As the President of the Tubac Historical Society, (THS), Andrea Miritello, known fondly as Andi, does her magic to make our tiny town's EXTRAORDINARY history publicly accessible in a growing archive. The historical adobe building that houses the collection is a delight to visit, and on Luminari Night it is one of the coziest places to stop by and have a warm drink and cookies by the fireplace. 

Andi comes to THS not only with business experience and a keen innate sensibility, she also possesses a vibrant personality which serves to make everyone feel welcome and keep the volunteers engaged. Andi has helped create a non-profit that has many educational opportunities for academic researchers and for curious history buffs alike. 

INTERVIEW: SEPTEMBER  2024

QUESTION : Was the West somewhere you had ever dreamed of living or considered when you were growing up in Long Island, NY ? What brought you to Tubac and when did you move here ? 

I have dreamed of coming out West to Arizona since I visited my cousins up in the Phoenix area in 1989! I always had a love for nature and horses, and I thought this would be a beautiful place to live. At that time I made the choice to stay in NY due to my career and close family ties. When I retired in 2014 my wife Mary suggested that we visit Arizona to check out the idea of buying a place for the winter months. It did not take long for us to make Tubac our full time home. 

QUESTION: How did you happen to get involved with THS ? 

Mary and I were walking our dogs down Paseo Tumacacori when a neighbor stopped to talk with us. He mentioned that he volunteered for the THS and that they needed someone who was familiar with the computer program EXCEL to help with their membership list. I had been looking for volunteer opportunities and I love EXCEL (strange thing to say) so it seemed like a perfect fit. 

QUESTION : How did the THS begin ?

The Tubac Historical Society was started in 1967 when a group of Tubac citizens got together to save the 1885 Tubac School House. The county no longer needed it as a new, modern school (what is now the Tubac Community Center) had been built to serve the children of Tubac. Local citizens recognized the historical value of the schoolhouse, which had been in use until the early 1960s, and wanted to see it preserved. A fun fact is that there are still residents who live in Tubac today who attended school in the old schoolhouse!

QUESTION: THS has acquired a  beautiful historic building right across from the Tubac Presidio, please  tell me about its history.

This adobe building was built in 1914 by the Garrett family and was originally a general store. It served as a Border Control substation, military school and eventually a gallery. It was not, as our researchers have recently ascertained, a Customs House (we will be explaining that in the near future so watch for an announcement). The THS does not own the Historic Garrett Store! We are able to lease it because of the generosity of our landlord Steven Schmitz who recognizes the value of our organization.

QUESTION : What type of records  do you have archived at the THS and how do you share them with the Public?

The mission of the Tubac Historical Society is “To support research on the History of Tubac and the Santa Cruz River Valley, preserve that History and Share it with the Public”. We have a treasure trove of materials related to the history of Tubac. Our collection includes old photographs (some of which are currently on display in an exhibit at the Tubac Center of the Arts), oral histories recordings and their transcripts of local citizens talking about life in Tubac over the years, books, maps, newspaper articles, Tubac Arts Festival posters, original copies of the “Tubac Tortilla” a newsletter written by local artist Olga Leone documenting life in Tubac in the 1980s, and so much more. We categorize our collection on our website www.ths-tubac.org where researchers and people interested in the history of Tubac can browse our collection. 

Additionally, you will find our “online” exhibits including “Javelinas in Tubac” a video of the Javelina project sponsored by the Tubac Center of the Arts, “Covid 19 in Tubac” a video made at the beginning of the Covid 19 Pandemic, “Memories of Flooding Along the Santa Cruz River”, hear the voices of local people who lived through historic flooding of the Sanda Cruz river in Tubac. and 

“In A Believer's Cementery” pictures and poetry inspired by our local “Cementario”.

QUESTION : What events and learning opportunities do you offer at THS?

We offer our “Breakfast with History” lecture series, “Wednesday morning research labs” and “Tubac History on Thursday Afternoons with Dan Judkins”. For information on these events we ask that you visit our website. 

QUESTION: Do you have members and how much does it cost to be one?

