Phoenix, AZ - June 9, 2009) - Ben Henderson, a professional geologist from Miami, Arizona and Arizona State Parks volunteer, will lead the geology walking tour Saturday, June 27 at Boyce Thompson Arboretum State Park.

During "The Arboretum Rocks" tour, Henderson will teach visitors about the rocks and volcanic formations seen along the main trail that span almost two billion years of geologic history. The tour begins at 8:30 am and lasts one hour.

Butterfly Walk

Saturday, June 27 from 9:30am until 11:30am

Learn about the lifecycles of butterflies while identifying their species during this tour guided by State parks volunteer Kurt Radamaker. The scenic tour goes through the Demonstration and Hummingbird-Butterfly Gardens.

Edible and Medicinal Desert Plants Guided Walk

Sunday, June 28 from 8:30am until 10:00am

Ethno-botanist and Choctaw Nation member Dave Morris will explain ways desert plants have fed, clothed and healed peoples of the world for thousands of years. This tour is along the Curandero Trail, which is moderately steep and is not wheelchair accessible.

Boyce Thompson Arboretum State Park is located three miles west of historic Superior on U.S. Highway 60 in the shadow of Picket Post Mountain. All tours are free with park admission. Phone 520-689-2723 or visit http://ag.arizona.edu/bta for more information.

For more information about Arizona State Parks call (602) 542-4174 (outside of the Phoenix metro area call toll-free (800) 285-3703) or visit AZStateParks.com.

Dinghy Digest ®