Arizona Trails and Tales with Rich Fuhrmann

In Episode 58 of Arizona Trails and Tales, Rich Highlights the North Mountain Preserve and its connection to the former Indian School. This episode features some history of the park, a few recommended trails, highlights the visitor center and shares the connection to the Indian School and using the park as a campground.
 
Theme song composed and performed by Mike Myers.

In episode 57 of Arizona Trails and Tales, Rich shares some pointers from the first two days of the Great Backyard Bird Count. This podcast provides some basic tips for when and where to find birds and other strategies for targeting a specific bird. The tales portion closes with a brief Happy Birthday to Arizona on Valentine's Day.
Theme song composed and performed by Mike Myers.

In episode 56 of Arizona Trails and Tales, Rich discusses and encourages participation in the Great Backyard Bird Count from February 13-16, 2026. Rich shares some resources including tools, apps and techniques so that anyone can participate. The tales portion highlights one of his favorite writers Edward Abbey.
Theme song composed and performed by Mike Myers.

In episode 55 of Arizona Trails and Tales, Rich describes the history, features, DragonFly Trail and the importance of Jewel of the Creek Preserve as an important bird area (IBA) The tales portion features Rich's quest to finally spot the elusive Blackburnian Warbler and what has inspired this trip to the Preserve. Did he finally get this lifer?
Theme song composed and performed by Mike Myers.

In episode 54 of Arizona Trails and Tales I feature a recent birding location scouting trip to Lake Pleasant, Arizona. I discuss some of the history of the lake, the dams and water sources and some of the key features to be found in this area. I share some of the 4 recommended trails and a brief review of the birding experience in the area. The tales portion closes with 5 things you may not know and some cautionary notes on water safety.
Theme song composed and performed by Mike Myers.

In episode 53 of Arizona Trails and Tales, I feature Tempe Town Lake and Tempe's past with being a "Sundown Town" in honor of Martin Luther King's birthday/holiday. This recording discusses the history and need for Tempe Town Lake and recreational opportunities. The tales portion reviews Tempe's history regarding Civil Rights and includes a brief description of the George Washington Carver Museum and Cultural center in Phoenix.
*Note the birds were very active in the background during this podcast.
Theme song composed and performed by Mike Myers.
 

Episode 52 of Arizona Trails and Tales features reflections on volunteering in your parks and other ways to participate in stewardship. Recorded on the cell phone without theme music.

In episode 51 of Arizona Trails and Tales, Rich highlights a recent road and birding trip with his friend and mentor Tom to multiple areas in Arlington, Arizona. Rich discusses a few different areas and experiences from Arlington to nearby areas of Buckeye, Tonopah and Gila Bend. Several environments are explored and the wildlife and features are described. The tales portion concludes with the intriguing possibility of traveling the Aqua Caliente Road.
 
Theme song composed and performed by Mike Myers.

Episode 50 of Arizona Trails and Tales features the history and exploration of Encanto Park in Phoenix. Learn about the founding and funding of the park, some of the struggles it has overcome, and why this is must visit. This episode also covers some of the birds found at Encanto Park and reflects on a recent guided bird walk in the White Tank Regional Park. The episode closes with 5 Arizona themed ways to ring in the New Year.
Theme sone composed and performed by Mike Myers.

In episode 49 of Arizona Trails and Tales, Rich features the grey fox spotted at the Hassayampa River Preserve and the importance of being able to unwind. In this episode, Rich also provides some strategies and reflections on overcoming social anxiety and the importance of trying to get out of your own comfort zone-even if not fully successful. This episode features the general cholla cactus and specifically some features of the Christmas cholla which tends to have noticeable fruit this time of year. The tales portion closes with the former tourist trap now abandoned/leveled town that was Santa Claus, Arizona.
Theme song composed and performed by Mike Myers.