Happy Father’s Day!

Wishing all the dads out there a Happy Father’s Day…. and a VERY Happy Father’s Day shout out to the dads in our office: Robert, Keith and Noah, may you receive lots of funky-looking neckties from your kittens — and Jeff, may you receive plenty of puppy treats and sloppy wet kisses!

We love you guys!!

Editor Robert Stieve

Art Director Keith Whitney

Photo Editor Jeff Kida

Associate Editor Noah Austin

 

Help Name the Mountain Lion Cub at the Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum

Courtesy of the Arizona Sonora Desert Museum

We hope you’ll join the Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum in welcoming their newest addition: a five-and-a-half-month-old mountain lion cub. The little guy was rescued and nursed back to health by the California Department of Fish and Wildlife; but because he was unsuitable for reintroduction into the wild, his adoption by the Desert Museum was arranged through the Arizona Game and Fish Department. “Once the cub was in good health suitable for transport, California departmental agents traveled nine hours to rendezvous with Desert Museum staff in Blythe, California,” said Shawnee Riplog-Peterson, the museum’s curator of mammalogy and ornithology. “After arrival at the Museum, the cub was quarantined in the exhibit’s night-holding area at which time veterinarians and keepers monitored its well-being and began training efforts.”

Known scientifically as Puma concolor, mountain lions (a.k.a. pumas or cougars) are the largest of the small cats. Even though they are referred to as lions, they lack the ability to roar. They are consummate predators, with a small head, muscular body, powerful shoulders, strong legs, large paws and a long tail. Cougars have powerful claws and jaws armed with impressive canines. They are stalking, ambush hunters that normally live solitary lives.

Now that this little guy is home and in good health, the museum needs your help. This cub needs a name and you’re invited to enter the naming contest at www.desertmuseum.org. The winner will receive a special gift from the mountain lion and a family membership to the Desert Museum. The winning name will be announced at a special naming celebration on July 6.

OK, to help you come up with a suitable name for this fella, below are some details about this cute cat:

Sex: Male
Age: 5 1/2 months
Rescued: March 9 in San Jose, CA
Rescue Weight: 15 pounds
Current Weight: 51.5 pounds
Current Length: 37.5 inches (not including the tail)
Current Paw Size: 4 3/4 inches
Favorite Food: Goat’s milk
Favorite Activities: Chasing rock squirrels and lazing in the shade

The Nature Conservancy Brings the Forests to Phoenix

Courtesy of The Nature Conservancy | Ed Mell, “Pine Cone”

You’ve likely heard of The Nature Conservancy … you know, the leading conservation organization working around the world to protect ecologically important lands and waters for nature and people? But did you know this wonderful group also has a gallery in Old Town Scottsdale? True story and here’s why you should visit this little gem. Through May 31, The Nature Conservancy gallery is showcasing its newest exhibit, Restoring Arizona’s Forests. The exhibit is designed to illuminate the story of Arizona’s forests and the efforts made to restore them to health.

“With the closest ponderosa pine forest two hours away, we’re hopeful this exhibit will raise awareness about the poor condition of Arizona’s forests and the Conservancy’s new model for restoring forest health,” says Patrick Graham, the Conservancy director for Arizona.

Restoring Arizona’s Forests also explores the important role of Arizona forests in the Phoenix watershed and explains the collaborative Four Forest Restoration Initiative, the largest forest thinning project ever, with 300,000 acres treated over the next 10 years.

The gallery includes forest-related art by recognizable artists, including Ed Mell, Mitch Fry, Hayley Smith, Todd Hoyer Roger Asay, Rebecca Davis and Christopher Brown.

Best of all, this exhibit is free. So hurry and visit before May 31.

Information: Open daily from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. The gallery is located at 7056 East Main Street, Suite 2 in Scottsdale.

A Moment of Zen Along Christopher Creek

 

Editor Robert Stieve captured the sweet sounds of Mother Nature when he went hiking along Christopher Creek. We hope you enjoy!

100 Years of Arizona History… Buy Arizona Highways’ Special Centennial Issue TODAY!

It’s Back!!

Did you miss Arizona Highways’ special Arizona Centennial issue when it was on newsstands in February? Fret not.

Now you can pick up a copy at most major Arizona retailers or call 800-543-5432 to order.

Bald Eagle Banding Near Alpine