Exploring Arizona parks and trails while understanding the history, folklore, creatures and human interest from deep desert trails to the simplicity of Urban Parks.
In episode 93 of Arizona Trails and Tales, I share a few October updates, reflect on a recent bird walk at White Tank Mountain Regional Park, and look ahead to some upcoming opportunities to explore Arizona’s natural world.
I also take a moment to address a growing frustration on our trails: rock cairns and painted rocks. While they may seem like harmless ways to leave a mark or create something artistic, these activities can disturb fragile desert habitats and affect the natural places we come to enjoy. Sometimes, the best way to appreciate nature is to leave it exactly as we found it.
We’ll briefly meet one of the desert’s fascinating little survivors, the death-feigning beetle, and I’ll share an early look at an upcoming program exploring how native plants support native wildlife and help sustain healthy desert ecosystems.
Finally, I’ll talk about the upcoming November 6 Bird Crawl and encourage everyone to take advantage of Arizona’s cooler weather by seeking out local bird walks, nature programs, and other opportunities to get outside and discover something new.
The desert has plenty to offer this time of year. Whether you’re an experienced birder or simply looking for a reason to spend more time outdoors, there’s always something worth discovering along the trail.
I did not record this on the computer and didn't play the theme song which was composed and performed by Mike Myers.
18 Oct 2026
The places we love and the things we lose
In Episode 92 of Arizona Trails and Tales, I reflect on a busy fall break spent volunteering, a recent bird walk, and the satisfaction of carving a walking stick. I explore Quitobaquito Springs, a place I hope to visit someday but whose ecological and cultural significance faces growing challenges. The tales portion focuses on the story of the Grandmother Tree in Lochiel, Arizona, an old cottonwood cut down for border-wall construction despite efforts to save it.
Theme song composed and performed by Mike Myers
11 Oct 2026
What it means to appreciate a place
A morning of birding at Glendale Recharge Ponds and Arrowhead Lakes leads to bigger questions about conservation, park development, and what it means to truly appreciate a place. From concerns about the changes taking place at Thunderbird Conservation Park to volunteering alongside Ranger Eric at Hassayampa River Preserve, this episode explores the balance between improving our outdoor spaces and preserving what makes them special. Sometimes, though, appreciating nature doesn't require a hike, a checklist, or a destination. Sometimes it simply means finding a shaded spot at White Tank Mountain Regional Park, sitting quietly, and letting the desert be what it is.
What if the greatest value of a place isn't what we do there, but the opportunity it gives us to simply be?
Theme song composed and performed by Mike Myers
Reach and audience
Public platform figures. Ratings count people who left a rating, not total listeners.
Spotify
5.0 / 5
3 ratings
Podcast Authority Score: 31 / 100
A composite of feed quality, social presence, YouTube performance and engagement. Read the methodology.
Quality
62
Social presence
0
YouTube
0
Engagement
0
Contact Arizona Trails and Tales with Rich Fuhrmann
Guest appearances
Books guests
Based on episode analysis; this does not confirm that the show is currently accepting guests.
Questions about Arizona Trails and Tales with Rich Fuhrmann
Who hosts Arizona Trails and Tales with Rich Fuhrmann?
Rich Fuhrmann host the show. Published by rfuhrmann.
How often do new episodes come out?
The show publishes weekly, based on its RSS feed.
Does Arizona Trails and Tales with Rich Fuhrmann take guests?
Yes. Guests have been identified in episode analyses.
Host of Arizona Trails and Tales with Rich Fuhrmann?
Claim your podcast to manage its listing and keep your show details accurate.
Pod Engine is an independent podcast discovery and analytics service and is not affiliated with or endorsed by this podcast. Artwork and show content belong to their owners. Full legal notice.
Explore this show Podcast research with Pod Engine