The Tubac Historical Society would not exist without the support of our members. As a 501 (C) 3 corporation we generate the majority of our funding from memberships and donations. Memberships start at just $25.00 for individuals and $35.00 for families. To join or donate we ask people to visit our website. 

QUESTION:  What brings you the most satisfaction in your role as the President of the Tubac Historical Society?

I am deeply honored to have been entrusted with the role of President. We have a wonderful working board and a group of phenomenal volunteers. There are no paid employees. Our volunteers organize our events, host our history talks and research labs, cover our visiting hours at our headquarters, and create our exhibits. It is their enthusiasm and dedication that makes the THS the interesting and dynamic organization that it is. 

I invite readers of the Tubac Weekly to visit our headquarters at 6 Burruel Street to learn more about The Tubac Historical Society. 

We are open Wednesdays through Saturdays from October to April, 

and by appointment at any time of the year. I also encourage readers to visit our website to learn more about the history of The Tubac Historical Society and Tubac and why preserving our history is so important.As the President of the Tubac Historical Society, (THS), Andrea Miritello, known fondly as Andi, does her magic to make our tiny town's EXTRAORDINARY history publicly accessible in a growing archive. The historical adobe building that houses the collection is a delight to visit, and on Luminari Night it is one of the coziest places to stop by and have a warm drink and cookies by the fireplace. 

As the  new Museum & Park Director of the Tubac Presidio State Historic Park, Grace comes from a 4th Generation Arizonian Family and has Arizona history deep in her DNA. Grace earned her Masters Degree in Museum Studies from John Hopkins University and has worked in non-profits and Museums in Phoenix. As a museum educator and non-profit professional, she has accumulated years of hands-on experience in museums and is now busy creating exciting and innovative visitor experiences for the Tubac Presidio. 

Grace is appreciating the friendly people in Tubac and the warm welcome she has been given, and we in return appreciate Grace, who couldn't be named more aptly. 

INTERVIEW: APRIL 2024

QUESTION: How long have you been on the job now and what are you liking about it?

I've been in this role for almost four months now, and I'm loving it. I enjoy the opportunity to have creative freedom and think outside the box on how to approach the challenges at the Presidio. I'm also loving being surrounding by a community, volunteers, and staff who are supportive and passionate and come up with awesome ideas on how we can grow.

QUESTION: Where were you raised, and how did that area affect your perspective on life?

I was born and raised in Glendale, Arizona and the West Valley of Phoenix. I grew up in the same neighborhood, and for a few years in the same house, where my mother grew up. I think it's really special that I got to make childhood memories in the same place that my mom did. Our neighborhood could, unfortunately, be a bit rough sometimes. At one point, I went to a school where students were required to wear photo IDs around our necks, and we weren't allowed to have lockers or backpacks. Despite this, I had amazing teachers who were supportive and went above and beyond to serve their students. Because of where I grew up, I got to have deep connections with my family, an incredible appreciation for educators, and a passion for bringing resources to underserved communities. I'm proud of where I'm from, and being a steward of Arizona's history is my way of helping everyone love and celebrate their home.

QUESTION: What position did you have that best prepared you for the challenge of being the Executive Director of the Tubac Presidio State Park?

My most recent role really prepared me for the challenge of being the Executive Director. I worked at the Arizona Science Center in downtown Phoenix and managed their gallery education programs. It gave me experience leading a multifaceted team, opportunities to travel around the country to see other museums and learn from a wide range of museum professionals, and I got to take on challenges like strategic planning, budgeting, and developing a staffing plan to lay out a sustainable future for the department. Seeing the cascading impact of my time there continuing even months after I left made me feel confident that I could shape the future of the Tubac Presidio.

QUESTION: What were some highlights from your past positions ?

The highlight of every role I've been in has always been interactions with guests. I still have a note from a camper in the very first summer camp class that I taught, and I try my best to always hang on to notes, drawings, and other things I receive from the young guests I've worked with. They're great reminders that the work that I do, no matter how hard or stressful, has a positive impact on our future.

QUESTION: What are some of your accomplishments at the Tubac Presidio State Park in your first few months?

