tribal members do in their jobs, and about the prehistory and history of Arizona. The Expo will feature archaeology-related hands-on activities, craft demonstrations, and other fun and educational events. Cultural and historical demonstrators, talks by archaeologists, and interactive activities will help make the past come alive! In addition, tours of local archaeological sites will be offered.

For more detailed information, contact either Kris Dobschuetz, SHPO Archaeological Compliance Specialist, at (602) 542-4009 or by e-mail at kd2@azstateparks.gov or Ann Howard, Deputy SHPO/Archaeology at ahoward@azstateparks.gov or visit AZStateParks.com/archy.

Casa Grande

MARCH 12: (2 - 3 pm)

Lecture: "Arts and Culture of the Ancient Southern Arizona Hohokam Indians." Sponsored by the Museum of Casa Grande and the Arizona Humanities. Archaeologist Allen Dart will present information on the prehistoric Hohokam in southern Arizona. Museum of Casa Grande, 110 W. Florence Blvd. Free. CONTACT: ASHLEY MOSER, (520) 836-2223 or blackbird6767@yahoo.com.

Cave Creek

MARCH 12: (9 am - 3 pm)

7th Annual Spur Cross Archaeology Fair. Sponsored by Desert Foothills Chapter/AAS, Cave Creek Museum, and the Spur Cross Ranch Conservation Area. Guided hikes to the sites of First Mesa, Jewel of the Creek, and the Metate Trail are scheduled throughout the day. All hikers should know their limits and be prepared for desert walking in appropriate footwear, hats and sunscreen; bring snacks and an adequate supply of water. Booths, a guest speaker, live demonstrations, children's crafts, and other hands-on activities will also be featured. From Cave Creek Rd., turn north on Spur Cross Rd. to the Spur Cross Ranch Conservation Area, and go north 4-1/2 miles. Please check the AAS website at http://www.azarchsoc.org under "events" for the finalized schedule of speakers and hikes. Regular park fees apply ($3). CONTACT: MARY KEARNEY, (623) 687-0721 or maryk92@aol.com.

Cordes Junction

MARCH 12: (9 am)

Hike: Badger Springs Ruin. Sponsored by BLM and Friends of the Agua Fria National Monument. Meet at parking clearing located off Badger Springs Exit, off of I-17 on the Agua Fria National Monument. Reservations are required, as the tour size is limited. Bring water, lunch, hiking shoes, and sunscreen. Weather-permitting. Free. CONTACT: SHELLEY RASMUSSEN, (928) 684-1670 or warbirds34@yahoo.com.

Mesa

WEDNESDAYS THROUGH FRIDAYS: (10 am - 2 pm)

SATURDAYS AND SUNDAYS: (10 am - 4 pm)

^^*Tours: Mesa Grande Cultural Park. Sponsored by the AzMNH. Self-guided tour of Mesa Grande Archaeological Park. Mesa Grande, 10th & Date St., a block west of Country Club Dr. on Brown Rd. (turns into Date St.). Regular entrance fees apply. Groups of 15 or more who would like a guided tour with an archaeologist may call 480-644-3553 to book, or visit http://www.mesagrandeculturalpark.org for more information.

MARCH 5: (10 am - Noon)

Walking Tour: "Blast From the Past." Sponsored by the AzMNH. Interact with historic characters important to the discovery, preservation, or excavation of Mesa Grande Cultural Park as you explore the Park. Mesa Grande Cultural Park, 1000 N. Date St. Regular entrance fees apply. CONTACT: EMILY EARLY, (480) 644-5907 or emily.early@mesaaz.gov.

MARCH 12: (12 - 4 pm)

Program: "Archa-Tech." Sponsored by the AzMNH. A series of lectures, demonstrations, and hands-on activities focusing on the technology archaeologists use in the field and lab. Activities will be held at Mesa Grande Cultural Park, 1000 N. Date St. and at AzMNH, 53 N. Macdonald St. For more information see our webpages at azmnh.org and mesagrandeculturalpark.org. Regular entrance fees apply. CONTACT: EMILY EARLY, (480) 644-5907 or emily.early@mesaaz.gov.

Phoenix

MARCH 15: (5:30 pm)

Archaeology Café: "The Relationships Among Social Interaction, Economics, and Culture." Sponsored by Archaeology Southwest and the Arizona Humanities. Speaker Dr. Matthew Peeples will discuss initial results of a large and collaborative project focused on using concepts from contemporary social network analysis to study ancient Chacoan communities in the Southwest. The presentation begins at 6 pm but for those who might want to order off the menu, be there by 5:30 pm. Reservations are not required, but space is limited. Share tables and make new friends. Aztec Room of Macayo's, 4001 N. Central Ave. Free. CONTACT: LINDA PIERCE, (520) 882-6946, ext. 23 or lpierce@archaeologysouthwest.org.

