The Mighty Strong-Arm
Strong-Arm was host to another Great Horned Owlet this Spring which has now fledged the nest and is hopefully doing well out there in the Tortolita Preserve.
Strong-arm is also host to two Gila Woodpecker Boots.
Flowers are now showing on many of Strong-Arm's 32 arms.
Happy 161st birthday!
Moore Road TP Trailhead Improvements
Survey and design work is underway for the proposed improvements at the Tortolita Preserve (TP) Moore Rd Trailhead (see map-right). This includes a new entrance, signage, parking and more. Construction is expected to start this Fall.
TP West-Fence
Survey and design work is underway and construction will coincide with the Moore Road Trailhead Improvements this Fall.
Cattle Concerns
Marana MPR and Public Works continue to work with ASLD and the rancher to relocate the cattle water tank off TP property and prepare for fencing the western end of TP (see above). Relocation is expected soon.
TP Trail Counter
TA contributed $500 to MPR for the purchase of a trail counter to monitor hiking and biking activity in the TP and other MPR trails. The trail counter has been received and MPR is getting it ready to place in the field when MPR's new Natural Resource Supervisor begins work in late June.
TP BioBlitz
TA continues to coordinate with MPR, Coalition For Sonoran Desert Protection (CSDP), Pima Naturalists and Arizona Game & Fish for a TP BioBlitz, tentatively set for November. CSDP has developed a comprehensive Event Planning Task List and the Pima Naturalists have developed preliminary survey areas and potential species lists.