![Green heron along acequia 01 [Kendall Kroesen].jpg](https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5fa2ed2c280a5a377d72bafd/1676656550756-WUE44A74NEI42B5F1VGW/Green+heron+along+acequia+01+%5BKendall+Kroesen%5D.jpg)
Special Earth Day Program
T-Hikdañ / Nuestra Acequia / Our Irrigation Canal: History and Ecology of Water for Agriculture in the Sonoran Desert
Saturday, April 22, 2023, 8am-12pm
At Mission Garden
FREE, with suggested donation at the garden gate
For thousands of years the Santa Cruz River fed a vast network of irrigation canals, the lifeblood of farming all along the valley. Mission Garden has created a water feature that flows directly above an ancient buried Hohokam-period canal.
Come learn all about the deep history, cultural traditions and connections to water and agriculture at S-cuk shon, Tucson’s Birthplace. Including hands-on science activities, freebies and fun for youth and families.
Itinerary & Speakers
8:00 – 12:00 Hands-on science activities for youth & families related to the acequia
“Creating a Cienega” led by science educator Elena Martin and aquatic conservation UA student Mathew Mayer
*Seedball Make and Take with Cooperative Extension Ecological Restoration
*Dip netting in the acequia for amazing aquatic insects
*Nature’s Notebook Scavenger Hunt
*Free puppets and books from Xerces
*Become a Citizen Scientist with iNaturalist
*Critter Craft with Pima County Natural Resources
8:00 - 8:45 Jacelle Ramon-Sauberan: “Caretakers of the Land: Brief History of Land and Water Issues in San Xavier.”
Jacelle Ramon-Sauberan is a PhD candidate in American Indian Studies at the University of Arizona and faculty at Tohono O'odham Community College. She is Tohono O'odham and from the San Xavier District. At the TOCC she teaches Tohono O'odham History and Culture and Tohono O'odham Food Systems.
8:45 - 9:30 Jesús García: “Growing up in an Acequia Community.”
Ethnoecologist and Research Associate at the Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum, Jesús Manuel García grew up in San Ysidro Magdalena across the road from an acequia, which was an integral part of the life of the farming community.
9:30 - 10:15 Michael Brescia: “The legacies of Spanish water law and acequias in the American Southwest”
Michael M. Brescia, Ph.D. is Head of Research and Curator of Ethnohistory at the Arizona State Museum. He is also Professor of History and Faculty Affiliate of the James E. Rogers College of Law, the Center for Latin American Studies, the Division for Late Medieval and Reformation Studies and the Southwest Center of the University of Arizona
10:15 - 11:00 Dennis Caldwell: "Wildlife and Acequias: creating a water feature to interpret history and restore an ecosystem."
Dennis Caldwell is a Tucson based freelance biologist, native species pond builder and graphic artist specializing in natural history educational outreach. Biology work is focused on recovery of endangered species of reptiles, amphibians and fish of southern Arizona and Mexico.
8:00 – 12:00 Hands-on science activities for youth & families related to the acequia
Make and take native wildflower seed balls with Melissa Mundt of Pima County Natural Resources and Parks and Recreation. Learn about the importance of riparian areas and water for seed germination, and for pollinators, such as bees.
Play a game with fun facts about native bees and water with Saff Killingsworth, a conservation biologist who works with Xerces and the Wild Bee Initiative. Lots of freebies!
What is phenology? Go on a nature treasure hunt with Samantha Brewer, a volunteer coordinator with the USA National Phenology Network and with Nature’s Notebook. Families can become Citizen Scientists!
Wow! Get to use dip-nets to capture macro-invertebrates in the acequia. Also enjoy activities about dragonflies with Chris Robie, a Pima County Master Naturalist and Xerxes Ambassador. Learn how important dragonflies are as managers of insect pests in the garden.
Want to identify plants and animals in your neighborhood and on your travels? Learn how to use iNaturalist to record biodiversity in and around the acequia and cienega with Linda Doughty, a Pima County Master Naturalist and Mission Garden docent. Get ready for the worldwide City Nature Challenge!
Please contact Dena Cowan, dena@missiongarden.org with additional questions.
Earth Day at Mission Garden in collaboration with
