Lecture series highlights long history of Canoa Ranch area

PIMA COUNTY, ARIZONA — Registration opens today for a lecture series that will honor the 200th anniversary of the San Ignacio de la Canoa Land Grant, the 1821 grant that helped to create Historic Canoa Ranch.

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. The lecturers include local archeologists, cultural historians, and other experts on the area.

“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 (NRPR).

Strom said that seating is limited, so she recommends registering as soon as possible.

The idea for commemorating the 200^th anniversary of the grant came from John Attardi, a veteran interpretive guide at the ranch. He and other volunteers at Historic Canoa Ranch also developed 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. “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 begins on Jan. 11, 2022, and runs until April 16. All lectures begin at 10 a.m. and take place at the Historic Howell Manning Jr. House at Historic Canoa Ranch, located at 5375 S. I-19 Frontage Road in Green Valley. Masks are required for all indoor events.

To register for a lecture, visit https://apm.activecommunities.com/nrpr. Lectures are $5 per person. For more information about Historic Canoa Ranch, visit www.pima.gov/canoaranch.