I've really enjoyed the opportunity to establish a program targeted at families with young kids, and get to interact with families from Tubac and even around the state. Also, I'm so proud of the growth that I've seen in our interns who are part of the new internship program that we started in February.

QUESTION: What challenges did you not expect?

Creative freedom is incredible, but it also means needing to recognize your own constraints. It was really tough the first few times I had to put a damper on my own creativity to acknowledge the constraints of my time and other resources.

QUESTION: Any ideas that you are working on implementing ?

I'm really excited about a lot of things that we have in the pipeline, but I'm probably most looking forward to trying a new strategy for the summertime. It's traditionally our slow season, so we're throwing around ideas for alternative hours, new kinds of programming, and ramping up the festivities for the opening of our new food heritage exhibit in late July. The food heritage exhibit in particular has been an amazing opportunity to partner with members of the Tohono O'odham community, engage our gardening volunteers, and get creative with how we approach exhibit design and bilignual labels in our museum. I can't wait for everyone to see it!

QUESTION? What would you say to a resident who has never come in to visit the Presidio?

I would say...do you like history? Do you like art? Do you like nature? There's something for everybody at the Presidio. We're not a dusty history museum full of boring stories, we're a place for folks to understand Tubac and how we all fit into its story. You are wanted and welcome here.

I would also say, what would you like to see from the Presidio? What would make you feel excited and welcome? The Presidio exists for you - we want to know what you want and need. Let's talk!

QUESTION: Can you tell a bit about the historical significance of the Tubac Presidio ?

The Tubac Presidio has a lot of superlatives - most significantly, we're Arizona's first State Park and the site of the first permanent European settlement in Arizona. But when you dive beneath the surface, you discover a part of our nation's history that so many people don't know. The same year that the Revolutionary War began to rage, the Anza Expedition left the Tubac Presidio to establish the mission and presidio in San Francisco. The events that led to this expedition, and everything that happened as a result, shaped the future of the southwest. The stories that happened here are foundational to our nation, and their impacts can still be seen and felt in the modern day.

QUESTION:What's your favorite or funniest story about the Presidio? 

Growing up in Phoenix, I could only ever dream of snow in the desert. Seeing big, fluffy snowflakes falling over our prickly Pears was so beautiful! My family visited that day, and the weather cleared enough for us to enjoy walking around my very first Tubac Festival after showing them the work that I'm so passionate about. It was an incredible day.

QUESTION: What's your favorite display or place at the Presidio ?

I love being out in the picnic area near the fence bordering the Anza Trail. Especially on quiet days, it's a great place to hear birds and feel connected with nature and history. It doesn't seem like a very historic place at first glance, but once you know what you're looking for, you'll see little hints of the past everywhere beneath your feet.

QUESTION: What surprised you (in a good way) the most at the Presidio that you didn't expect?

Honestly, everything about the Presidio has been a pleasant surprise. The hardworking volunteers, the years of hard work and dedication put into the exhibits and gardens, the wide base of knowledge, the connections to the community...I truly feel like I discovered a hidden treasure.

The talented Karin Topplng, Executive Director of Tubac Center of the Arts, does so much, and she does it so well.  Karin just keeps on innovating and has led TCA to be one of Arizona's best loved Community Art Centers.  I know the entire village of Tubac shares my admiration for her and the work she and the hard working TCA Staff has done in creating an exciting, inclusive and  comprehensive community art center.  We are very lucky she found her way here.

INTERVIEW  MARCH 2024

QUESTION:   Where were you raised, and how did that area affect your perspective on life?

I grew up in Southern California when there were still many orange groves and few freeways. Besides citrus, we grew berries, avocados, had walnut trees and numerous other fruit trees and vegetables.  I learned to take care of a flock of chickens, gathering eggs, watering, and cleaning cages. Instead of an allowance, I sold eggs to neighbors to earn money. I learned that every job requires hard work, but also has its rewards.

QUESTION; How did you come to live in Tubac? 

My parents had retired to Green Valley and needed help. My husband looked at all the surrounding areas – Vail, Tucson, and sections of Green Valley and he said, “I think you’ll like Tubac best”.  We moved from San Francisco to Tubac and have not looked back.

