August 7, 2015: In This Issue
UPCOMING EVENTS & PROGRAMS
August 8 - Conservation & Comedy Night: The Joke's on Us!
August 22 - Mesquite & Tepary Bean Cooking
August 22 - Science Rocks!
& Teacher Appreciation Night 
August 29 - Full "Blue Moon" Festival
September 5 - Fiesta de Fin de Verano (End of Summer Party)
 September 19 - Opening Reception "Measuring the Fate of the Amazon Rainforests" Exhibit; Ironwood Gallery
September 26 - Annual Plant Sale: Member Pre-Sale
September 27 - Annual Plant Sale
October 24 & 25 - Natural History of the Sonoran Desert

GIVE US YOUR BEST SHOT
Desert Museum Photo Contest
Photo courtesy Ian Collier

The Desert Museum Art Institute Photography Contest has begun! Three categories include: 1) Basic-Point & shoot, camera phones, etc.; 2) Advanced-Cameras with interchangeable lenses; and 3) Insta-gram. Three entries per person in any combination of categories. Do your photos need a little help? Images enhanced by Photoshop and other editing programs are accepted. Contest closes August 25. Check our website for full contest rules. 
FROM THE EARTH TO THE STARS
Conservation & Comedy; Astronomy Night
Photo courtesy NOAO

Tomorrow night's Cool Summer Night uses comedy to do some serious conservation education.  Working interactively with the audience, Tucson Improv will have you laughing and learning. On August 15, Astronomy Night brings heavenly bodies into focus with big telescopes from the National Optical Astronomy Observatory (NOAO). Learn how astronomers study our solar system and far away galaxies.  Kids' activities are abundant at each Cool Summer Night event. Hours: 5 - 10 p.m.

PAST, PRESENT & FUTURE
Learn the Natural History of the Sonoran Desert 
Photo courtesy Rhonda Spencer

Discover the Sonoran Desert's natural history with an in-depth two-day course. Explore the Sonoran Desert region's ecology, climate, animals, botany, geology, and more. Learn about challenges to the desert's balance such as protecting endangered species in the face of climate change and water availability, and fighting the effects of invasive species. On the second day, enjoy a botany hike in the crisp October air.

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SCIENTIFIC DISCOVERIES
Science Rocks! & Teacher Appreciation Night
Photo courtesy Jeffrey Scovil

 On August 22, sharpen your science skills for school by learning about biology, geology, and astronomy. Rock on with mineral and rock activities. Learn about biomimicry, a problem-solving method using designs inspired by nature. It's also Teacher Appreciation Night, and in recognition of their important work, teachers are admitted free. The Museum's Education department and community partners will share educational materials and program information. This Cool Summer Night event runs from 5 - 10 p.m.

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