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Red Rock State Park Celebrates Arizona Archeology in March
By Sylvia Somerville
The ancestral Puebloan peoples of the Southwest charted the heavens and created an intricate astronomy to organize their life. They also used the land around them for food, clothing, medicine and tools. Every March, to celebrate Arizona Archaeology and Heritage Awareness Month, Red Rock State Park holds programs and activities that shed light on the Native Americans who once occupied the Verde Valley.
In 2009 special programs at Red Rock State Park include:
- “How Astronomy and Science Helped Create the Ancestral Puebloan World,” an illustrated talk by archaeo-astronomer Bryan Bates, based on his original research. (Sunday, March 1, at 2 p.m.)
- Demonstrations of thousand-year-old survival methods: weaving sandals from yucca fiber, prehistoric fire-starting methods and throwing the atlatl and dart, an earlier form of the bow and arrow. (Saturday, March 7, beginning at 11 a.m.)
- “Soldier and Indian Trails of the Verde Valley,” the story of the unexpected discovery of prehistoric trails in the Verde Valley, told by award-winning archaeologist Jerry Ehrhardt. (Sunday, March 15, at 2 p.m.)
- A guided archeology hike. (Saturday, March 21, at 2 p.m.)
These presentations are only a sample of what Red Rock State Park—known as a “Center for Environmental Education”—offers the public every day. Options include interpretive programs; guided bird, geology and nature walks (some by moonlight); special educational presentations and videos; and informative exhibits at the visitors center. The red rock views in the park are some of the best in the area.
A family-friendly park
The 286-acre park is very family-friendly. Hiking the developed trails through meadows and wooded groves is relatively easy and fascinating—with or without guides. But the park’s naturalists are sure to engage a curious child. Along the Smoke Trail, for example, which hugs meandering Oak Creek, guides point out petrified fossils in rock, petroglyphs and various native trees, plants and bushes. They also discuss the habits of javelinas and other animals.
Park facilities include a classroom where it’s possible to observe hummingbirds in season, picnic tables and ramadas (with water, electricity and grills), a theater that plays the dramatic film “Natural Wonders of Sedona” on demand, a gift store and restrooms. Notice the animal tracks near the visitor center! For more information, call (928) 282-6907.
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