In the spring of 2009 and again in 2010, we arranged a trip to the Vermilion Cliffs in Marble Canyon to spend time with a biologist from the Peregrine Fund to get an up close and personal glimpse of the free flying California Condors, an Arizona Heritage Fund project.
In spring 2010, we were invited by the Director of the Arizona Lottery to assist with the reauthorization of the Lottery at the Legislature. We also worked with the League of Arizona Cities and Towns in this endeavor.
Also in 2010, in collaboration with the film’s producers, we organized screenings of the documentary, Postcards From The Parks, in Flagstaff, Tempe and Tucson. The film’s goal is to spread the word about the challenges of our State Parks, and to encourage other Arizonans who care about history, our natural treasures, and the outdoors to get involved. After the film’s viewing at these three a facilitated discussion and question and answer period will be was led by Vincent Murray, a historian with Arizona Historical Research, in cooperation with the filmmakers and other parks advocates. An invitation to all local elected officials was made to these events. They were free and open to the public.
We also arranged to have the film shown at the 2010 Arizona Preservation Foundation Conference in Flagstaff; the 2010 Arizona Highways Travel Show in Phoenix and the 2010 Arizona Parks and Recreation Association Conference in Paradise Valley.
In 2011, we were instrumental in getting the strike-everything amendment, HB2425 – Heritage Fund; Reinstatement, introduced in the House of Representatives. This Bill would put the State Parks Heritage Fund back into statute. The Bill passed unanimously out of the Agriculture & Water Committee.
We continue to expand partnerships with historic preservation groups, Arizona League of Cities and Towns and other appropriate organizations.