QUESTION;   What position did you have that best prepared you for the challenge of being the Executive Director of TCA? 

Director of Corporate Communications at a major corporation in San Francisco required many of the same writing, outreach, organizational and “people management” skills.

QUESTION;  How long have you been at TCA and what was the biggest challenge you had to work your way through?

I started as a part-time employee handling membership and volunteers in 2004. The largest challenge came when a capital campaign was launched to fund a much-needed expansion. This major project included adding the Master and Studio galleries, much needed storage space plus a shipping and packing room, a kitchen, and new public restrooms.

QUESTION:  What's the funniest thing that has happened at TCA? 

There have been many funny moments but one that made everyone chuckle is going out to open the center and finding someone had put a small pile of small rocks right under the large rabbit sculpture on the street level. We would remove this pile of rabbit pellets and they would be back again the next day.  We think we know who was responsible, but this culprit was never seen “in the act”.

Question: Can you tell me about the programs at TCA and what special events that you produce? What's your favorite?

In addition to beautiful exhibitions that change every 6-8 weeks during the season, we have a performing arts series, classes for adults at the Tubac School of Fine Arts (TSFA), a lecture series and numerous special events happening year-round.  My favorite is probably the Cowboy Christmas “Quick Draw” where artists have less than an hour to complete a work of art.  Those pieces are then auctioned to support our Hi Art program -an exhibition of artwork from high schools throughout the Santa Cruz Valley. This exhibition showcases the work of the next generation of artists.  One graduating senior receives a scholarship and six others received different monetary awards for their art plus 100% of any work sold.  

I also enjoy the summer concert which is usually held outdoors and is a “thank you” to the local community for their support of TCA throughout the year.

Question: Who designed the building, it fits in so well here.

The building was designed by architect, Harold Wilson, the building became the permanent home of Tubac Center of the Arts in 1972.

QUESTION:  I've  just came to realise it's only $45 to become a single member, what does that include and how many members do you have?

Membership for individuals is only $45 and hasn’t increased for almost a decade. It includes a 10% discount for any purchase in the Gift Shop, free or discounted admission to lectures, performing arts and other programs.  Members also receive invitations to all exhibition opening receptions and artist members receive all prospectuses, exhibition opportunities, listing on the TCA website and an opportunity to be in the annual Open Studio Tour plus discounts on entry fees for juried and invitational exhibitions.  We rely upon our over 500 members as a critical part of our annual support.

QUESTION:  Is there anything you want the Public to know about TCA that maybe they don't know? 

Admission to TCA is FREE.  We are a member supported nonprofit so there is also no sales tax on purchases of art from exhibitions or in the Gift Shop.  We rely heavily on volunteers for daily shifts in the Gift Shop and galleries as well as for many special events and various committees.  Come join us!

Question:  What's your favorite thing about Tubac?  

The amazing and wonderfully talented people who have chosen to live here and support TCA.  Art and history live here and it’s a “walking village” with unique shops and a “Starbuck Free” zone.

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To learn more about the Tubac Center for the Arts -or to sign up for membership please visit the website or drop by in person.

https://tubacarts.org

Clem Chute was President of The Santa Cruz Valley Citizens Council for the past three years and has recently retired, however,  he will still be influential as he has decided  to stay involved and serve on the Board.  Clem is an accomplished Environmental Lawyer and a  brilliant local Civic Leader.  He  has led the SCVCC with a deep conscientiousness about who Tubac Residents are and what they want and don't want to happen in Tubac.  We are all grateful and indebted to this outstanding Gentleman.

Interview, February 2024

Question:  Your speciality as an attorney is Environmental Law.  What were some accomplishments and challenges you experienced during your career?

I started practicing in the mid 1960s in California when there was no such thing as Environmental Law.  But, public concern over the environment was rising.  California was among the first states to enact environmental protection laws.  In 1969, the Legislature created a new agency to protect San Francisco Bay from being filled for commercial and housing projects.  I volunteered to be general counsel to that agency.  That was the start of my journey in this then new field of law.  In 1980, with two others, I formed our law firm with the purpose of doing environmental good whenever we could.  

