Pima County/Santa Cruz County, AZ (January 13, 2025) — Discovery Road, an acclaimed educational television series that celebrates the stories and landscapes that shape our world, announced the release of its latest episode, “Desert Song,” which takes audiences on a journey to explore how a desert river, ranching, birdwatching, wildlife, and Native American traditions are preserving nature, history, and culture in the Santa Cruz Valley National Heritage Area.
“Desert Song” was commissioned by the Santa Cruz Valley Heritage Alliance, the Southern Arizona nonprofit that oversees the management of the Santa Cruz Valley National Heritage Area. The Alliance played a pivotal role in shaping the episode and ensuring an authentic representation of the region’s rich heritage. This included providing funding for the production, working closely with the producer to develop the story segments, identifying locations, and potential interview subjects whose personal stories and expertise provide a deeper connection to the cultural and natural history of Southern Arizona.
“Since the Congressional designation of the National Heritage Area in 2019, we’ve been working hard to build local awareness, and now we are so excited to share these stories with a wider audience,” said Lesley Kontowicz, executive director of the Alliance. “The most difficult part of this project was whittling it down to only 30 minutes when we could have easily filled a feature-length documentary.”
“Desert Song,” which was made possible with funding from Pima County Attractions & Tourism, the Santa Cruz Valley Heritage Alliance, and the National Park Service, debuted on the Utah Education Network (UEN - TV) on December 18, 2024, and Discovery Road broadcasts will continue to bring this compelling story to a nationwide audience.
“Desert Song” celebrates the voices and vistas that define Southern Arizona. Viewers will explore the profound connections between the land, its people, and their enduring traditions—from personal histories and current traditions of local indigenous peoples to the spicy allure of local foods and stunning natural experiences.
You can watch the 37-minute director’s cut now on the Santa Cruz Valley National Heritage Area YouTube channel (youtube.com/@SantaCruzValleyNHA) or on their website at santacruzheritage.org/gallery/.