Celebrate Archaeology Month at Red Rock State Park in March
 
SEDONA, AZ - The month of March 2009 is Archaeology and Heritage Awareness Month around the state and at Red Rock State Park.
 
Sunday, March 1 at 2 p.m. in the park theater, Archaeoastronomer Bryan Bates will present "How Astronomy and Science Helped Create the Ancestral Puebloan World: What Archaeoastronomy Tells Us about Puebloan Culture." Here in the Southwest the ancestral Puebloan peoples created an intricate astronomy, which allowed them to plan for planting, hunting, the change of seasons and their religious ceremonies. Join Bates as he shares his research into the astronomical world of the ancestral Puebloan peoples from Chaco Canyon National Historic Park, Wupatki National Monument and Mesa Verde National Park. Bates will be sharing photos and ideas which will intrigue both young and mature audiences. This program is sponsored by the Benefactors of Red Rock State Park. Reservations are recommended, as seating is limited.
 
On Saturday, March 7 at 11 a.m., join Roy Juliano who will teach about some of the early survival methods used by the Sinagua Indians more than 1000 years ago. Join us in weaving sandals made from yucca fiber. Observe four prehistoric fire starting methods demonstrated by Al Cornell at 12:30 pm. Then at 1:30 pm learn about the atlatl and dart, an earlier form of the bow and arrow and participate in throwing this instrument with Bob Sizemore.
 
Sunday, March 8 at 2 p.m., visitors can join a volunteer on a guided geology hike through Red Rock State Park. Learn why the rocks are red, where they came from, where they are going and more. This hike includes the Eagle's Nest Trail for a great view of the park and surrounding area. More than just a guided hike, this is an interpretive experience for the beginner as well as advanced geologist. The hike lasts 2 to 2 1/2 hours and has a 250-foot elevation climb. Enjoy an afternoon with our knowledgeable volunteer guide as the rock formations that create the scenic backdrop of Red Rock State Park are explained. Reservations may be required. Please call 928-282-6907 for additional information.
 
Sunday, March 15 at 2 p.m. in the park theater, Jerry Ehrhardt, the 2007 award winner of the Governor's Archaeology Advisory Commission's Award, will present "Soldier and Indian Trails of the Verde Valley." What started out as a proposal to scout and record several prehistoric ruin hilltop sites that had been spotted by an airplane doing an aerial survey of Sycamore Canyon, has turned into a major discovery of 125 previously unknown prehistoric Honanki Phase sites. Along with locating these sites, it was found that each location had a visual contact with its neighbors, forming a line-of-sight communications network extending over 20 miles. Also, probable prehistoric trails have been found that connect these sites to a vast system in the canyon and with other sites in the Verde Valley. Reservations are recommended, as seating is limited.
 
Saturday, March 21 at 2 p.m., join Bob Dick and Brenda Robinson, Red Rock State Park volunteer naturalists, for a hike to celebrate Archaeology Month. Learn about the pre-historic Sinagua Indians who inhabited the Sedona/Verde Valley area more than 1000 years ago. Learn how they utilized plants found in the area for survival and about traces of what they left behind. Meet in the theater for an orientation prior to the hike.
 
Every Wednesday and Saturday at 8 a.m. during March, visitors will find bird enthusiasts joining a naturalist for a "Guided Bird Walk." Beginners as well as advanced birders are welcome. Rangers recommend visitors bring their own binoculars. A limited number are available for loan from the park.
 
Daily at 10 a.m., visitors can join a naturalist on a guided nature walk that lasts 1½ to 2 hours and will introduce them to the riparian ecosystem of Oak Creek and other aspects of the park. Plants, wildlife, geology, history and archaeology are some of the subjects that may be discussed.
 
Daily at 2 p.m., the park hosts either a guest speaker or a ranger/naturalist led activity of approximately 45-minutes. Programs may include a nature-hike, a special presentation or an educational/nature video. This program may be an indoor or outdoor activity.
 
The unique land-based ecosystem, closely associated with Oak Creek, provides the setting and the opportunity for Red Rock State Park to offer a center for environmental education. With its diverse riparian habitat for plants and wildlife, Red Rock State Park offers special hikes and programs as a regular part of the park's environmental program.
 
For more information or reservations call (928) 282-6907. Red Rock State Park is located at 4050 Lower Red Rock Loop in Sedona. Park hours are 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Visitor Center hours are 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
 
Park Entrance Fee is $7 per vehicle for up to 4 adults, each additional adult is charged $2 each. (There is no charge for children). A $2 per person entrance fee applies to pedestrians, equestrians and bicyclists. Arizona State Parks Annual Pass is available for $50 (some restrictions apply).
 
For information about Arizona State Parks call (602) 542-4174 (outside of the Phoenix metro area call toll-free (800) 285-3703) or visit the website at www.azstateparks.com.
 

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