tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-49514612310014450742024-03-19T05:26:08.858-07:00The SonoranEndemic to Southern Arizona and the Sonoran DesertRed Macetahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13182367312211266196noreply@blogger.comBlogger63125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4951461231001445074.post-44470063005673165772013-10-15T16:20:00.001-07:002013-10-15T16:46:16.348-07:00Phoenix's Peach-Faced LovebirdsIt was just about ten years ago when I first noticed a couple of peach-faced lovebirds sitting on the telephone line in my east-central Phoenix backyard. I thought at that time (these unknown parrots) must have escaped from a neighbors cage and wouldn't make it through the winter.
Also at that time, I didn't know what these type of "parrots" were until I researched them further on the Internet. Red Macetahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13182367312211266196noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4951461231001445074.post-62308472551409140012013-09-08T18:16:00.000-07:002013-09-08T18:16:05.328-07:00The Worth of WaterThe story of the American West is a story of water, and of our Herculean efforts to capture and spread that water across an arid landscape. As our western cities continue to grow, however, we need to find ways to curb our thirst.
In this mini-documentary, ASU researchers talk about the West's water history, our current situation, and some social and technological options for the future.
Read Red Macetahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13182367312211266196noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4951461231001445074.post-74240176563211234492013-09-03T10:40:00.000-07:002013-09-03T10:50:20.846-07:00Keep It Sustainable | YAP!The Youth Ambassador Program of New Bedford challenges you and me to "Keep it Sustainable." Learn how to live a sustainable lifestyle and lower your carbon footprint while bobbing your head to this catchy hip-hop tune.
Red Macetahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13182367312211266196noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4951461231001445074.post-90781508417474183652013-08-25T08:58:00.000-07:002013-08-25T09:19:55.973-07:00Surf the High Desert WaveI'm not what you'd call an "advanced" hiker, preferring to hike the easy-to-moderate trails found closer to where I live. I haven't hiked anywhere "too" challenging just yet either.
But one day I'd really like to "Surf the Wave". However, I know that being able to hike the wave will require some luck, a lot more effort, and a great deal of preparation on my part. I tend to be a little Red Macetahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13182367312211266196noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4951461231001445074.post-23930959325991304882013-08-24T11:37:00.001-07:002013-08-24T15:31:52.764-07:00Making The Case For Zero WasteIt's amazing just how much trash humans can generate. It's a problem alright, but imagine how much better our environment would be if we simply made the effort to dispose of our trash properly?
Source: Pick Up AmericaRed Macetahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13182367312211266196noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4951461231001445074.post-21284629997709747902013-08-09T19:38:00.000-07:002013-08-19T09:05:05.522-07:00Think Outside The BottleI volunteer my time picking up trash along the parks and trails that I frequent here in Phoenix, and I've got to say - I simply can't understand why so many people feel the need to trash the fragile scenery of our hiking trails? You wouldn't believe the amount of trash I find along the trails.
Can you guess what's the most-littered item of trash that I pick up? Cigarette butts!
Yep, I said Red Macetahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13182367312211266196noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4951461231001445074.post-13395039282711837202013-06-25T22:18:00.000-07:002013-06-25T22:40:41.202-07:00Petrified Forest National ParkWhen I talk about brain-frying heat, this is the time of the year that best describes it.
The Phoenix metropolitan area is projected to reach records highs by the end of this week, touching into the 120s in some parts. It's a dangerous time to be outside for any prolonged period of time and definitely not enjoyable, especially if you're not wearing your energy dome.
So, why not consider taking Red Macetahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13182367312211266196noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4951461231001445074.post-79660233786742118322013-06-07T19:55:00.000-07:002013-06-10T08:51:15.956-07:00Leave No TraceI'm volunteering my time to help clean up the trash found along the Maxine Lakin Nature Trail this weekend, and thought I'd share bit of information for those unfamiliar with hiking protocols.
There's an old adage in hiking and camping - Leave No Trace. Common hiking courtesy is to leave the area better than you found it, almost like you were never there.
