The Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum and International Student Study Abroad are two excellent learning resources for students studying the American Indian culture and history. The Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum houses more than one hundred different species of desert plants, over one hundred fifty different desert birds, fifty different species of mammals, over forty different types of insects, fifty different types of amphibians, fifty varieties of reptiles, and several hundred migratory birds. In addition, the Museum has numerous displays of art, decorative antiques, period paintings, native objects, metalworking, pottery, and woodworking. There is also a historic ranch house that provides an interpretive environment for the Museum visitors.
The Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum and International Student Study Abroad is the only desert museum in Arizona. It is located west of Tucson, Arizona. It features the world’s largest collection of mineral specimens, including dinosaur bones, which have been preserved without their skull. The museum has exhibits on the flora and fauna of Arizona, exhibits on the history of Arizona, local color traditions, and a one-of-a-kind collection of authentic antiques and mining artifacts.
The Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum and International Student Study Abroad both share a mission to preserve and promote the desert cultural economy, and cultural heritage of Arizona. Through their conservation programs and art education activities, they seek to improve the health and prosperity of this expansive desert region. In order to preserve the region’s fragile eco-system, they work in partnership with tribal, government, academic and non-profit groups, all working towards conserving our precious water, land, and atmosphere. In order to strengthen their community and promote economic development in the area, they work with the Arizona Development Authority, cities and counties, as well as educational institutions and partners. Through a continual effort to develop new partnerships, these museums and art classes have also worked with businesses and industry to support the economic sustainability and environmental responsibility of the region.
The Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum and International Student Study Abroad work with a broad range of partners in order to advance their mission. Through their education programs, they create awareness and understanding of cultural and biological diversity of the Sonoran Desert. Through their joint research programs, they strive to enhance scientific knowledge, community relationships, and development in ecological areas. Through conservatories and research facilities, they provide an environment that fosters sustainability.
Visitors to the Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum and International Student Study Abroad are encouraged to learn about the spectacular Sonoran desert landscape through informative exhibits and informative programs. Throughout the year, they offer programs that introduce visitors to the fascinating Sonoran desert landscape and explain why it is important to conserve this natural treasure. In addition, the zoo offers educational programs on education, wildlife, history, science, and travel. Several events, such as a special planetarium event and the “King Cactus Walk”, are available to educate visitors.
The Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum and International Student Study Abroad also features the Sonora Botanical Garden, a two-acre natural history museum that offers visitors a glimpse into the life and times of the Arizona desert. Located on 33 acres, the museum educates visitors about botany, history, geology, archeology, environmental science, and ecology. It strives to foster knowledge transfer among its diverse audience, which includes students, teachers, professionals, researchers, and museum guests.
A highlight of the museum is its interactive “Sonoran Ark Experience”. Located on the grounds is a large collection of live desert animals such as reptiles, amphibians, mammals, birds, and even fish. There are numerous interactive exhibits, including an eight-foot alligator. The experience includes interaction with these animals as well as a chance to feed them. Other activities include a chance to drive a truck down the dry desert soil, learn about ark hunting, search for live animals with a binoculars, or walk among the desert flowers and plants. In addition, the Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum and IUSD exhibit resident animals from throughout Mexico and the southwest.
Tucson’s Warden aquarium is another exciting option for travelers interested in learning more about the wonders of the arizona desert. Established in 1947, the Warden has been a leader in community-based, conservation science projects and serves as a repository for rare species. The Warden aquarium offers a four-month monthslong summer residency program for Cairns residents, including self-guided tours at the facility and conservation activities including scientific presentations and hands-on ocean aquarium experiences. Located within walking distance to the Tucson airport and the metropolitan area, the Warden has proven to be an excellent location for a desert safari as well as a great place to visit for a family vacation.
