Arizona Trails and Tales with Rich Fuhrmann

Episode 68 of Arizona Trails and Tales: Petty, Peaceful, and Present: What Bird walks Taught Me or Seeing the bird and not just the branch it was sitting on. In this episode Rich discusses some of his moral/ethical dilemmas with being part of bird walks and bird clubs. He highlights an event that crushed his ego and brought about his passive-aggressive tendencies. Rich reflects on perspective changing and how he has a greater appreciation of finding a balance as both a participant and leader. The dark side of bird walks is reviewed as are some of the benefits of joining a bird walk in this podcast. The tales portion recognizes Japanese-Americans in Arizona in honor of Asian-American Pacific Islander history month.
Theme song composed and performed by Mike Myers.

In episode 67 of Arizona Trails and Tales, Rich highlights a recent trip up to Cornville/Page Springs in Arizona. This episode features attractions in town and the experience of visiting the Bubbling Spring Ponds, The Page Springs Fish Hatchery and exploring the Lower Oak Creek IBA. The Black Hawk Loop Trail is given a brief overview as a short recounting of the 52 different species seen on this trip. The tales portion features "Hi Jolly" a key figure in Arizona's history in recognition of Arab-American History month.
Theme song composed and performed by Mike Myers.

Episode 66 of Arizona Trails and Tales features a recent visit to the Agua Fria Monument and a Sonoran Audubon Birding trip to the Agua Fria IBA. This podcast describes some of the history, sights and things to do in this amazing place found just off the I-17 about 40 minutes north of Phoenix. The tales portion discusses a bit about what makes this an IBA area.
Theme song composed and performed by Mike Myers.

In episode 65 of Arizona Trails and Tales, Rich reviews the Wilderness First Aid course he took this weekend to consider if this might be something to add to your own skill set. Rich is including two meditative thought experiments from when you are out on the trail. This episode was recorded on the cell phone and may lack the theme song written and recorded by Mike Myers and has a few audio fades due to being outside.

Episode 64 of Arizona Trails and Tales features Saguaro Lake's history and many of the activities one can engage in while visiting. A key feature of this episode is the Butcher Jones Trail hike which is a must do excursion! The tales portion closes with a general warning about bee swarms this time of year and a hiker who just survived an attack this past Saturday, April 4, 2026 in Phoenix.
Theme song composed and performed by Mike Myers.

In episode 63 of Arizona Trails and Tales, Rich highlights the need for an improved first aid kit and explores the benefits of attending an upcoming wilderness first aid class. Mooney Falls is explored in this episode including the hike, the history and a bit about the experience there. The tales portion features a recent rescue of an injured hiker from Mooney Falls.
Theme song composed and performed by Mike Myers.

In episode 62 of Arizona Trails and Tales, Rich discusses how to overcome a failure in completing a strenuous hike. This episode also features some local birding spots in the west valley and the importance of being outside.  An article from the Audubon is shared about the economic positive impact Arizona's Recreational activities has on the state. The Tales portion closes with Rich sharing some of the highlights of his guide to leading a nature hike.
 
Theme song composed and performed by Mike Myers.

In episode 61 of Arizona Trails and Tales, Rich begins by sharing some cautionary warnings about hydration, heat and the importance of sunscreen. Allergy season is starting early this year in the Sonoran Desert, and he cautions about certain locations. Bees swarms and venomous creatures are being seen around trails and listeners are urged to use caution. This episode explores a recent all day birding trip to Hassayampa River Preserve, a  trip to the S'edav Va'aki Museum and some reflections on both. Rich encourages listeners to create an urban or desert scavenger hunt to still be outside and entertain children or guests in the morning to escape the extreme heat while still having fun in nature. The tales portion closes with efforts being made to preserve the Va'aki archeological sight.
 
Theme song composed and performed by Mike Myers.

In episode 60 of Arizona Trails and Tales, Rich highlights some key features and changes in the Sonoran Desert this time of year. Spring Training fans and Spring Breakers are welcomed and given a few reminders on the importance of hydration and sunscreen. The episode explores a few fauna and flora species that are more commonly seen when on trails this time of year. The tales portion highlights an Arizona born a raised adventurer, Alison Levine, also in honor of Women's History month.
Theme song composed and performed by Mike Myers.

In episode 59 of Arizona Trails and Tales, Rich focuses on the Desert Botanical Garden and the Hole in the Rock Trail found in Papago Park. This episode features a review of a recent school field trip to the White Tanks, birding on Friday at the Tres Rios Wetlands, The Tres Rios Festival held at the Base and Meridian Wildlife Area on Sunday and a Saturday trip to the Desert Botanical Gardens. The tales portion shares the story of how Papago Park became the first decommissioned park.
Theme song composed and performed by Mike Myers.