Jim Conroy-Director-Marana Parks & Recreation (MPR)-Photo provided by MPR Jim Conroy Retires Jim Conroy served as Director of the Marana Parks & Recreation Department (MPR) for the last 8 years and retired on 10/10/25. Jim was responsible for several achievements for the Town of Marana, including: (1) Parks & Recreation Master Plan (2020-2030), (2) Marana Aquatic & Recreation Center, (3) numerous park and trail improvements, and more. Tortolita Alliance (TA) worked closely w

Dove Mountain & Marana From Upper Javelina Trail (3/5/23) Tortolita Alliance (TA) attended the Marana Community Conversation Meeting at the Dove Mountain CSTEM K-8 School on 10/8/25. The topics included: (1) Marana Growth, (2) Transportation, and (3) Data Centers. Marana utilized a new approach for these meetings. Attendees are not allowed to raise their hands and ask verbal questions. Attendees can fill out a question card, and the presenters will answer the question duri

Harvest Moon-Tortolita Preserve (10/6/25) Harvest Moon-Tortolita Preserve (10/6/25) Hiked Tortolita Preserve Big Loop (8 miles) early...

2025 Monsoon Stats It's official, the 2025 Monsoon (June 15-September 30) total precipitation was 2.82 inches, which is the 12th driest...

Upper Javelina Trail (Top) At Sunrise (9/22/25) Tortolita Trails-Stormwater Damage & Repair The monsoon storms referenced in Water Woes XL...

The end of the monsoon season (9/30/25) is upon us. Time for an H2O update, discussion on flood frequency and report on SB 1611-Ag to...

This is the fifth Part of a series about Valley Fever (coccidioidomycosis). It is presented in a form that provides the essentials. More...

This is the fourth Part of a series about Valley Fever (coccidioidomycosis). It is presented in a form that provides the essentials. More...

This is the third Part of a series about Valley Fever (coccidioidomycosis). It is presented in a form that provides the essentials. More...

This is the second Part of a series about Valley Fever (coccidioidomycosis). It is presented in a form that provides the essentials. ...

Arthroconidia Form of Coccidioides In The Soil Arizona is the epicenter for a soil fungus called Coccidioides (Cocci) and the...

It's been 5 years since I contracted Valley Fever. Back in 2021, we published Cocci Chronicles to better inform the community about this...

Shirley and I are just back from a month-long trip to Sweden. The primary purpose of the trip was to finalize my ancestry research and...

Construction of Hoover Dam (1933)--Photo, Library of Congress- RareHistoricalPhotos.com The Arizona Department of Water Resources (ADWR)...

Glen Canyon Dam-Lake Powell-Photo by Matt York, AP The Arizona Reconsultation Committee (ARC) met on June 17, 2025 and the following...

Pedestrian Trail Crosswalk West of Roundabout Arizona Revised Statutues 28-792 (Right-of-Way at Crosswalk) requires motor vehicles to...

The Sonoran Desert has some unique cacti that bloom one night per year with the flowers lasting only one day. You have to be on your...

TA members occasionally ask about the Tortolita Preserve Direction & Yield Protocol for cyclists, hikers/trail runners and equestrian. ...

Tortolita Alliance (TA) 2025 Strategic Plan Item No. 5 calls for Improvements at the Tortolita Preserve (TP) North Trailhead...

Our precious Sonoran Desert faces yet more challenges. Please consider providing your input on the following matter. Ironwood Forest...