MARCH 19: (10 am - 3 pm)

Program: Archaeology and Native Cultures Celebration. Sponsored by the ASU CAS DVPP. Activities will include demonstrations, lectures, tours, performances, learning stations, and much more. Wear hiking shoes and hats. Deer Valley Petroglyph Preserve, 3711 W. Deer Valley Rd. Free. CONTACT: ELIZABETH GEROLD, (623) 582-8007 or elizabeth.gerold@asu.edu.

MARCH 26: (10 am - 2:30 pm)

Program: Junior Archaeologist Field Day. Sponsored by the ASU CAS DVPP.Participants will learn about archaeology: what it is, how it is practiced, and what being an archaeologist entails. They will be able to participate in hands-on activities, including a mock field survey and mock archaeological dig. Children ages 8 - 12. Registration required in advance, space is limited. Program fee is $12 for museum members, $15 for non-museum members. Deer Valley Petroglyph Preserve, 3711 W. Deer Valley Rd. CONTACT: ELIZABETH GEROLD, (623) 582-8007 or elizabeth.gerold@asu.edu.

Pueblo Grande Museum and Archaeology Park (PGM)

MARCH 5: (9:30 am - 12:30 pm)

Program: Archaeology for Kids. Sponsored by PGM. Discover the science of archaeology by participating in a simulated excavation of a Hohokam pit house. Learn about mapping, recording, and other archaeological methods and concepts. Appropriate for ages 7-12. Bring comfortable shoes, hat, and sunscreen. PGM, 4619 E. Washington St. Pre-registration of $15 per child is required by March 3. CONTACT: LAURA ANDREW, (602) 495-0901 or laura.andrew@phoenix.gov.

MARCH 9 & 23:(10 - 11 am)

Tour: Plant Tour of Pueblo Grande. Sponsored by the PGM. Discover some of the edible and medicinal plants of the Southwest on a short walk along the trail (wear appropriate walking shoes). Space is limited; please sign up at the front desk to reserve your spot. PGM, 4619 E. Washington St. Free with paid admission. CONTACT: LAURA ANDREW, (602) 495-0901 or laura.andrew@phoenix.gov.

MARCH 9 & 23: (2 - 2:30 pm)

Tour: Behind the Scenes Tour. Sponsored by PGM.Join staff for a "behind the scenes" tour of the Museum. This is an opportunity to learn about the artifacts that are not on display and what steps are taken to care for them. This is a first-come, first-serve tour. Space is limited. When you arrive, please sign up at the front desk to reserve your spot. Appropriate for older children. PGM, 4619 East Washington St. Free with paid admission. CONTACT: LAURA ANDREW, (602) 495-0901 or laura.andrew@phoenix.gov.

MARCH 10: (7 pm)

Lecture: "The Dyck Rockshelter: A Sinagua Habitation Site Overlooking Beaver Creek in Central Arizona." Sponsored by the AAS, Phoenix Chapter. Speaker Dr. Todd Bostwick will discuss the Dyck Rockshelter site. PGM, 4619 E. Washington St. Free. CONTACT: ELLIE LARGE, (480) 461-0563 or elarge@cox.net.

MARCH 12: (9 am - 3 pm)

Program: 16th Annual Ancient Technology Day. Sponsored by PGM. Join us for a fun day outside! Try your hand at tossing a spear using an atlatl; watch artists as they demonstrate pottery making, basket weaving, rock art, and flint knapping. Try the fry bread and agave roast, cooked the traditional way. Enjoy various cultural, historic, and technology performances throughout the day. Tours of the archaeological site, the Park of Four Waters, and artifact show-and-tell will be available throughout the day. PGM, 4619 East Washington St. Free. CONTACT: LAURA ANDREW, (602) 495-0901 or laura.andrew@phoenix.gov.

MARCH 25: (10 - 11 am)

Tour: Park of Four Waters. Sponsored by PGM. The prehistoric Hohokam were an agricultural society, using irrigation canals to grow corn, beans, squash, and cotton. The Park of Four Waters tour will take you through undeveloped, natural desert to the ruins of some of these canal systems. Wear sturdy walking shoes and bring water. Appropriate for ages 13+ years. This is a first-come, first-serve tour. Space is limited. PGM, 4619 E. Washington St. Regular Park entrance fees apply. CONTACT: LAURA ANDREW, (602) 495-0901 or laura.andrew@phoenix.gov.

