Friends of Oracle State Park

Perched on a hilltop on the north side of the Catalinas, with a view across the San Pedro River valley to the Galiuros, Oracle State Park is a hidden gem in our state park system. The Friends' mission is to assist park management with funding for the development of Environmental Education programs, outdoor recreation, preservation of the wildlife refuge, and the restoration and enhancement of the Park's grounds and historic buildings.

Geology Trail Project: We are fundraising for a project to install informational signs on the new geology trail, together with related enhancements. Our target date for opening is Earth Day, April 23. 2023

Wildlife Viewing: In December 2021 we successfully concluded fundraising $15,000 for a replacement wildlife blind on the Nature Trail. Construction was completed in late January. Additional enhancements like new signage and environmental rehabilitation are being planned for later in 2022.

Astronomy Education: Oracle State Park has been designated an International Dark Skies Park by the International Dark-Sky Association. We held a Dark Skies Party in September 2021. For 2022, parties are scheduled for spring and fall. The Friends pays for the musicians.

Our school field trips have been suspended during the pandemic but we hope they'll resume soon. They have consisted of:

The Oracle Adventure: An Environmental Education Program for Grades 1-3: This interactive field trip focuses on developing an awareness of nature through the senses. Park rangers and trained docents guide students during the 90 minute program, as they explore the oak-grassland and learn to use all of their senses. Teachers receive a packet with pre and post visit classroom activity suggestions.

The Oracle Odyssey: An Environmental Education Program for Grades 4-6: The Oracle Odyssey focuses on habitat and interrelationships and includes the study of humans as an integral part of the natural community. During their field studies, students are guided by park rangers in a series of activities along a trail in the 4,000 acre park. This 2-1/2 hour program of hands-on activities brings ecological concepts learned in the classroom into a real world context. Teachers receive a packet with complete pre and post visit lesson plans containing specific key concepts.