In a recent partnership between the McCormick Ranch Property Owners Association, the City of Scottsdale, and the American Cetacean Society (ACS), we have been chosen to be the pilot program to release a pod of Amazon River Dolphins into Lake Marguerite.
Uko Gorter, National ACS President stated, "We have been monitoring Lake Marguerite for quite some time. The abundant amounts of fish and turtles in the lake closely mimic what Amazon River Dolphins eat in their native habitat. The Scottsdale climate is also ideal for these amazing creatures. The Lake is naturally cooled and we expect that the dolphins will thrive in this new habitat."
Like many cetaceans, Amazon River Dolphins have been put under immense pressure. Their numbers are dwindling due to loss of habitat, poaching, and other environmental aspects.
Diane Glim, past ACS President said, "Our ultimate goal is to introduce these magnificent creatures to various places throughout the United States. We are excited on the premise of allowing this species numbers to grow."
We will see just four dolphins inhabit the lake to start. As the largest lake in McCormick Ranch, this is the ideal number. There is enough food to support them and the four dolphins are enough to start reproducing. All babies will be moved to other lakes once they reach maturity.
While this is not being done for tourism, it is expected to bring many more tourists to the area. While not as active as a bottlenose dolphin and other ocean species, they still are regularly seen on the surface. They won't often jump out of the water but it is spectacular once they do. It is expected that they will be a nice complement to the bird wildlife already in the area, including great blue herons, egrets, and the occasional bald eagle.
The release date for the dolphins isn't set yet. But, it is widely expected to be in the September or October of 2019.
Stay tuned for additional updates on this exciting new partnership!
With Spring Training now over, we turn to other events at Salt River Fields. The weather is looking absolutely perfect with nice and warm days, yet cool nights. This is a great time to stay outside before the heat comes (and unfortunately it will be here soon!).
This Saturday is the Uncorked Wine Festival at the Salt River Fields. On March 30th from 4-7 pm (or 3-7 pm if you are a VIP ticketholder), choose from more than 100 wines.
Regular tickets cost $55 and VIP tickets are $65. All tastings are included in the ticket cost.
Other festivities include dancing and live music. There will be loads of food trucks on site as well but food is not included in the entry price.
As always, designate a driver!
Get your tickets at Eventbrite.
The Scottsdale Philharmonic is a local organization with the goal of bringing high quality and professional level concerts to Scottsdale. The concerts are free (except VIP seating is available for $15).
They are supported by additional donations and partnerships with businesses. This is a phenomenal grass roots group that puts on great concerts. They perform approximately 4 concerts a year.
Concerts are held at the Scottsdale Bible Church at 7601 E Shea.
This Sunday, March 24th is the next one. At 4 pm, enjoy the Capriccio Espagnol by Rimsky-Korsakov, Lerner and Loewe Musical Medley, and Brahms 2nd Piano Concerto.
Enjoy!
