Oracle State Park facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Oracle State Park |
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 Oracle State Park
Location in Arizona
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| Location | Pinal, Arizona, United States |
| Area | 3,948 acres (15.98 km2) |
| Established | 1976 |
| Governing body | Arizona State Parks |
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Kannally Ranch
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The Kannally Ranch house
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| Location | Mt. Lemmon Hwy, E of Oracle |
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| Nearest city | Oracle, Arizona |
| Area | Less than one acre |
| Built | 1929 |
| Architectural style | Spanish Colonial Revival |
| NRHP reference No. | 96000307 |
| Added to NRHP | March 28, 1996 |
Oracle State Park is a special nature park in Arizona, USA. It protects a huge area of 3,948 acres in the beautiful Santa Catalina Mountains. The park gets its name from the nearby town of Oracle. It's a safe home for many wild animals and plants.
Oracle State Park is open every day from 9 AM to 5 PM. It has more than 15 miles of hiking trails. About 7 miles of these trails are part of the famous Arizona Trail.
Contents
Park History: How Oracle State Park Began
For 75 years, a ranching family owned the land that is now Oracle State Park. In 1976, the family gave this property to an organization called the Defenders of Wildlife. This group works to protect wild animals and their homes.
Ten years later, in 1986, the land was given to the state of Arizona. This gift helped create Oracle State Park, making sure this special place would be protected forever.
Discover the Plants of Oracle State Park
Oracle State Park is home to many different kinds of plants. These plants are important for the animals that live here.
Common Plants You'll See
The most common plants you will find are prickly pear and cholla cactus. These cacti have sharp spines but also beautiful flowers. You will also see scrub oak trees and mesquite trees.
Unique Trees and Wildflowers
Sometimes, you might spot a piñon or juniper tree. There is even a single, tall saguaro cactus in the park. Near the old ranch house, which is now the park headquarters, you can find some cypress trees. In spring, many colorful wildflowers bloom across the park.
Meet the Animals of Oracle State Park
Oracle State Park is a wildlife refuge, meaning it's a safe place for animals to live and thrive. Many different types of animals call this park home.
Birds of the Sky
The park is a great place for birdwatching. You might see large birds like red-tailed hawks, golden eagles, and prairie falcons soaring overhead. Smaller birds like black-throated sparrows, Gambel's quail, and cactus wrens are also common. Look for colorful northern cardinals and listen for the calls of northern mockingbirds. At night, you might hear great horned owls.
Mammals on the Ground
Many interesting mammals live in the park. You might spot a ringtail, which looks like a small fox with a long, striped tail. Javalinas, which are wild pig-like animals, often roam the area. Larger mammals include cougars, mule deer, and white-tailed deer. Smaller animals like rock squirrels, desert cottontails, and black-tailed jackrabbits are also common.
Reptiles and Amphibians
The park is also home to various Reptiles and amphibians. You might see western box turtles slowly moving along. Arizona alligator lizards and Colorado River toads can also be found. Be aware that snakes like bull snakes and western diamondback rattlesnakes live here, so it's always good to watch your step.
Kannally Ranch House: A Historic Home
The Kannally Ranch House is a special part of Oracle State Park. It's a historic house that has been turned into a museum. Inside, you can see original art and old photos that tell the story of the ranch.
This unique four-level home was built between 1929 and 1933. It has a mix of Mediterranean and Moorish styles, which makes it look very grand. The Kannally Ranch House is so important that it is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
Environmental Education: Learning at the Park
One of the main goals of Oracle State Park is to be an "environmental learning center." This means it's a place where people can learn about nature and how to protect it.
Before the park had to limit its programs, it offered many educational activities for students and adults. These included guided trail walks, workshops, and special events. These programs helped visitors learn about the park's natural history and the importance of environmental education.
