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“Helping Hands for America’s Lands.” - Volunteers in action at Sabino Canyon planting trees and enhancing native habitats on National Public Lands Day.

CELEBRATING NAT’LPUBLIC LANDS DAY

On September 24, 2011, in recognition of this year’s National Public Lands Day, Friends of Sabino Canyon board members and volunteers teamed up with our Forest Service partners to plant native trees and wildflowers in two areas that had been cleared of unsightly slump block retaining walls. Also, the Friends of Sabino Canyon board gave a donation supporting the educational programs and efforts of the Sabino Canyon Volunteer Naturalists.

Bob Porter at the“ Save Our Sabino”

community event in 2007.

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Fellow Board member Bill Kaufmanconsidered Bob a dear friend whose positive attitude in all things was 120 percent.

From Bob’s vast knowledge of all things Sabino Canyon to his heart warming and witty stories, Bill said, “Bob will be greatly missed.”

FOSC Treasurer Tracey Rowley said, “Bob could always be counted on to give wise and knowledgeable advice about anything related to FOSC and the canyon itself, which I believe he knew like the back of his hand.”

IN MEMORIAMKEITH BAUMAN (1935-2011)

IN MEMORIAMRobert PORTER (1922-2011)

Board Member Robert Robinson Porter (1922–2011) (known as “Bob”) was a scholar, naturalist, and a founding member of FOSC with continuous service since its inception in 1993. Bob’s commitment to Sabino Canyon spanned 24 years, serving as a docent with the Sabino Canyon Volunteer Naturalists. On any given day, Bob could be found in his beloved Sabino Canyon—leading hikes, educating the public, entertaining school children, identifying plants and animals, and always enjoying the natural beauty of the canyon.

According to fellow board member Phil Bentley, Bob’s love of the Sonoran Desert began a very long time ago. When he was a youngster, Bob came often with his family to Tucson from Wilmington, Delaware, where Bob was raised. He spent much of his career as the Dean of Davenport College at Yale University, and at least one U.S. President had the distinct privilege of including Bob on his resume!

Board President Dave Bushell expressed his sincere

admiration of both Bob Porter and Keith Bauman:

“Bob and Keith served our community and the Friends

board well. They were the sort of men who, in order to have lives that are complete, gave

of themselves. This nation was founded on the backbone and

muster that both Bob and Keith possessed. Exemplary

volunteers like Bob and Keith set this nation above

all others.”

Keith Bauman at MUSIC IN THE CANYON 2004 (article appeared in the ARIZONA DAILY STAR)

Ask About

“Our Wall of Friends” or

“Legacy Tile” Program Visitors to Sabino Canyon can sponsor a commemorative tile with contributions at certain levels. Pay tribute to a family, com-memorate a loved one, or offer the unique gift of public placement in a plaza that receives more than a million visitors a year. People who love and support Sabino Canyon—walkers, runners, bikers, hikers, tourists, families, neighbors, major donors, and businesses—have participated in this FOSC program. Custom designed tile displays are in the main plaza near the Visitors Center. Pick up a Donor Recognition brochure at the Visitors Center. Information is also available at the FOSC website at sabinocanyon.org or you may wish to email: friends@sabinocanyon.org.

Board member Keith Bauman (1935-2011) moved in 1992 with his wife Joanne to Tucson, where they enjoyed full and active lives. Keith loved the mountains, and he spent many years hiking in the Santa Catalinas.

Joanne said, “Keith loved Sabino Canyon as much as life itself.”

“No one was more positive and upbeat than Keith,” said Tracey Rowley, “He always brought a smile, a hug, and a compliment to every person he met and interacted with. He could be counted on not just to show up but to volunteer for events and truly to be the life of the party.”

Keith Bauman last March at MUSIC IN THE CANYON.

MAKE YOUR TAX-DEDUCTIBLE

DONATION BY DEC 31

Join FRIENDS OF SABINO CANYON! Help preserve Tucson’s desert oasis.

FROM THE PRESIDENT’S MESSY DESK

There is something about autumn that moves me, the wilderness calls and I hear her clearly. A challenge awaits me from beyond what I can see, and this year would be no different. My father has been losing his battle with cancer and I have gone to be with him and my mother in the White Mountains of Arizona. He has chosen his porch. Their home is in a residential area surrounded by a juniper tree forest at the six thousand foot in elevation mark. We spend much of our time on the porch sitting where the hummingbird feeder is a magnet for our enter-

tainment. The little dive-bombers are all over the place, staking their claim, zinging from here to there. I keep my sunglasses on as some safety precau-tions seem warranted.

In Tucson, the number of vultures is declining and the White Wing Doves were departing in late August for their migration south. In the early morn-ing hours in the White Mountains, my coffee cup in hand, I listen—off in the distance—a bugling bull elk. I tell my dad about this when he awoke, and it made him happy to think that I could hear elk from his home. Not far away and to the north is a lake, and with my cup, I eavesdrop on their ritual of the rut as they depart from water. Bulls are screaming at each other, separating the herd and heading to their own mating grounds. It was as though I was there watching their bold display. The sound of the coyotes at night stayed steady, but the V-formation of the Canadian geese flying south was a sure sign that time is marching on. And so it would do so without my father.

