Arizona Trails and Tales with Rich Fuhrmann

Episode 71 Memorial Day weekend titled: Adventure, Remembrance & Arizona Legends! Rich shares a brief history of Memorial Day, explores a variety of activities to do in Arizona this weekend in 2026, offers some words of caution, but most of all wants to enjoy this weekend of remembrance and celebration with all of you. The tales portion explores the significant contributions of Arizona's 158th Regiment (Bushmasters) since the 1800s.

Theme song composed and performed by Mike Myers.

*Dear listeners-the first minute of audio cut out as it was recorded on my phone and I couldn't edit it out. I apologize for this error* Episode 70 discusses the profound beauty of life at the Hassayampa River Preserve, the impending sense of loss due to fire and other natural disaster and a reflection of our responsibility. Theme song composed and performed by Mike Myers.

In episode 69 of Arizona Trails and Tales, Rich discusses his recent citizen science contributions to ebird and reflects on some questions about which pair of binoculars are right for me? Rich uses the analogy of watching football on progressively better television sets to help you make the determination as to which pair might be best for you right now. This episode also explores who is walking with you right now exploring different age groups including suggestions for different parks and activities. The Tales portion focuses on George Billingsley and his contribution to the Grand Canyon. This podcast ends with a 1 hour challenge for the listeners.

Theme song composed and performed by Mike Myers.

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.