Tucson Weekly: Listings: Outdoors (August 14

OUTDOORS
CATALINA CLIMB. The Forest Service Volunteers offer free guided hikes in the Santa Catalina Mountains at 9:30 a.m. Fridays, throughout August. On August 22 meet at the Marshall Gulch Picnic Area for a four-mile hike to the Aspen Loop. Wear hiking boots or comfortable footwear, bring 1 to 2 quarts of water, a snack or bag lunch, and sunscreen. Temperatures are usually 20 degrees cooler than in Tucson. Hikers under 18 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian. Call 881-1309 for information.
DESERT ARCHAEOLOGY TOURS. The Center for Desert Archaeology offers whole- and half-day tours of local archaeological treasures, including: the Romero Ruin Tour, a look at the remnants of the four great cultures that once inhabited the Catalina State Park area; the Rock Art Tour, an in-depth look offering hikers a chance to visit petroglyph sites near Tucson; and the Downtown Tucson Tour, featuring more than 30 centuries of history. Half- and full-day tours are available for individuals and groups. Wear long-sleeved clothing and a hat, and make sure you've got sturdy shoes with ankle support and good traction. Water is provided. Call 885-6283 for information.
Listings DIG IT. Old Pueblo Archaeology Center, a nonprofit corporation, offers public archaeological field school sessions at the Sabino Canyon Ruin, home of Hohokam Indians 650 to 1,000 years ago. The field school features instruction in archaeological excavation techniques, artifact recovery and care, interpretation of ancient cultures, and archaeological ethics. Lunch is provided. Cost is $69 per eight-hour day, with reduced rates for groups and multiple day sign-ups. Reservations are required 24 hours in advance. Archaeologist-guided tours of the ruin are also available. Call 798-1201 for reservations and information.
PROYECTO TORTUGA. The Coastal Conservation Foundation of Tucson offers a field study program in sea turtle restoration continuing through September. The program, Proyecto Tortuga, is located in Nayarit, Mexico. Participants will patrol beaches nightly to aid in the protection of the endangered Olive Ridley Sea Turtle, and have the opportunity to help with local environmental education classes and biodiversity studies. Contact the CCF at P.O. Box 2083, Tucson, AZ 85702, for information.
TOHONO CHUL PARK. 7366 N. Paseo del Norte. 742-6455. Look for the Birds of Tohono Chul, with this docent-led birdwatching tour at 7 a.m. Wednesday and Saturday. Walk in the Park tours are offered at 8 a.m. Tuesday and Saturday. Art in the Park tours, docent-guided looks at gallery exhibits, are at 11 a.m. Thursday and Sunday. The park offers additional guided tours for your enjoyment. On Saturday, August 16, take a Xeriscape Landscape Tour at 9 a.m. This tour provides visitors with an overview of the principles and types of plants used in xeriscape design. A drip irrigation demonstration will follow. Call ahead to reserve a space. Grounds are open from 7 a.m. to sunset daily. Exhibit hours are 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Saturday, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday. Admission is $2. Call 742-6455 for park information and daily events schedule.