If you’re walking up Tumamoc Hill this weekend or next, you’ll be able to step inside its cool, volcanic rock buildings and see what the scientists have been doing up there for 107 years.
The open house at Tumamoc: People and Habitats, is the first in a series of centennial events put on by the University of Arizona to celebrate the 100th anniversary of Arizona statehood on Feb. 14.
The 860-acre preserve, which sits next to Sentinel Peak or “A” Mountain just west of downtown, was originally purchased by the Tucson Chamber of Commerce in 1903 and leased to the Carnegie Institution for use as the Desert Botanical Laboratory. The first study of plant life there was conducted in 1905.
The entire site was fenced and placed off limits to quarrying and grazing, creating a 100-year-plus experiment in restoration of desert ecology. The hill is also an important archaeological site.
On Saturday and Sunday, this weekend and next, walkers and runners who must usually keep to the paved road, will be able to visit the volcanic-rock buildings at the site between 10 a.m. and 5 p.m.
Presentations on the science and history of the site will be given throughout the day, along with live music and other events.
Tumamoc Hill, a U.S. Archaeological District and a U.S. National Historical Landmark, has been owned by the University of Arizona since 1960.
It remains the home of the Desert Laboratory as well as headquarters for the Alliance for Reconciliation Ecology.
It is also a popular walking and running route, with panoramic views of the entire Tucson Basin and the mountains that ring it.
The entrance to Tumamoc Hill is on Anklam Road.
From Interstate-10, drive west on St. Mary’s Road and turn south (left) on Silverbell Road. Anklam is the first road on the right, just past St. Mary’s Hospital.
Signs mark the road up Tumamoc Hill, which is blocked to traffic.
Park along Anklam and walk (or run) up. If you are unable to walk to the library/administrative building, shuttles will be available.
Read more: http://azstarnet.com/news/local/scientists-to-hold-open-house-for-tumamoc-hill-hikers/article_96d81cca-43ab-11e1-a1c7-001871e3ce6c.html#ixzz1k2U3jgQW
