Arizona Trails and Tales with Rich Fuhrmann

In episode 53 of Arizona Trails and Tales, I feature Tempe Town Lake and Tempe's past with being a "Sundown Town" in honor of Martin Luther King's birthday/holiday. This recording discusses the history and need for Tempe Town Lake and recreational opportunities. The tales portion reviews Tempe's history regarding Civil Rights and includes a brief description of the George Washington Carver Museum...

Episode 52 of Arizona Trails and Tales features reflections on volunteering in your parks and other ways to participate in stewardship. Recorded on the cell phone without theme music.

In episode 51 of Arizona Trails and Tales, Rich highlights a recent road and birding trip with his friend and mentor Tom to multiple areas in Arlington, Arizona. Rich discusses a few different areas and experiences from Arlington to nearby areas of Buckeye, Tonopah and Gila Bend. Several environments are explored and the wildlife and features are described. The tales portion concludes with the int...

Episode 50 of Arizona Trails and Tales features the history and exploration of Encanto Park in Phoenix. Learn about the founding and funding of the park, some of the struggles it has overcome, and why this is must visit. This episode also covers some of the birds found at Encanto Park and reflects on a recent guided bird walk in the White Tank Regional Park. The episode closes with 5 Arizona theme...

In episode 49 of Arizona Trails and Tales, Rich features the grey fox spotted at the Hassayampa River Preserve and the importance of being able to unwind. In this episode, Rich also provides some strategies and reflections on overcoming social anxiety and the importance of trying to get out of your own comfort zone-even if not fully successful. This episode features the general cholla cactus and s...

In episode 48 of Arizona Trails and tales, Rich highlights a recent trip to Estrella Mountains and participating in the walk/run at the Kiwanis Park in Tempe as part of the Michael J. Fox fundraiser for Parkinson's. Rich gives brief review of the Kiwanis Park and shares some of his experiences living in Tempe. This episode also includes some cautions and advice for those who are of age and are usi...

In episode 47 of Arizona Trails and Tales, Rich shares his experience participating in the Gila River Indian Community's Winter Bird count at the Pee Posh wetlands. He also provides some reasons you should join a Christmas bird count and how easy it is to find and event and participate. Rich discusses overcoming the where to Pee dilemma when traveling in a mixed gender group. The tales portion sha...

In episode 46 of Arizona Trails and Tales, Rich shares information about the popular Flatiron Trail in the Superstition Mountains and features a bit about "Flatiron Jim". We also bid a hopefully temporary farewell to Mike Aimee and the Arizona Birdcall podcast due to his recent surgery. Rich shares some of his recent West Valley birding over Thanksgiving break and the increase in  winter species....

In episode 45 of Arizona Trails and Tales, Rich breaks down three reasons you should go birdwatching. Rich shares his experience and advice for beginning a birding group and what you may want to consider for a bird walk. He shares information about Arizona's hummingbirds highlighting features of regular visitors and some special hummingbirds to keep an eye out for. Rich also offers some advice on...

In episode 44 of Arizona Trails and Tales, Rich describes the hike on the Vietnam Memorial Trail located in Surprise Arizona. Also featured in this episode: Finding birds at Hassayampa, staying safe in the rain while hiking, hiking and outdoor activities with out of state Thanksgiving guests, a little desert philosophy and closing with the tale of The Ranch Hand's Secret Gold Mine. Theme song comp...

In episode 43 of Arizona Trails and Tales, Rich discusses Paloma Park in Peoria and experiencing birdwatching and hiking as a snow bird. Included in this episode is a brief review of the Monarch Butterfly and the Queen Butterfly and how planting the Desert Milkweed helps these species thrive. The tales portion features a review of recreation in old time Arizona by Marshall Trimble. Theme song comp...

In episode 42 of Arizona Trails and Tales, Rich discusses selecting the right gear to support cooler weather hiking, outdoors experiences and camping preparedness. This episode features a short segment on harvesting Indigenous seeds and helping to eliminate invasive species. The episode closes with some typical "Ghost" encounters while camping. Theme song composed and performed by Mike Myers.

