Want to know more abut mountain biking or 4x4 trails, camping, or hiking? How about wildlife or wildflower viewing, ghost towns, or scenic backcountry by-ways?
The Bureau of Land Management and the non-profit Public Lands Interpretive Association have teamed to open a "one-stop shopping" resource center for information on all of Arizona's public lands.
The Public Lands Information Center provides information about national parks, national forests, national wildlife refuges, Arizona State Parks, Arizona Game and Fist Department, and other public land agencies. The facility carries a full line of maps, books, guidebooks, and free brochures on such subjects as trails, camping, birding, backpacking, and more.
Public Lands Information Center hours are 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday. Mail orders can be sent to the Center at 222 N. Central Avenue, Suite 101, Phoenix 85004, 602-417-9300. Email: azplia@az.blm.gov.
CIVIL WAR IN ARIZONA
Not everyone knows the extent of action that took place in the West during the Civil War. A delightful and educational way to get an up-close look at the Civil War of the Southwest is by attending the Picacho Peak State Park event on March 13-14.
Arizona State Parks sponsors numerous re-enactments of history through its 25-park system. This family event features three different Civil War battles which took place in Arizona and New Mexico. It's a living history lesson in desert battle.
The clothing, camp lifestyle, food, and stories told by the soldiers in the southwest during the 1860s make this event even more intriguing. More than 150 re-enactors actually camp at Picacho Peak State Park and enthusiastically portray life as it was. Spectators are welcome to tour the recreated military camps and observe demonstrations and exhibits of Civil War memorabilia, candle making, laundering, sewing, cooking, and fashion of the era.
Cost for the event is $5 per vehicle. Picacho Peak State Park is located one hour south of Phoenix or ½ hour north of Tucson, on Interstate 10 (exit 219). 602-542-1996.
