This Week's Theme: Operate a historic printing press at the Tubac Presidio and investigate owl pellets with the Tubac Nature Center. Step into history at Tubac’s historic printing press, discover how printed words changed the world, and create your own printed pieces. Then, become a nature detective as we investigate owl pellets, identify tiny bones, and uncover the secrets of the food chain!

Rooted is a weekly nature-based enrichment experience inspired by Montessori principles for children ages 5–10. Through hands-on projects, outdoor exploration, practical life skills, creative expression, somatic movement and meaningful work, children build confidence, independence and connection in a small, mixed-age community.

Each Friday invites children to explore, create, observe, move and wonder. With no screens, busywork, or one-size-fits-all activities, children are encouraged to follow their curiosity, solve problems, collaborate and develop a deeper relationship with the natural world.

Children should bring:

• Packed snack, lunch & full water bottle

• Sun protection

• Sturdy outdoor clothing

• Curiosity and a willingness to explore

Tubac Presidio, 9:00–10:30 AM - Printing Press Experience
• Operate the printing press for a hands on, tactile experience
• Create their own newspaper front page
• Brief history of the newspaper and printing press
• Parts of a Printing Press scavenger hunt focused on science and engineering

As a nonprofit, Mesquite Bosque Academy is committed to making high-quality, nature-based learning accessible to families throughout the Santa Cruz River Valley. Participation is offered through a suggested contribution that supports educators, materials, scholarships and future programming.