*Budgies can be heard in the background In episode 41 of Arizona Trails and Tales Rich discusses a recent bird walk at the White Tanks. Included in this episode are some thoughts about keeping wildlife safe during Halloween and the town of Two Guns Arizona. Theme song composed and performed by Mike Myers.

In Episode 40 of Arizona Trails and Tales, Rich explores the variety of outdoor adventures he was able to participate in over the last week. Included in this episode is an observation of hiking along the Gila River, surprising growth after the rains at the White Tanks and a recap of the exceptional birding opportunities at the Thunderbird Conservation Park with the Sonoran Audubon Society. The tal...

In Episode 39 of Arizona Trails and Tales, Rich discusses some of the challenges and strategies to make the most out of camping and outdoors activities with children. The podcast reviews considerations for young children, suggested activities for 5-15 year old and families, recommendations for some family campsites, and other variables to contemplate when bringing children into nature. The episode...

In episode 38 of Arizona Trails and Tales Rich describes his experience with the Desert Defenders making seed pellets at Estrella Mountain Community Park. This follows up with a description of a beginners bird walk at Hassayampa River Preserve. The episode closes with a discussion of spooky creatures and the surprises found in a jar of spiders. Theme song composed and performed by Mike Myers. Than...

Episode 37 of Arizona Trails and Tales Rich focuses on the recent storms and the damage caused by the flooding. This episode explores some of the dangers and warnings of flash floods and how to be better prepared in areas prone to these events. This episode also encourages listeners to not let fear of hazards keep you from enjoying the beautiful outdoors during autumn in Arizona. Theme song compos...

This episode celebrates what would have been mom's 77 birthday. I am sharing some of her joys, passions, and experiences in Arizona and what I'm sure she would have loved if she were able to visit again. Arizona Trails and Tales theme song composed and performed by Mike Myers.

In episode 35 of Arizona Trails and Tales, Rich follows up on volume 1 podcast from July 1. In this episode Rich features some key learning tools, ways to effectively use birding apps and discusses some key etiquette rules while on a bird walk. This week's tales portion features Florence M. Bailey Naturalist and ornithologist. Theme song composed and performed by Mike Myers.

In episode 34 of Arizona Trails and Tales Rich discusses his attempt at reaching 9.11 miles in the White Tank Mountains today. This podcast recognizes the ultimate sacrifice of Pat Tillman and Pat's Run and Lori Piestewa and hiking Piestewa Peak. The tales portion shares the 9/11 memorial at Bolin Park in Phoenix. Arizona Trails and Tales theme song composed and performed by Mike Myers.

In episode 33 of Arizona Trails and Tales Rich features Margie's Cove Trail head and explores our roles as desert stewards. The documentary The American Southwest is discussed including a look at the saguaro cactus and the desert tortoise. For a little deeper contemplation the words of Wendall Berry and Bruce Berger are examined. The Tales portion closes with a 1969 write up from Arizona Highways....

Episode 32 of Arizona Trails and Tales features the Tribly Wash and an interview with Vlad on Airsoft in the area and the dynamics of that play in the desert. This episode also features an interview with Vlad on his first experience on a bird walk led by Ranger Eric in the Hassayampa River Preserve. The Tales portion closes with a  tribute to a great friend, guide, and birder Larry Joe Ford. Arizo...

In episode 31 of Arizona Trails and Tales Rich discusses the great birding opportunities at the Glendale Recharge Ponds. As the weather is changing the remainder of the episode explores key features of the weather, staying safe and closes with the review of the Labor Day Storm of 1970. Theme song (not on this recording) composed and performed by Mike Myers.

In episode 30 of Arizona Trails and Tales, Rich features the beauty of Prescott, Arizona. This episode explores the storied history of the area and features a trail, poem, dispersed camping lessons and the tale of Paulin Weaver "Prescott's First Citizen". Theme song composed and performed by Mike Myers. Special thanks to Dave Collins for the stickers!

In episode 29, of Arizona Trails and Tales, host Rich Fuhrmann discusses the Greater Roadrunner and Sweat bees found while out in Arizona. Also featured are some wise words from Marshall Trimble and keys to staying alive and smart in the desert by Charles Lehman.