Over the years, I was involved in lawsuits, legislation and negotiations which led to plans and regulations that protected San Francisco Bay, the California Coast and Lake Tahoe.  I also helped cities like Newport Beach, El Segundo and Alameda reduce the impact of airport noise and pollution.  

Our law firm usually represented the little guy fighting the powerful.  For example, for El Segundo to be successful in reducing the impact of LAX required us to take on major political forces and legions of lawyers.  I am very proud of our successes.

 Question: What is the most significant event in your life?

When I was in college, our fraternity serenaded a women's dorm when one of our members became "pinned" to a woman who lived in that dorm.  Both my roommate and I spotted the same girl during the event.  We both wanted to date her.  There was only one solution:  flip a coin.  I won!  That was the most significant event in my life because, as things turned out, she (Sharie) is my wife of 60 years.

Question;  The Santa Cruz Valley Citizens Council is celebrating its 40th anniversary.  You were President for the past three years and remain a member of the Board.  What is the value of the Citizens Council to Tubac, what have been its accomplishments and what are its challenges?

Tubac is not a city.  We are part of Santa Cruz County.  The County has many challenges.  We are not high on the list of County priorities.  The Citizens Council serves as the informal voice of Tubac.  We keep our members up to date on issues of concern and we advocate for Tubac when necessary.  

In the past, we have prevented a power line from being constructed through Tubac along the river.  We have prevented hundreds of homes from being built like cookie cutter subdivisions with no likeness to Tubac.  

Examples of our more recent activities include:

1. We opposed, along with Rio Rico residents, a proposed 3550 acre rezoning proposal which was vague, had hardly any public input and would have allowed harmful uses along the river.  Our opposition was part of the reason the proposal was withdrawn.  It will come back in some form so we will be vigilant.  This may be linked to the South 32 mining proposal.  More on that later.

2. The Tubac Fire Station needs replacing.  Controversy erupted several years ago when the then Board of the fire district proposed a very large replacement station at an undisclosed location.  We objected that decisions were being made without telling the public what was being proposed.  Specifically, we asked that any purchase of land for a new station be preceded by an appraisal and public discussion.  We also urged the Board to meet in Tubac (they were meeting in a small space in Rio Rico).  Due to opposition, the Board was unable to purchase land. With our continuing involvement, eventually the Board has decided on a smaller replacement station on the existing site at lower cost. They are now meeting in Tubac.  This is an example of where our continued involvement raising specific concerns has led to success for the community.

3. It is our sense that most Tubac residents want Tubac to be a dark skies community.  There had been a committee working on this.  It fell apart and no one was picking up the effort.  We discussed this with some of the folks who had previously been involved and helped create a new and vigorous Dark Skies Committee.  They are working, with our support, on a formal Dark Skies Designation and getting the County to adopt new stricter requirements for lighting.

4. The owners of 64 acres of land adjacent to the west frontage road just south of Exit 34 want to develop a combination of single family and town homes, 82 in total.  The Citizens Council did not find any significant support or opposition among our members so we were neutral on the basic proposal.  But, they proposed 24 acres of open space without enforceable restrictions.  We reached agreement with the owners on means of ensuring that the 24 acres will remain open space.  We believe this sets an important precedent for future development.  Also, they proposed design guidelines that would require structures consistent with Tubac's character.  Again, they were not enforceable and could have resulted in building homes out of character with the community.  We secured conditions on the County's approval that will ensure development on the property will be in character with the community. 

This is a sampling of the efforts of the Citizens Council.  But, there are serious challenges ahead.  Here are a couple:

1. The South 32 Mine project in Patagonia is massive.  There will be impacts on the Santa Cruz River watershed.  Of particular concern is a proposal for a manganese processing facility which the owners would like to have near I 19 and the railroad tracks in Santa Cruz County.  That means, potentially, a facility that would impact the Santa Cruz River which means it could impact us.  We will be following this and taking positions as necessary.