So what’s your point, David? Bear with me; I’ll get to it eventually.

The drive home is filled with wonder: The high country, The Salt River Canyon and then Tucson. After some time, I am back in another place I love to be, the place that you and I support and nurture together, The Canyon. I start my hike with little expectation, being so sedentary for so long. This will be short and slow, and I will do what I can with this hour. I pass the lower Bear Canyon creek and note the return of the fish and water that flows nicely, and the rest of the trail, a fog. I begin to eavesdrop on myself, on my experiences, and when I slip from it for a moment, I find I am on the high peak of Blackets Ridge. Go figure! Look at this place! Effortlessly, my mind over rode every-thing else—and like the elk—I did not have to be there to partake, and when I partook, I wasn’t here, I just feel good, and continue to eavesdrop.

We are of nature, whether we choose to admit or not, she wins in the end. The big blue ball keeps spinning, but we can enjoy her for now. Our capabili-ties are endless if we bring them forth, amazing we are, each and every one.

Tally our good points and build on them, and do the same for those we love, get outside even if it is only the porch, tranquility, simplicity, be.

Dave Bushell, FOSC President Friends of Sabino Canyon

MEMBERSHIP FORMMail this form along with your contribution to:

FRIENDS OF SABINO CANYON • P.O. Box 31265 • Tucson, AZ 85751All donations are tax deductible to the extent allowed by law. (Please print.)

Name(s): _______________________________________________________

Street Address: __________________________________________________

City: ___________________________ State: ________ Zip: _____________

Phone: _________________________ E-mail _________________________Enclosed is my tax deductible gift to Friends of Sabino Canyon - a 501(c)3 charitable organization: $1000* $500* $300* $100 $50 $25 Other ______

PAYMENT INFO: Please make checks payable to: FRIENDS OF SABINO CANYON. VISA MasterCard

Credit Card # _______________________________________ Exp. Date_______

Name (on card): _____________________________________________________

Signature: ___________________________________________________________* FOR SPECIAL GIFTS OF $300 & ABOVE. (Please print legibly.)

BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Dave Bushell PRESIDENT

Jude McCarthy VICE PRESIDENT

Fred Blatt SECRETARY

Tracey Rowley TREASURER

Phil Bentley

Terry DeWaldLaura Dozor

Esther HollowayDan GrangerMark LindseyBill Kaufman

Christina Mahar

EXECUTIVE DIRECTORLisa Stark

FOREST SERVICE

R. Stan HelinDISTRICT RANGER

Larry PrattURBAN DEVELOPED

RECREATION

GUEST COLUMN - NOTES FROM SCVN

Dear Friends of Sabino Canyon,

The Sabino Canyon Volunteer Naturalists (SCVN) has been more than a little busy since May when I was elected President. In May, we lost Bob Porter, a long-time Friends Board member and a stalwart of the Naturalists. Our memorial service at the Cactus Ramada in Sabino was well attended and very moving.

This summer’s dry spell was one of the worst in recent memory. The U.S. Forest Service superintendent recommended that Sabino Canyon and the Catalinas be completely closed for the safety of both the public and the public lands. With strong volunteer assistance throughout June and early July, the canyon road remained open and safe for all the exercisers.

More than thirty members of SCVN participated in the national Bioblitz held at Saguaro National Park on October 21-22. SCVN Naturalists participated active-ly in the species counts, leading some of the counts and assisting in others. The SCVN booth at Bioblitz Central in Saguaro West featured our “Now You See It” camouflage activity and our Sonoran Critters Puppet Show and more.

Our fall activities have begun with public and private schools bringing children to Sabino for our school programs. On behalf of the children we are serving, we thank the Friends of Sabino Canyon for their financial support for the bus costs. SCVN hikes and bird walks are well attended. Our new class of naturalists-in-training has just reached the halfway point in their studies. I’m looking forward to a wonderful fall and winter season. Dan Granger, SCVN President

THANK YOU MAJOR DONORS

The Milton and Tamar Maltz Family Foundation

Julie Konigsberg and Howard Waldstein

The Ashton Family Fund

The KVL and FNL Fund of theChicago Community Trust

Linda Calkins

Steven Outridge

George Anast

Arthur W. Hill Foundation

Aveda La Encantada

Aveda Park Place

Genesis Golf Club

Jarold and Priscilla Anderson -- The Sabino Canyon Lovin’ Andersons

Karla Ofenstein

David Beddome

Jill Ives

William Kabai

Renee and David Schwartz

Generous tribute donations have been made on behalf of:

Dorothy August and Mark Duke

Chloe Ella Morris, 2010

Happy 140th Birthday Paddy & Ed

Carol & Michael Parker

Generous donations have been made in the memory of:

Greg AndeloraHis spirit is free; his love continues

Geary Rummler from Friends at ISPI (International Society for Performance

Improvement)

Bo Ohlström

Leslie Werry Cochran

Robert Wystrach

Gertrude Goldberg

Alan Thivierge

Jerry Wentz

Florence and Duffy Vigaretti

In Fondest Memory of two of our longest serving and most dedicated

board members:

Keith Bauman

Bob Porter