TRAVEL: Ranching Traditions and Ecology of Southern Arizona

historic ranch setting in southern Arizona, showing two wooden structures behind a wooden fence on grassy land

A view at Empire Ranch.

When

7:30 a.m. – 6 p.m., Nov. 7, 2025

Spend the day with ASM ethnohistorians Dr. Dale Brenneman and Dr. Michael Brescia exploring southern Arizona’s ranching heritage, visiting Empire Ranch, Appleton-Whittell Research Ranch, and Babacomari Ranch. 

Learn about: 

  • Land-management practices of the Native Americans who occupied the land at the time the Europeans arrived.

  • Ecological consequences of the contact between Native peoples and Europeans.

  • The large tracts of rangeland issued through Spanish and Mexican land grants.

  • The implications of Spanish water law for landowners today.

  • The lives of southern Arizona’s early Anglo/European homesteaders and pioneer ranchers. 

  • The variety of range management strategies being practiced today, how ranchers have adapted to recent years of severe drought and how they plan to deal with climate change.

$250 / $200 ASM Members and SMRC Members 
($100 / $50 tax deductible) 
Proceeds support Arizona State Museum's Office of Ethnohistorical Research.

Registration includes van transportation, continental breakfast, entry fees, honoraria, gratuities, on-board water. Minimum 8 participants required. 

Finalized itinerary is pending. Contact Darlene Lizarraga at (520) 626-8381 or dfl@arizona.edu to reserve your spot and to receive the itinerary, once it is available.