2. The County has authorized funds to construct a Tubac Entrance Park just south of the entrance to the Village.  This would be a significant benefit to the community.  However, the County designed the facility without community input.  The Citizens Council and others have raised concerns about the parking design, lack of restrooms and smaller design features.  We are waiting for the County response and want to work collaboratively with the County to get this facility built.

3. We created an Area Plan Committee about three years ago.  

Working with the County Community Development Director, it was recognized that Tubac needs a plan of its own which would guide development in a manner consistent with the character and values of Tubac.  The idea is that we can help prepare such a plan that would become enforceable as part of the County Comprehensive Plan.  To date, the committee has suggested that Tubac be known as the place where Art, History and Nature meet.  This is starting to catch on.  The committee has also submitted a package of policies and possible trail locations to make Tubac a walkable place.  This is a multi-year effort. 

Last Question:  What can people do to help preserve the character of Tubac?

The short answer is get involved.  There are organizations here that cover most anything people might find interesting.  The Citizens Council needs volunteers.  So do the other non-profit groups.  Find out what is "out there" and get to helping!

Most respected, certainly beloved, our ubiquitous local  Ranger Rick gives us some insight to how he got where he is,  what he has accomplished, and what he aspires to do in the future. Keep an eye out for his Nature walks, Mission Tours and History talks about town, as they are as entertaining as they are informative.

Interview January 2024

1.  Where were you born and raised,  

Memphis Tennesse until my father died on my 13th birthday.  Arizona was a chance to start out as a new person.  

2.  What memory stands out the most from your childhood that could have been a predictor that you would be a Ranger at a National Historical Park?
The Great Smokies made me fall in love with Parks. My father and I patrolled the park as soon as it opened and saw an abundance of wildlife. As for becoming a Park Ranger, I’d say it was volunteering. I ran the Law Enforcement/Backcountry Volunteer Patrol at Saguaro National Park for about 12 years. We assisted the Law Enforcement Rangers, searched and rescued people, dug outhouses, cleaned up a marijuana camp and did all kinds of hiking on the mountain. I created a running patrol and a bike patrol and our numbers were huge.  

3.What were some of your highlights from your past ?
I was on a major search for a lost woman and escorted a dog team down the mountain. In Search and Rescue I climbed on a helicopter doing a one-skid hover. I single handedly mule packed to the fire crew during the 1984 Mother’s Day fire and had to cross a rock scree that had swallowed the pack string during the 1944 fire, a very scary moment. I spent three years mule packing for Saguaro and the fire crew always took care of us. I once found a lost autistic boy and that was the best feeling I ever had.  

4. What are some of your accomplishments in Tubac with the Town &  Parks ?
Contributing to Tubac Presidio has been wonderful. It is the best park in Arizona. I don’t think State Parks recognizes how valuable it is, nor how much they owe the community and the board of directors who have kept it up. It's a jewel. The Tubac Historical Society, of which I am a board member, does more to keep Tubac honest and conscience of its rich cultural heritage than anything. The incredibly hard working crew deserves an award for holding such high standards and for dedication to the community.  

5. What plans are you most excited by that will be happening in Tubac?
I guess I’d just have to say the continuing work of the Tubac Historical Society. Plans are to find the first church. The first church is directly underneath St. Ann's and St Anns sits on the ruins. That is why St Ann's sits high. They buried people in the first church and they are still there. The  second Church was built where the street is, right in front of Dimity's. (Dimity Hammon, member of the Tubac Historical Society). It lasted only about 5 years. Also, we hope to find the Civil War surgeons quarters and other buildings that help put Tubac on the map.  

6.What subject most interests you that you have studied?
I was part of a team that brought the Chiricahua Apache back to Arizona as a tribe in 1986. It was the first time the tribe had returned to Arizona since Geronimo’s surrender. I also put together a 70-mile re-ride on the surrender route and met some incredible people. Studying Spanish Colonial history of Southern Arizona is fascinating. We know so little of the history of the 18th century. We don’t learn it so we don’t know it, but it's a kaleidoscope of people, of culture, of tools and even food. All of that is who we are today.  

