Arizona Illustrated

Wings Over Willcox: Over 47,000 sandhill cranes wintered in the Sulphur Springs and Gila River valleys this season. The cranes, that began arriving mid-September, migrated in family units from the northern United States and Canada, and some flew from as far as Siberia. The annual Wings Over Willcox festival attracts people from around the world to southeastern Arizona to see the cranes. One of the popular viewing spots is Whitewater Draw managed by Arizona Game and Fish, where the species can be seen until they begin their return in February and March. Plants for the Southwest: There’s an unexpected treasure in Tucson hidden in plain sight at Plants for the Southwest. This unassuming nursery is filled with rare and spectacular desert flora from around the world. The owners, Jane Evans and Gene Joseph bonded over their love of plants at the University of Arizona and eventually married. Together they established an international reputation by cultivating unusual species from seed. They are proud of what they've built but what happens when one person wants to retire, and the other doesn’t? Agua Caliente Park: Agua Caliente Park opened to the public in 1985. A green oasis in Pima County east of Tucson city limits, attracting birders, history buffs and a variety of other visitors. The park’s name – Spanish for hot water – comes from the hot springs that flowed there decades ago. The springs led to the establishment of a homestead in 1873 and later it became a cattle ranch and even an orchard over the years. Deidra Peaches, Filmmaker [Encore Story from November 2020]: Deidra Peaches has been a filmmaker for 15 years. Her work has shown at film festivals around the world including the Sundance Film Festival. She has created documentaries, fiction films, and music videos. Deidra guides us through her filmmaking life in her own words and images.