In riparian areas of canyons throughout the Southwest, the bigtooth maple (Acer grandidentatum) is a common sight. In fall their leaves turn a beautiful red-orange color. You’re probably familiar with the samara, which is the winged fruit of the maple. This is a double samara, because each half contains one seed. Notice the intricate pattern…

Tucson today is cold, windy, and wet – but it’s not quite winter yet. Animals are still out: we saw this rattlesnake sunning itself on a rock just two days ago. Looks like it had some success hunting, too!