Last question. What wish would you like to come true this new year?
Hah! Give me the energy to keep going !

Call the Mission Tumacacori National Park to find out when Ranger Rick is leading Tours. 520-377-5067 office

Jim Karp, the Founder of the Tubac Nature Center, has a long career in Ethical Land Management and Environmental Law, talks about his University of Syracuse teaching career, his commitment to protecting wild lands in crucial areas from development, and what is happening currently at the Tubac Nature Center.

Jim recently had a hero’s welcome back in NY State for the 50th Anniversary of the Central New York Land Trust Celebration. The Land Trust, that he spearheaded the creation of, is 3000 acres in central New York. In addition, he aided in the preservation of another 3000 acres of State owned land. It is still under protection as a result of his efforts and those that worked with him, including the student walk-a-thon that helped raise funds for the trust.

Interview 11-29-2023

1. What experience inspired the reverence for land that shines in your Tubac Nature Center's Journal writing?

I was born and raised in Eastern Pennsylvania, in a city called Easton. I had early experiences of fishing and hunting. There was a creek close to my house and me and my friends spent a lot of time there. Once we inappropriately stocked it with fish to go fishing in it. We would chase salamanders and crabs that we would find under rocks. I spent a lot of wonderful time there growing up.

2. Who Inspired you in your teaching and preservation work?

Aldo Leopold, has been my inspiration for a long time. He wrote the now classic book called A Sand County Almanac. It’s a prose book that reads like poetry. Very insightful man who died long before he should have. Aldo was America’s creator of Ethical Land Management, which Influenced how we manage public lands. It's a balanced approach to human needs and animal welfare. 

3.Tell us about your teaching career in Syracuse, NY.

I had started out teaching classes in law in 1966.  In 1972, I became the first professor to be teaching Environmental Law Land Use. It was the 70’s and Congress was in session working on these issues. I walked into a class with 70 students, including some faculty. And there I was, doing a class that had not been taught before, with a subject that was just becoming important… I guess I got through it alright.

4.  How did you get to live in Tubac Arizona ?

When I retired I wanted to get out of the snow country and we initially lived in Sahuarita for two years. We then came down here in 2005. It was perfect here given the Anza Trail, and the river and trails, it was a strong attraction for someone who had an interest in birds

5. Tell us a little about the Tubac Nature Center story. 

The Community Center room became available which inspired me to create a steering committee aimed at forming a nature center.  Susan Lindsay and Vicki Wolf did the art, along with Don Clemans who built all the panels on a volunteer basis. In February 2019 we opened the doors to the Tubac Nature Center. We started nature walks, lectures and also a children’s education program. Later we began the Hawk Watch Event.  During the covid pandemic I started writing the Journal with Michael Dunn.

6. What’s the big event of the year that is growing ?

We plan to expand the Hawk Watch. It started when I was seeing hawks flying overhead by my home and it came to be that we are in a major hawk migration area for many different species, with the star of the show the Common Black Hawk.  Tucson Audubon has participated  in this event as well.  Last year we had 2700 people attend at the Ron Morriss Park with 31 different States represented, and 5 different Countries.  We will have Scott Weidensaul, an internationally known writer who writes on bird migrations here this year. Also this year Hawk Watch International of Salt Lake City will be sending a paid watcher from February 15th to April 30th.  

7. Last question. We are all curious about what animals are making our woodlands their home?

Well this fall the mountain lions are staying down from the mountains and are getting food here, and there are more herds of deer down here as well. We have foxes, bobcats, rabbits, jack rabbits, coatimundi, skunks, opossums, squirrels, coyotes, raccoons, and javelina. Our area is internationally known for our beautiful birds and butterflies. 

Jim is a visionary who has put his strong will and intelligence to the noble pursuit of preserving wild lands for us and for wildlife. We are lucky to have Jim, Michael, and all the volunteers at The Tubac Nature Center.

Visit the The Nature Center Website to see all the events and Journals that they publish. There you sign up to volunteer, become a member and  make a donation :tubacnaturecenter.com 

Read Jim's Preserve Plan in the below link.