Waddell

EVERY DAY IN MARCH: (6 am - 8 pm)

Hike: Self-Guided Hike on Waterfall Trail. Sponsored by Maricopa County Park and Recreation Department. This 1.8 mile round-trip hike includes numerous petroglyphs and leads to a waterfall area, where rain runoff cascades over 100 feet into a natural "tank" catchment area. Interpretative signs along the trail provide information about the cultural and natural history of the area. Wear sturdy walking shoes and bring water. Trail is located in Area 6. White Tank Mountain Regional Park, 20304 W. White Tank Mountain Rd. Regular Park entrance fees apply. CONTACT: JESSICA BLAND, (623) 935-2505 or whitetankpark@mail.maricopa.gov.

MARCH 4: (9 am)

Hike: Black Rock Archaeology Walk. Sponsored by Maricopa County Park and Recreation Department. Ranger Jessica Bland will lead this 1.5 mile hike to see petroglyphs and learn about the science of archaeology. Wear sturdy walking shoes and bring water. Trail is located in Area 4. White Tank Mountain Regional Park, 20304 W. White Tank Mountain Rd. Regular Park entrance fees apply. CONTACT: JESSICA BLAND, (623) 935-2505 or whitetankpark@mail.maricopa.gov.

MARCH 5 & 19: (9 am ­- 1 pm)

Trailside Exhibit: The Archaeology of the White Tank Mountains. Sponsored by Maricopa County Park and Recreation Department. Learn about the cultural history and archaeology of the Park. Staff will be stationed at the Waterfall Trailhead with a display of various artifacts from the area. White Tank Mountain Regional Park, 20304 W. White Tank Mountain Rd. Regular Park entrance fees apply. CONTACT: JESSICA BLAND, (623) 935-2505 or whitetankpark@mail.maricopa.gov.

MARCH 6: (2 pm)

Presentation: Pondering Petroglyphs. Sponsored by Maricopa County Park and Recreation Department. Join Ranger Jessica Bland for a presentation about rock art that will include photos of some of the petroglyphs found in the White Tank Mountains. Meet in the Nature Center Classroom at the Park. White Tank Mountain Regional Park, 20304 W. White Tank Mountain Rd. Free. CONTACT: JESSICA BLAND, (623) 935-2505 or whitetankpark@mail.maricopa.gov.

MARCH 24: (9 am)

Hike: "Desert General Store." Sponsored by Maricopa County Park and Recreation Department. Join Ranger Jessica Blandon a hike along Black Rock Short Loop Trail (1/2 mile) to see and learn about the plants in the Sonoran Desert. Participants will be able to sample some of the food and drink made from the Sonoran Desert plants. Meet at Area 4 in the Park. White Tank Mountain Regional Park, 20304 W. White Tank Mountain Rd. Regular Park entrance fees apply. CONTACT: JESSICA BLAND, (623) 935-2505 or whitetankpark@mail.maricopa.gov.

MARCH 28: (10 - 11:30 am)

Lecture: "Southwestern Rock Calendars and Ancient Time Pieces." Sponsored by Maricopa County Library and the Arizona Humanities. Archaeologist Allen Dart will speak on Southwestern calendarical facts. White Tank Branch Library, 20304 W. White Tank Mountain Rd. Free. CONTACT: HANNA BOZHKO, (602) 651-2211 or HannaBozhko@mcldaz.org.

MARCH 31:

(1 pm)

Presentation: Detectives of the Past: The Science of Archaeology. Sponsored by Maricopa County Park and Recreation Department. Learn about the science of archaeology with Ranger Jessica Bland. Meet at White Tank Branch Library Class room within the Park. White Tank Mountain Regional Park, 20304 W. White Tank Mountain Rd. Free. CONTACT: JESSICA BLAND, (623) 935-2505 or whitetankpark@mail.maricopa.gov

Wickenburg

MARCH 15: (9 am - 3 pm)

Tour: Desert Adventure Tour to Constellation Road. Sponsored by DCWM. Lunch and transportation provided. Enjoy a day of sharing the numerous stories and rich history of the Wickenburg area. Registration required. DCWM, 21 N. Frontier St. Cost: $75 for DCWM members; $100 non-members. CONTACT: DENISE MAGGS, (928) 684-2272, ext. 100 or http://www.reservations@westernmuseum.org

For information about all 30 Arizona State Parks and Natural Areas, the Trails and Off-Highway Vehicle Programs and State Historic Preservation Office call (602) 542-4174 or (877) MY-PARKS or visit AZStateParks.com. Campsite reservations can be made online at AZStateParks.com or by calling the Reservation Call Center at (520) 586-2283. Open 7 days a week, from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. MST. Follow AZStateParks on Twitter and Facebook.