Celebrate 200 Years At Canoa Ranch By Learning Its History

PIMA COUNTY — Celebrate the 200th anniversary of the San Ignacio de la Canoa Land Grant that helped to create Historic Canoa Ranch by learning more about the area's history in a new lecture series.

Registration for the series began Dec. 15 and the series starts Jan. 11, according to a news release from Pima County.

"The series focuses on how humans have lived in the greater Canoa Ranch area over thousands of years, with topics ranging from what life was like on the ranch in the 1920s to the gradual disappearance of the Ópatas from the region," Pima County said in the news release.

Speakers during the series will include local archeologists, cultural historians and other experts.

"We're pleased to offer this exciting series, which will bring the rich history of Canoa Ranch and Southern Arizona to life," said Julie Strom, environmental education program manager at Pima County Natural Resources, Parks and Recreation, in the news release.

Seating is limited so registering as soon as possible is recommended. To find the events, type "lecture" into the search box. The cost for each lecture is $5 per person.

John Attardi, a veteran interpretive guide at the ranch, came up with the idea for the lecture series. He and other volunteers at the ranch put together a proclamation recognizing the anniversary, which was adopted by the Pima County Board of Supervisors on Dec. 7.

"What better venue for this lecture cycle than the historic headquarters at Canoa Ranch?" Attardi said in the news release. "This site became the social and economic center of the Santa Cruz River Valley, and now shares its history through educational programs and tours."
The San Ignacio de la Canoa Land Grant 200th Anniversary Commemorative Lecture Series runs from Jan. 11 to April 16. All lectures begin at 10 a.m. at the Howell Manning Jr. House at Canoa Ranch, at 5375 S. I-19 Frontage Road in Green Valley. Masks are required for all indoor events.