Past Institutes of Desert Ecology--Tucson Audubon Society

Tucson Audubon Society
Reports on Past Institutes of Desert Ecology

April 2003
This year’s Institute of Desert Ecology, held at Catalina State Park April 24 through 27, brought 60 participants together for four wonderful days of exploration and learning in our Sonoran Desert. Many participants were Tucsonans, but others came from as far away as New York and Pennsylvania, and from as diverse backgrounds as wildlife biology, computer management, environmental consulting, defense and aerospace, teaching, homemaking, law and graduate studies. There was also a wonderful mix of ages, personalities, and talents. Many thanks to our faculty, Carl Olson, Bob Scarborough, Cecil Schwalbe, Ronnie Sidner, Linwood Smith and Carl Tomoff for sharing their expertise and for creating the dynamics that make this such a fun and inspiring time for all involved. Thanks also to those who contributed their time and energy as volunteers, staff, and adjunct instructors: Marilyn Bicking, Kevin Dahl, Bill Doelle, Judy Edison, Doris Evans, Karen Krebbs, Kendall Kroesen, Sonja Macys, Bill Mannan, Craig Marken, Pinau Merlin, Jeri Ogden, Ben Schwartz, Peggy and John Smith, Bob Steidl, Joan Tedford, Tom Webster, and Wanda Wynne. What a great group of people!

As always Institute participants enjoyed scrumptious meals provided by Sutter’s catering. This year we were also blessed with near perfect weather, not too hot, not too cold and not too windy. One highlight of the Institute occurred when a Zone-tailed hawk circled low right through our camp, awing birders and non-birders alike. Another highlight was our skit night, with performances from participants inspired by their experiences at the Institute. Included below are pictures taken by Institute participant Larry Wasielewski and some excerpts from skit night.

Ode to I.D.E.
(To be sung to Ode to Joy by Beethoven)
Lyrics by Becky Schaller and Jamie Brown with editing and title by Carole Warneke. Sung by "Group C Chorale" at IDE graduation on April 26, 2003.

Time to wonder; time to question
At the Desert Institute
How does climate and the landscape
Affect all life here on earth?

Pre-adapt and find your niche
In this desert habitat
Learn to find your food and water
Where you can or you’ll fall flat.

Glean for insects; probe for bugs
Snatch one as you fly right by
Digging, drilling; get your food
Sally round in open sky.

Find a way to eat and prosper
Save your time and energy
Finding ways to raise your young
Hoping they will soon fly free.

Time to listen and to notice
Is there one bird, two or three?
Which bird do you hear right now?
What does that one say to thee?

Is it courting or imprinting
Or protecting its own turf?
Time to listen and to notice
What has changed on planet Earth.

Time to wonder; time to question
At the Desert Institute
How does climate and the landscape
Affect all life here on earth?

IDE Haiku
Written and performed by Group E

Listen. Close your eyes.
Bring together what you know.
See the connections

Amazing bugs here.
Life in the span of a day.
How do they do that?

Search with reddish light
insignificant mammals
hiding in the night.

Hard to imagine.
Earth’s crust stretches, valleys sink.
How did life begin?

See the saguaro.
Think about that a minute.
And take it with you.

April, 2001
IDE Report
31 Years of Inspiration
Inspirational describes the effect of the Institute for Desert Ecology. In its 31st year, this program remains a sparkling gem that is polished by the experienced professionals and the enthusiastic attitudes of all those involved.

In an intimate setting where the Santa Catalina Mountains greet the Sonoran Desert, 52 participants connected with nature. Many of our fellow Tucsonans reached out to Tucson Audubon for an opportunity to learn from local experts and to explore our desert’s complexities and subtleties. And others, from around our nation traveled here to share in this “life changing” experience.

Dr. Carl Tomoff, in his 21st year of IDE instruction, kicked off the Institute by presenting relationships between climate, land, water, flora, and fauna. Highlighting Sonoran Desert features coupled with unique adaptations of its inhabitants, Carl challenged us to stop, look, listen, and feel nature.

The presentations of Dr. Ronnie Sidner, Mammologist and Dr. Cecil Schwalbe, Herpetologist engaged participants in the examination of mammals and reptiles. Personal anecdotes and factual information clearly explained the trials and tribulations that animals go through for survival in the desert. Carl Olson, Entomologist and Bob Scarborough, Geologist continued to inspire by explaining invertebrate natural history and geologic formations so noticeably displayed.

Dr. Lin Smith and Dr. Carl Tomoff guided us in the discovery of avian species and botanical adaptations. Their willingness to explore the area augmented discussion.

To further engage and inform participants, optional mini-sessions were included. Tucson is rich with a diversity of incredible naturalists, and many are key components to the IDE. The following individuals are essential: Joan Tedford – wildflowers; Meg Quinn – ethnobotany; Karen Krebbs – hummingbirds; Doris Evans – environmental education; Jeff Kremer – mesquite forest ecology; Jonathon Hanson – mammal tracking; Marc Severson – archeology; and John Kalas – astronomy.

Without the industrious and enthusiastic efforts of volunteers and staff, TAS would not be able to offer this program. True appreciation is given to the following individuals that are committed to this program: Peggy and John Smith, Judy and Rich Watson, Tom Webster, Jeri Ogden, Marilyn Bicking, Kevin Dahl, Judy Edison and Leona Lansing.

Efforts are currently underway to duplicate the IDE success in 2002.

The IDE program involves a partnership by TAS with Arizona State Parks Board and the University of Arizona Extended University.

April, 2000

IDE Report
by Lee Lansing
The 30th annual Institute of Desert Ecology was held in Catalina State Park on April 12-16, 2000. It was a great success, and I felt honored to direct it again. Many Arizonans attended this year, and they were amazed to learn so much about their home. Several commented that they now feel more a part of the desert, instead of feeling like an outsider. Knowledge will do this for a person!

The volunteers who donate their time from before dawn to after dusk make this event great— Jeri Ogden, Tom Webster, Peg and John Smith, Rich and Judy Watson, and Judy Edison. This event could not happen without them, and I would like to again thank them for their time and efforts and good spirits. Cleaning a port-a john in 90 plus degree heat which is being used by 70 people is not fun! I devised a new technique this year involving a hose, spray head and lots of water pressure. I thought it was quite successful and more fun than the “old” way! However, the regular bathroom cleaners frowned upon this technique and went back to the old way when it was their turn. Oh, well. To each his own.

A great time was had by all and I would encourage any of you who have not attended to do so. Call me and I will send out a brochure.

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This page was updated on 12/29/04