Leave no trace is about making good Red Macetahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13182367312211266196noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4951461231001445074.post-10626930469157988022013-06-02T09:47:00.000-07:002013-06-10T09:13:47.799-07:00Keep Church and State SeparateJust a video shout-out to any of the religious right-wing legislators in Arizona who just can't seem to maintain that boundary between church and state.
Arizona, like the rest of America, is a melting pot of people from diverse ethnic, cultural, racial, and religious backgrounds. An elected representative's job is to represent their constituency as a whole, regardless of religion. Let's keep Red Macetahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13182367312211266196noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4951461231001445074.post-87664198430370835982013-05-18T19:25:00.000-07:002013-05-18T20:37:32.177-07:00White Tank Mountain Regional ParkI volunteered about three hours of my time this morning to help "trail blaze" one of the trails located at White Tank Mountain Regional Park (WTMRP). Located in Waddell, far west of my central Phoenix home, I didn't think I would ever take the time to visit this county park. But, a volunteer opportunity gave me the motivation to get out there and see it.
The trail blazing part wasn't easy work. Red Macetahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13182367312211266196noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4951461231001445074.post-20900437063029700422013-05-12T07:33:00.001-07:002013-05-12T07:43:21.404-07:00Desert Dreams | A Short DocumentaryA film created without narration or people, Desert Dreams lets viewers experience the Sonoran Desert from the inside out. This immersive 52-minute production focuses on beauty and biodiversity followed through a cycle of five seasons: Dry Summer, Wet Summer, Autumn, Winter, and Spring.
Long-time resident of Tucson, Arizona, Producer-Director-Cinematographer Thomas Wiewandt blends HD video and Red Macetahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13182367312211266196noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4951461231001445074.post-35822303319782498482013-04-24T13:45:00.000-07:002013-04-24T13:48:36.330-07:00It's National Park WeekI'm a little late in announcing this, but April 20-28 is National Park Week. There's still a few days left to take advantage of it. There are no entrance fees to any of the national parks until Friday, April 26th.
Red Macetahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13182367312211266196noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4951461231001445074.post-42734443078200622072013-04-16T18:25:00.000-07:002013-04-20T22:39:10.686-07:00Bombing ArizonaIn Arizona, most people don't like graffiti taggers. But a growing number of artists choose graffiti to express themselves or tell a story. And each has a reason.
Bombing Arizona, a documentary now showing at the Arizona Film Festival.
Reel from Ricardo Bracamonte on Vimeo.Red Macetahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13182367312211266196noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4951461231001445074.post-46511791344091271442013-04-06T23:00:00.000-07:002013-04-06T23:08:11.217-07:00San Tan Mountain Regional ParkSan Tan Mountain Regional Park is pretty cool, huh? Ranger Adam Martell explains where the park is located and what it has to offer. BTW, that wasn't a Gila Monster, it was a chuckwalla.
Consisting of over 10,000 acres, the southeast Valley park is a fine example of the lower Sonoran Desert. The park ranges in elevation from about 1,400 feet to over 2,500 feet. Goldmine Mountain is located in Red Macetahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13182367312211266196noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4951461231001445074.post-9161871860552664362013-03-29T01:16:00.000-07:002013-03-29T01:27:22.927-07:00Hiking In PhoenixDid you know that, according to National Geographic, the City of Phoenix is one of the top cities in the country for hiking? Phoenix’s desert preserve system contains more than 30,000 acres and has close to 200 miles of trails located within the city limits.
Here's Part 1/5 of a DiverseCity video presentation describing the various trails.
Watch the entire video series: [Part 2][Part 3][Part 4Red Macetahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13182367312211266196noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4951461231001445074.post-51072850090560149852013-03-05T22:52:00.000-07:002013-05-19T09:27:59.500-07:00The Year in Hate and ExtremismThe number of conspiracy-minded antigovernment “Patriot” groups involving the American radical right reached an all-time high in 2012, the fourth consecutive year of powerful growth by a movement that is becoming increasingly militant as President Obama enters his second term and Congress debates gun control measures, according to a report issued today by the SPLC.
