Ironwood Forest National Monument — a preserve of rugged landscapes, abundant wildlife and some of the longest living trees in the Sonoran Desert — lies just northwest of Tucson, but many area residents have never been there.
A “Meet the Monument” event on Saturday, Nov. 14, offers an introduction to the scenic site.
“Ironwood Forest National Monument represents pristine Sonoran Desert with hundreds of plant and wildlife species,” said Jim Avramis, a member of the board of the Friends of Ironwood Forest.
The group is organizing the free event, which will run from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m.
“Learning about the monument is best accomplished ‘up close and personal’ by coming out and experiencing it for yourself,” Avramis said.
Visitors will get a closeup look at ironwood trees, which can live up to 800 years — and even longer according to some estimates.
Bighorn sheep are among the wildlife species roaming the monument, and now and then people spot one or more of them.
Meet the Monument activities will include guided hikes, a desert photography walk and speakers on various topics.
