The learning never stops at Tohono Chul – discover this for yourself in our Classes, Lectures, & Workshops!
We’re all about connecting our members and visitors to the amazing world around us, offering them opportunities to make their own discoveries about the nature, art, and culture of our region. Read on for our latest listings of classes, lectures, and workshops designed to engage and delight!
Cancellation Policy
We reserve the right to cancel or postpone an event due to lack of enrollment or other unforeseen circumstances. A full refund will apply. If however, you cancel your registration in a class or lecture retailed at $15 or lower, there is no refund. If you cancel your registration within 2-weeks for a hands-on workshop, there is a full refund if your space can be filled.
Please contact Public Programs Manager, Vivianna Sanchez, with your questions about our classes, lectures, or workshops.
April 2024
Water Ways: Water, Land, & Life Forum
Thursday, April 25th | 6 – 8 pm | Garden Pavilion
FREE & OPEN TO THE PUBLIC
Join us for an enlightening panel discussion about the historical connections between native plants, water sustainability, communities, and pollinators. Botanist Carianne Funicelli will discuss native plants and a Tucson Water representative will share the history of where water comes from in Tucson. A representative from Tohono Chul will be on hand to present on the history of Tohono Chul. Don’t miss out on this enlightening event!
Water Ways: Water, Land, Life is a FREE educational forum event sponsored by the Unesco Chair in Environmental History in partnership with the Public History Collaborative at the University of Arizona.
Learn more about the panelists and reserve your spot at the link below.
Desert Impressions with Lyle Rayfield
Saturday, April 27th | 1:30 – 4:30 pm | Education Center – Classroom 1
If you love the Sonoran Desert, you’ll love capturing its beauty in silver metal clay using organic materials found in and around the Tucson area such as prickly pear and cholla skeletons and mesquite beans. Choose from an assortment of desert materials and create a pair of earrings, pendant, or charm. Lyle Rayfield will teach you to use a 2-part mix to capture the impression of your selected sample and recreate its shape in silver clay. You will also learn how a simple butane torch can fire your pieces, so that you can continue to use organic materials to make interesting jewelry at home without a kiln.
Microscopic particles of pure silver are combined with an organic binder to produce the clay-like substance known as silver metal clay. When fired at high temperatures, the binder burns off and the metal particles fuse into a solid piece of silver. No experience is necessary, and all skill levels are welcome. Demonstrations and instruction will cover how to properly roll, texture, shape, refine, fire, and finish metal clay creations. All materials are supplied; magnifying lenses (if needed) and an apron are optional.
Members | $125
General Public | $155
Tucson and Las Vegas: A Tale of Two Cities
Monday, April 29th | 10 – 11 am | Education Center Classroom 1
The Old Pueblo and Sin City have many interesting similarities in their history but obviously became distinctly different cities in the 20th century. Tucson and Las Vegas were on early maps because of available surface water and the surrounding oases that made them ideal stopping places for weary explorers and travelers: prehistoric and native peoples, Mormon settlers, a developing railroad town, and the promotion of a mild winter climate and tourism in the 20th century. The history of Las Vegas is explored in detail from the arrival of the railroad, to land auctions and Hoover Dam, to the Mob, and “Sin City.” Probably no city in the United States has reinvented itself as has Las Vegas. Local historian Ken Scoville takes a look at what these two towns have in common and what sets them apart; what turned the lights on and made Las Vegas the “City of the Night” while Tucson remained the “Old Pueblo,” with 360 days of sunshine a year.
Members | $10
General Public | $15
Yoga in the Gardens
Tuesday, April 30th | Performance Garden | 8:30 – 9:30 am
Outdoor yoga with Certified Yoga Teacher and Yoga Therapist, Mary Carhuff! All are welcome! Open your senses to an understanding of our connection to the earth. All are encouraged to practice at their own pace and modifications will be demonstrated. Please bring your own mat, water and dress in layers. Stroll the grounds or brunch in the Bistro afterwards and take in the beauty of the gardens.
Members | $10
General Public | $10 + Admission
Please pay CASH directly to the instructor.
May 2024
Native Foods Children’s Workshop with Coyote and Quail
Wednesday | May 1st | 1:30 – 3:00 pm | Children’s Garden
Nothing gets kids more excited than tasting, smelling, and seeing new things! Come to this workshop ready to try new foods and learn new things, because we will have real examples and tasters of native food sources in the Sonoran Desert. This workshop is suitable for all ages and flexible/welcoming for all different learning styles and neurodivergences.
Members | Free
General Public | Cost of Admission
Secrets of the Spotted Cats: Jaguars and Ocelots in the Southwest
Thursday, May 2nd | 1 – 2:30 pm | Education Center – Classroom 1
Deep in the shadows of the night, “el Tigre”, the jaguar, slips silently through the rugged terrain. They are almost never seen, but both jaguars and ocelots are captured on remote cameras that document their presence in southern Arizona (and now a new male jaguar has recently been photographed). Their mystery, beauty and power evoke a sense of awe in us, even if we only see them in a photograph. Although we readily recognize their images, these charismatic cats are secretive and elusive and we are still discovering more about their fascinating lifestyles and habits.
Join Pinau Merlin, previously the Outreach Coordinator for the US Fish and Wildlife Service/University of Arizona Jaguar Project, for an exciting look into the natural history, ecology and conservation issues of jaguars in Arizona and Sonora.
