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More Environment People and Places Wildlife Stories

Mated pair of Great Plains toads (Anaxyrus cognatus) in the floodplain of the Santa Cruz River.

The Desert Blooms in a Bountiful Monsoon.

Also on Arizona Spotlight: Why the music of the rock group Fanny is rocking a whole new generation!
Jackson's Chameleon

"The Zoologist's Guide to the Galaxy" - Are there universal laws of biology?

Also on Arizona Spotlight: The City of Tucson changes policy on recycling glass; taking a nature hike along Cienega Creek; and a reminder of the positive difference you can make in your own backyard.
In 1856, William Henry Perkin, an 18-year old chemistry student at the time, was trying to synthesize malaria drug, when accidentally developed a purple dye. This dye is believed to be one of the first steps of chemistry taking over the world.

What living in a world made from chemicals means for "The Sensitives".

Also on Arizona Spotlight: Jes Baker on making self-love a part of the pandemic; and a Summer 2020 insect update from "The King of Sting", Justin O. Schmidt.
Ryan Parker Knox (left) and Joseph McGrath performing "The Mark on the Wall" by Virginia Woolf in the AZPM radio studio.

Rogue Radio presents Virginia Woolf's "The Mark on the Wall"

Also on Arizona Spotlight: Tucson Samaritans' 18 year mission continues; and how the border wall endangers the future of the Sonoyta mud turtle.
John Waters tours each year to bring "A John Waters Christmas" to his fans.

Celebrate Christmas the John Waters way.

Also on Arizona Spotlight: "The 89-90 Trip" spends a day in Yellowstone National Park; and the legacy of ecologist Aldo Leopold.
A Sonoran Desert bee (genus Melissodes) identified by The Tucson Bee Collaborative, photographed by Bruce D. Taubert.

How to ID a Bee.

Also on Arizona Spotlight: A closer look at how Tucson neighborhoods voted in the last local election; The 89-90 Trip: Day Three begins in Panguitch, Utah; and "Tilly the Trickster" at the Live Theatre Workshop.
Archie is a big brown bat, and has been taken care of by Bob & Debbie Beucher since being rescued more than sixteen years ago.

It's always bat night at the Mission Garden.

Also on Arizona Spotlight: Climbing Mt. Lemmon in the bootprints of Sara Plummer Lemmon; and food writer Jane Stern's love affair with American diners.
A statue stands in front of the Holocaust History Center in Tucson.

"Never again, para nadie."

Also on Arizona Spotlight: New state law that may provide justice for greater numbers of Indigenous women and girls; A reaction to the Trump administration changing the Endangered Species Act; and a very short story from Aurelie Sheehan.
Two Gila Topminnows.

500 Gila Topminnows make a splash at The Mission Garden

Also on Arizona Spotlight: Author Kimi Eisele on "The Lightest Object in the Universe"; singer Natalie Douglas returns to Tucson with the songs of Nat King Cole; and "A Love Letter to the Library" about MegaMania.
Archie is a big brown bat, and has been taken care of by Bob & Debbie Beucher since being rescued more than sixteen years ago.

Bat night at the Mission Garden

Also: A new facility in Nogales, Sonora to help migrants following the Trump administration's "Remain in Mexico" policy; and strangers find common ground with "One Small Step".
Many poppies are blooming at Catalina State Park, providing interesting color and shadows in the area, March 4, 2019.

Wildflowers Show Off Their Colors Around Arizona

Fall and winter rains provided a necessary resource for brilliant blooms.
Radiant Gesture (2013) Joanna Frueh, photographed by Frances Murray, from "Unapologetic Beauty"

Discovering "Unapologetic Beauty"

Also on Arizona Spotlight: An artist finds her dream job in the wilderness; and, part 2 of a discussion on "The Insect Apocalypse".
Author, poet and regular NPR commentator Kwame Alexander.

Kwame Alexander's Love Affair with Words

Also on Arizona Spotlight: Charles J. Babbitt's new guide for birding in Arizona; and, what's happening to planet Earth's insects?
Photo By: Aliscella, age 10, Boys & Girls Clubs of Tucson.

Tucson Youth Put National Parks in Focus

Also on Arizona Spotlight: Visit the Center for Compassion Studies; NASA pioneer Dee O'Hara interview; Adiba Nelson talks "From Period to Postpartum"; holiday traditions old and new.
Sherri Williamson prepares to tag a hummingbird at San Pedro House in Cochise County. September 22, 2018

Playing Tag with Hummingbirds

Also on Arizona Spotlight: Luis Alberto Urrea on "The House of Broken Angels"; flutist Gary Stroutsos on playing music in sacred places; and Nancy Stanley on founding the stand-up comedy "Estrogen Hour".
A map of the Arizona Trail.

Hiking and Poetry on the Arizona National Scenic Trail

Author writes 43 passages on more than 800 miles

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