Danson is the popular star of “Cheers” and “CSI”, and is labeled a “conservation advocate” as well. He will also be at the Tucson Festival of Books on March 9 (that same day at 11:30 a.m. and 12:45 p.m.):

Ted Danson and Eric Penner Haury: “Generations of Stewardship, Parks and the West”
When: Saturday 11:30 AM – 12:30 PM
Where: Student Union – South Ballroom
Genre: Current Events/Culture
Authors
Ted Danson
Eric Penner Haury
Moderator James Cook

Ted Danson and Eric Penner Haury: “Generations of Stewardship, Parks and the West”
When: Saturday 12:45 PM – 1:45 PM
Where: Western National Parks Association: National Parks Pavilion
Booth location: Parks Pavilion – South Mall
Genre: Biography/Memoir

About Western National Parks Association:
Western National Parks Association (WNPA), a nonprofit 501(c)(3) education partner of the National Park Service since 1938, is affiliated with 66 national parks in 12 states. The primary and most visible expression of WNPA’s mission is our operation of national park stores in park visitor centers. Each store is unique, offering products that provide visitors tangible and enduring connections to a park’s individual themes like the majestic scenery, biodiversity, and fascinating natural or cultural history. For more information, visit www.wnpa.org.

KUAT Channel 6 AZ Illustrated had an interview tonight to promote National Park Week, when all 379 national parks & monuments in the U.S. are free. Click here for the show.

This is a great opportunity to take yourself and/or your kids to these parks/monuments in Southern Arizona:

Saguaro National Park East, 3693 S. Old Spanish Trail, Tucson, AZ
Saguaro National Park West, 2700 N. Kinney Road, Tucson, AZ
Casa Grande Ruins National Monument, in Coolidge, AZ
Tumacacori National Historical Park, 1891 N. Frontage Road, Tumacacori, AZ
Chiricahua National Monument, near Wilcox, AZ
Organ Pipe Cactus National Monument (four miles west of Why, AZ)

I’ve been to all of these national parks and have enjoyed the amazing wonders of nature, and the historic settlements by Native Americans and Spanish settlers.

And if you’re reading this from outside of Southern Arizona, or Arizona, go online to the National Park Service webpage & click on a state to locate other parks. You can locate a national park by clicking on the map of all the states, or by name, location, activity, or topic. Arizona alone has 22 national parks, with the Grand Canyon National Park being one of the most well-known.

www.nps.gov/sagu , 520-733-8602 Saguaro National Park – Tucson Mt. District (west), 2700 N. Kinney Rd. at the Red Hills Visitor Center

Friday October 21 and Saturday October 22, 9 to 4 p.m. daily

free admission, free shuttle from Old Tucson Studios (free parking)

Saguaro National Park is proud to be hosting the next National Park Service / National Geographic BioBlitz in October 2011! This two-day celebration of biodiversity centers on a 24-hour race to count species. Teams of experts and public volunteers will explore the park’s mountains, valleys, cactus forests, and tinajas to identify as many species as possble.

Goals for the BioBlitz

Count, map, and learn about the park’s diverse organisms, ranging from microscopic bacteria to migrating birds, elusive mountain lions, and 200 year-old cacti.

Get scientists, kids, and YOU working together in the field, doing science in the Sonoran Desert ecosystem.

Add to the park’s official species list.

Create an opportunity for the Tucson community to join Saguaro National Park in protecting and better understanding this special place.

The Biodiversity Festival (celebrating Biodiversity & Sustainability) will feature science & conservation booths, animal demonstrations, art, music, speakers, fun for all ages. Everyone is invited to participate.