Members | $10
General Public | $15
Photo Credit: University of Arizona Jaguar and Ocelot Monitoring Team
Curiosity Talks: Caretakers of the Land – A Story of Farming & Community in San Xavier
Thursday, May 2nd | 5:30 – 7:30 pm | Wilson Room
Farming has always been the way of life for the Tohono O’odham community in San Xavier, located just south of Tucson. Their way of life depended on access to the land and to the water, namely the Santa Cruz River, which nourished agriculture in the area for generations. But a history of division sown through government land allotments and land development plans, coupled with the declining flow of the Santa Cruz, fractured community farming. How did the community come together to revitalize the land for future generations? What lessons can we learn from their story?
Join Dr. Jacelle Ramon-Sauberan for a program about land, water, and community in San Xavier.
Stick around after the presentation for drinks and conversation with fellow attendees!
This free program is made possible by Arizona Humanities.
Crepe Paper Crafts with Sandy Luna: Clair de Lune Peony
Friday, May 3rd | 10 – 1 pm | Education Center – Classroom 1
The Claire de Lune Peony is sweet but outrageous, with an abundance of bright orange anthers on top of a single white bloom. Sandy Luna from Luna’s Paper Designs LLC will teach you how to assemble one flower with pre-cut crepe paper and leaves. You will learn how to shape all the petals and leaves as well as color the petals, stems, and leaves with pastels to give the flower a realistic touch.
This is a one-day class, and all supplies are provided. You can bring snacks and drinks.
Members | $65
General Public | $80
Mosaic Mondays with David Jarvinen
Monday | May 6th | 10am – 3pm | Education Center – Classroom 1
Join mosaic artist David Jarvinen to whip up a charming mosaic bird feeder and woo some feathered pals to your garden! David will walk you through the art of working with glass tiles, helping you create stunning patterns and designs. The feeder even comes with a handy hanging system to elevate it for better bird watching. The class runs from 10 am to 3 pm, so pack yourself a brown bag lunch and a drink—there won’t be any official breaks. Just remember, the adhesive needs a solid 24 hours to set before you can start grouting, but no worries, we’ve got a complete grout kit ready for you once it’s dry. Come join us for a day of crafty fun!
Members | $95
General Public | $115
Bee Friendly: A Guide to Attracting Native Bees
Thursday, May 9th | 10 – 11:30 am | Education Center – Classroom 1
Discover the captivating world of native bees in our upcoming lecture, led by our resident bee expert, Vivianna Sanchez. Delve into the fascinating diversity of native bee species found throughout the Americas and learn how these vital pollinators contribute to our ecosystem. Gain insights into creating bee-friendly habitats by providing essential resources for nesting and foraging. Whether you’re a seasoned gardener or just beginning to cultivate your green space, this class offers valuable knowledge on maintaining thriving habitats that support native bee populations.
Members | $10
General Public | $15
TMA Art Talk: Let’s Meet in the Garden – Ten Artists Who Cultivated and Painted Gardens
Thursday, May 16th | 10 – 11 am | Education Center – Classroom 1
Throughout history, gardens have been a favorite subject of artists. Their artistic renderings are as varied as the gardens themselves and reveal much about each artist’s relationship with nature. This talk is presented by TMA docent Jaye-Lynn Trapp
TMA Members | Free
Tohono Chul Members | $5
General Public | $8
Why A Will Is Not Enough – Personal Finance Workshop
Saturday, May 18th | 9:00 – 11:00 am | Wilson Room | Free for Members & General Public
The ‘Why A Will Is Not Enough’ workshop is designed to help you understand the importance of estate planning and how it can protect your assets and provide peace of mind for you and your loved ones. Topics covered include creating a will, setting up a trust, designating power of attorney, and more. The workshop is suitable for those who are just starting to think about their estate plan and those who want to consider reviewing and updating their existing plan.
This free workshop is sponsored by the Planned Giving Roundtable of Southern Arizona & Mission Management & Trust Co.
What did we do before AC came to the Old Pueblo?
Monday, May 20th | 10 – 11 am | Education Center – Classroom 1
If you ever had your air conditioning break down in the summer, it is likely you thought, “How did people live here before at least evaporative cooling?” The pioneers had to develop the same strategies as all the other desert dwellers: endure, evade, and escape. A summer routine developed around staying inside during the heat of the day, cool water from your olla, and sleeping outside. There was a grudging acceptance that when May came up on the calendar, one needed to decide whether to stay or leave the Old Pueblo for the summer. Escape after the arrival of the railroad in 1880 was more a question of the necessary funds. Travel before the railroad was especially difficult given the physical hardship of the crossing and the ever-present possibility of an Apache ambush. Thanks to George Hand’s Saloon Diary, there is a first-hand (pun intended) account of the distinct way of life in the summer including his first encounter with ice cream in 1870s Tucson. Everyone had to come together to get through the summer while having some fun along the way.
Members | $10
General Public | $15
Foodways with Linda Wyner: Cacao
Tuesday, May 21st | 10 – 11 am | Education Center – Classroom 1
This month’s foodways series takes a deep dive into the world of cacao… chocolate! Indigenous to the Americas, cacao is enjoyed throughout the world and yet is threatened by climate change and geopolitical forces. Writer, lecturer and cooking instructor Linda Wyner will fill the hour with a wide-ranging discussion of this magnificent fruit.
Members | $10
General Public | $15