by 
The Oracle State Park is open weekends, thanks to the volunteer efforts of the Friends of the Oracle State Park. Organizers have planned some extra special activities.
Saturday, Oct. 17: Guided Tour of the Historic Kannally Ranch House, led by Docent, Mary Bast, beginning at 10 a.m. Learn more about one of the earliest cattle ranching families of Oracle, and the architectural treasure they left behind. The tour lasts approximately 45 minutes through rooms and patios extending down the hillside. No reservation is needed; free with park admission.
Also Saturday, Oct. 17: Beginner Digital Astrophotography, 4-6:30 p.m. taught by local amateur astronomer, Mike Weasner, This introductory program will include a description of camera equipment options, such as point and shoot, DSLR or any smart phone, for beginners to learn to take astrophotos. Mike will share techniques for using any digital camera for handheld photography at night, and in combination with a tripod or telescope. There will be a ‘play session’ after sunset using moon and planets for night sky photography using park telescopes. Participants are encouraged to bring their own camera, tripod or telescope for ‘playtime’. The program will begin with a presentation in the living room of the Kannally Ranch House before sunset, followed by 60-90 minutes outside after sunset. Space is limited to 12 participants, reservation required. Free with park admission. 520-896-2425
Sunday, Oct. 18: Stab-binding Workshop, 10 a.m.-noon. Taught by Val Bembenek, local paper artisan. Make your own nature-journaling notebooks at the Kannally Ranch House. Learn basic Japanese stab binding technique to create blank journals of any size with unique embellishments, for your notes, sketching, photos or to give as gifts. The workshop fee is $5 per person in addition to park admission. Space is limited; reservation required. 520-896-2425.
Saturday, Oct. 24: Guided Hike: Arizona Trail Loop. Begins at 8 a.m. for approximately 6 miles. Hike the Wildlife Corridor Trail, National Scenic Arizona Trail, and back to the ranch house on the Manzanita Trail. Reservation required, call Guide: Gaston Meloche 520-638-5404.
Sunday, Oct. 25: Bear Necessities, 11 a.m. with interpretive docent, Richard Boyer, in the living room of the Kannally Ranch House. Would you like to know more about the black bear of Arizona? Then this is the program for you. Information about bears, an appearance from the “Everywhere Bear,” and information about safety around Bears will be presented in this inter-active 30 to 40 minute program. You might even win a prize for your knowledge about the black bear! Free with park admission; reservation suggested. 896-2425.
Also Sunday, Oct. 25: Guided Tour of the Historic Kannally Ranch House, led by Docent, Mary Bast, beginning at 2 p.m. Learn more about one of the earliest cattle ranching families of Oracle, and the architectural treasure they left behind. The tour lasts approximately 45 minutes through rooms and patios extending down the hillside. No reservation is needed; free with park admission.
Saturday, Oct. 31: Pinal Open Space and Trails Presentation, begins at 10 a.m. at the Kannally Ranch House. Join Celeste Andresen of the Nature Conservancy for a one-hour talk about recreational opportunities for residents of Pinal County, and to learn more about the importance and benefits of open space and trails. Free with park admission; no reservation needed.
There are news or informational items frequently written by staff or submitted to the Copper Basin News, San Manuel Miner, Superior Sun, Pinal Nugget or Oracle Towne Crier for inclusion in our print or digital products. These items are not credited with an author.
by by