Desert Foothills group to host bird walk

DESERT FOOTHILLS –  The Desert Foothills Land Trust is inviting the public on a bird  walk in Cave Creek on Oct. 7 and Oct. 21.

The walk combines a celebration of the fall bird migration through bird watching and includes  information about the history and archaeology of the area, said Mike Rigney, executive director of the land trust. The group will also talk about its conservation efforts to protect land in the Carefree, Cave Creek and Scottsdale areas.

The first walk will take place at the Jewel of the Creek Preserve, about a quarter of a mile from the Spur Cross Ranch Conservation area. The Oct. 21 walk will take place at the P.A. Seitts Preserves. The walks begin at 7 a.m. and include a continental breakfast served at 8:30 a.m.

The event is co‑sponsored by Friends of Audubon Arizona, a bird conservation organization headquartered in the East Valley.

Parking is available and there is a $5 charge for the event. Reservations are limited and are on a first come, first served basis. To make a reservation, call Kay Vargas at (480) 488‑6131 or e‑mail kvargas@dflt.org.

Spur Cross Conservatory to release two owls on Friday

DESERT FOOTHILLS – The Spur Cross Conservatory Area’s venture this Friday evening promises to be a real “hoot.”

The group’s “full moon” hike , which begins at 7 p.m., will be highlighted by the release of two owls that have been raised from babies by Liberty Wildlife. The Scottsdale‑ based nonprofit organization rehabilitates native wildlife, including all species of animals originating in Arizona.

Wildlife’s director of operations Mollie Ann Garrett said that the owls that will be released have been brought up by “foster parents”– adult owls – so they can readily adapt to their new environment.

Friday’s hike costs $3, unless you hold a Spur Cross Ranch Conservation Area pass. All hikes meet at the Spur Cross parking area.

Anthem charity shopping extravaganza set for Oct. 14

ANTHEM – Outlets at Anthem is holding its second annual ‘Fabulous Girl’s Day Out Shopping Extravaganza’  on Oct. 14.

“Our goal is to sell 1,200 tickets this year giving us $18,000 to onate to charity,” said Jess Irwin, marketing director for the outlet center.

Shopping Extravaganza ticket holders will receive discounts, lunch and other extras with 100 percent of the ticket proceeds benefitting more than one dozen nonprofit organizations.           

Ticket holders will be eligible to win $30,000 in gift certificate merchandise, donated by the outlets. A wine tasting at The Winery, musical entertainment, and a complimentary baggage check are featured at the event.

Tickets are $15 each and available at Outlets at Anthem Customer Service or any participating charities.

For more information, including the list of charities, visit www.outletsanthem.com or call (623) 445‑9500.

Presentation highlights Arizona geology from biblical perspective

DESERT FOOTHILLS –  Registered geologist Jim Clarke will present on Oct. 14 a thought‑ provoking look at Arizona geology from a biblical perspective.

Clarke, who holds degrees in geology and civil engineering, is also a graduate of the Answers in Genesis Creation College. Since 1993, he has been presenting the six days of creation found in Genesis and its relevance to Christian life.

The free event is sponsored by the Arizona Origin Science Association and begins at 3 p.m. at the Calvary Community Church, 12612 N. Black Canyon Highway in Phoenix.