28 of those "Patriot" groups Red Macetahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13182367312211266196noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4951461231001445074.post-80738722286542713882013-01-13T18:01:00.000-07:002013-01-13T18:03:48.876-07:00The Gadsden PurchaseHow many time have you pulled your auto into the rest stop located between Casa Grande and Phoenix, and not think twice about the historical significance of the place in which you were about to stretch your legs or take a leak?
I was just watching The Desert Speak's presentation of the Gadsden Purchase on AZPBS. Little did I know that if it wasn't for often-forgotten James Gadsden, Americans Red Macetahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13182367312211266196noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4951461231001445074.post-25012080292544138422012-12-30T22:01:00.000-07:002012-12-30T22:04:26.101-07:00McDowell Sonoran PreserveTake an aerial tour of Scottsdale's McDowell Sonoran Preserve and learn how it's citizens came together to help protect this diverse, special place. Here's a video introduction of the Preserve.
The entire "Wings Over The Preserve" video presentation can be seen on YouTube.
Red Macetahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13182367312211266196noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4951461231001445074.post-1162597212574577492012-12-25T22:38:00.002-07:002013-03-29T00:50:14.798-07:00Safe Hiking For The HolidaysFolks, let's use some common sense while hiking during the holidays. Get out, enjoy the weather and get some exercise. But please, remember your limitations. The Sonoran Desert is a beautiful place to recreate, not wreck create.
Red Macetahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13182367312211266196noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4951461231001445074.post-7986590024919601792012-12-24T21:03:00.001-07:002012-12-24T21:03:42.885-07:00Merry Christmas!Peace on earth and goodwill to all! O Holy Night performed by Catherine Cote with Sedona photos.
Source: Catherine CoteRed Macetahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13182367312211266196noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4951461231001445074.post-51961953891333313252012-12-14T22:16:00.000-07:002012-12-14T22:21:08.914-07:00The Phoenix Community MuralVia the Downtown Devil, the first Phoenix Festival of the Arts, which took place this past weekend at Margaret T. Hance Park, was vibrant with art vendors, live music and Mayor Greg Stanton presenting awards to local artists.
A successful event, it was the winding figure of plywood boards snaking around the fenced-in festival, however, that displayed some of Phoenix’s best art. By the end of theRed Macetahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13182367312211266196noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4951461231001445074.post-11626499681359637892012-11-20T09:25:00.000-07:002012-11-20T09:25:10.481-07:00Happy ThanksgivingJust remembering the first Thanksgiving, when the Pilgrims gave thanks for a successful harvest after having immigrated to America from England in 1620, and being welcomed by the Native Americans.
Red Macetahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13182367312211266196noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4951461231001445074.post-83505680230872951822012-11-18T19:14:00.000-07:002012-11-18T19:21:30.828-07:00Usery Mountain Regional ParkSometimes a lot of us think that it takes a tremendous amount of time, effort and money for an urban dweller to become a hiker. But, it's easier and cheaper than you may think.
There are plenty of parks located close to home, that aren't too difficult to hike, cost very little money (or no money) to enjoy, and allow us to experience the Sonoran Desert beauty while having fun and getting some Red Macetahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13182367312211266196noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4951461231001445074.post-81991848729393981032012-11-15T00:07:00.001-07:002012-11-15T00:07:35.168-07:00Budget Cuts Affect State ParksState parks that survived closure due to statewide budget cuts in 2010 are in danger again of being shut down. Volunteer efforts were previously enough to maintain the parks, but park officials now say they'll need more than $15 million to keep the parks open.
Cronkite News reporter Corbin Carson has the story.
State parks face familiar danger of being shut down from Cronkite News on Vimeo.Red Macetahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13182367312211266196noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4951461231001445074.post-59402743869842241752012-11-12T19:22:00.000-07:002012-11-18T12:03:12.320-07:00Arizona Election ResultsNormally, I would usually consider the outrage of the speaker in this video to be the ramblings of a disappointed voter or conspiracy theorist. But, after what's happened to me, I'm not so sure that he has an unfounded claim.
I've been resident of Arizona, and a registered Democrat who votes early through the mail, for many years. In September of 2011, I bought a new home and moved. I only movedRed Macetahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13182367312211266196noreply@blogger.com1