Sonoran Desert Field Arts Bootcamp

MARCH 30 – APRIL 2, 2023

Your guides, Jonathan & Roseann Hanson

We are so excited you will be joining us in the glory of springtime in the Sonoran Desert for four days of pure immersion in field arts: nature journaling, field sketching and watercolor, animal tracking, birdwatching, reading the weather, using field optics, found pigments, and much more!

No excuses. Just pure nature journaling growth and mindset.

Below is information for planning and preparation for your bootcamp. In the next few weeks I’ll add loads more resources for you, including a suggested packing list, species lists, suggested reading, and more. 

A Reminder of What’s included:

  • One-on-one attention in areas in which you would like to improve;

  • Skills-specific mini-tutorials in field arts such as sketching, watercolor, nature writing, animal tracking, reading the weather, and using optics;

  • Accommodations (ranch house bedrooms, or DIY camping) at Aravaipa Canyon Ranch;

  • Optional van from Tucson to the ranch and back;

  • Wine and beer happy hour each evening;

  • All meals from lunch on the first day through lunch on last day;

  • Use of Swarovski Optics binoculars throughout the Bootcamp;

  • Use of art supplies and field arts tools, including plaster track kits;

  • Field kits with fun tools to enhance your discoveries.

Everyone should be paid up, except for a few who will be taking the van from the airport hotel; I’ll invoice you as per pricing below.

  • One person, van from the airport hotel to the ranch and back – $140

    I support diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) in my life and through all my work. I have completed Bias 101 and Safe Zone training through the University of Arizona. I welcome everyone and look forward to meeting you in a supportive, fun and inclusive environment!

 
 

Save the Date!

Saturday, March 11, 10 am Arizona time, we are hosting a Zoom session for us all to meet, ask questions, and get some tips on preparing for field arts in the desert! https://us02web.zoom.us/j/81767858880

 
 

IMPORTANT RESOURCES:

 
 

Click the document at right to download the PDF of Information, Packing Lists, and Natural History Information >>

 

MAPS ( for driving, or IF YOU WANT TO PREPARE YOUr JOURNAl

OR PRINT TO BRING):

The turn to the ranch is onto E. Aravaipa Road off Arizona Highway 77, between Winkelman and Mammoth. It is 10.5 miles from the turn off to the turn to the ranch. See below. The Google map location is https://www.google.com/maps/place/Aravaipa+Canyon+Ranch/@32.8787537,-110.5858201,17z/data=!3m1!4b1!4m6!3m5!1s0x8729dbb9842138cb:0x23d1524a5e82b35f!8m2!3d32.8787537!4d-110.5836314!16s%2Fg%2F11h12myb6

 

Made with Padlet

Frequently Asked Questions

  • What are the arrival / departure days?

    • Arrival day for getting to the ranch is Thursday, March 30. Lunch is included; the Bootcamp begins after lunch.

    • Departures are Sunday, April 2 after lunch.

    • See below for flights information.

  • What is your cancellation policy?

    • You may cancel the Sonoran Desert Field Arts Bootcamp up until midnight February 15, 2023 for a refund of your payment less a $45 fee. You may also roll over your payment to another Bootcamp.

  • Why do you require trip insurance for each participant?

    • This is to ensure you have medical evacuation coverage (nearly all the Bootcamps will be in remote locations) and that your costs are covered if we have to cancel the Bootcamp due to local emergencies or global health crises. We recommend TravelGuard for good pricing and coverage; prices vary depending on level chosen and your travel costs.

  • Can I bring a partner who does not nature journal?

    • Yes, but only in the camping area. We have two rooms for couples, and would like these to be for people who are both taking the Field Arts programming.

  • Can I camp?

    • Yes! There is a large grassy field where you can set up camp near the river. There is a bathroom building with toilet, sink, and shower.

  • Do you offer special dietary options?

    • Please contact us after registration with your dietary needs. We will work with you and the venue if at all possible.

  • Do you allow pets?

    • Sorry, we cannot accommodate pets. Pets can scare off wildlife and interrupt quiet times.

  • Where do I fly in?

    • You can fly into Tucson, Arizona—a 90-minute drive from central Tucson.

    • You can also fly into Phoenix, Arizona—a 2 1/2-hour drive to the ranch.

  • How do we get from the airport to the venue?

    • We will have a limited number of seats available in a van, departing from the Doubletree Suites near Tucson International Airport at 8:30 am on Thursday, March 30 and returning by 4 pm on Sunday, April 2.

      • We recommend Doubletree Suites by Hilton at 7051 S Tucson Blvd, Tucson, AZ 85756 (520) 225-0800, or one of the other hotels nearby (but you’ll need to get yourself over to the Doubletree for pickup).

    • You can rent a car; most of the way to the ranch is paved and there is a 6 mile graded dirt road.

    • Carpooling: once you register, we will provide you with a communications portal with other attendees and you could cost-share or ride-share.