Tubac, AZ – December 1, 2025 – The Tubac Presidio State Historic Park and Museum invites visitors to explore over 2,000 years of Southwestern history and culture...

...now enhanced with the addition of the Connections Garden, made possible by the generous support of the Tohono 

O’odham Nation.


The park, which features the acclaimed Griffin Museum, the 1752 Spanish Presidio ruins, and 

three buildings listed on the National Register of Historic Places—the 1885 Schoolhouse, 1893 

Rojas House, and 1914 Otero Hall—offers interpretive gardens and paved paths across its 11-

acre grounds.


The Connections Garden introduces a vibrant, interactive space centered around a whimsical 

mural by Derrick Gonzales, a member of the Tohono O’odham Nation, Pascua Yaqui, and Pima 

Maricopa tribes. An artist, scientist, and father, Gonzales draws on his rich personal and cultural 

perspective to celebrate Arizona’s biodiversity, using color, movement, and playful imagery to 

highlight the intricate connections between people, land, water, and tradition.


Evoking a comic book feel, the mural positions a “superhero” figure as the child, entrusted with 

maintaining a deep connection to Arizona’s unique flora and fauna while carrying forward 

cultural traditions. Gonzales reflected, "I want viewers to stop, look, and listen to their 

surroundings, to see this mural with fresh eyes, and think about the next generations and how we 

can help one another."


The art installation is surrounded by a gently sloping landscape designed to harness natural water 

flow and support native species, including saguaro, beargrass, and the “three sisters”—corn, 

beans, and squash. Ecotone Biodiversity, working alongside Presidio staff and volunteers, 

designed and planted the garden to create a thriving wildlife habitat that incorporates rainwater 

harvesting systems and erosion solutions.


Pocket gardens throughout the space feature plants essential to native pollinators, such as 

butterflies and hummingbirds, creating an immersive environment that is both educational and 

enchanting. The garden stands as a living testament to the resilience, creativity, and cultural 

heritage of Arizona’s Indigenous communities.


Plan your visit today: https://www.tubacpresidio.org/visit

Back-to-School: Southwest Gas Partners with Schools, Colleges, and Nonprofits to Open Doors for the Next Generation

September 9, 2026
Programs help students build skills, explore careers, and prepare for the future PHOENIX — Across Southwest Gas’ service territory in Arizona, the company and the Southwest Gas Foundation are partnering with schools, colleges, and nonprofit organizations to support students through essential resources, hands-on learning, safety education, mentorship, scholarships, and career training. “Our employees live and work in the communities we serve, so supporting local schools and programs is personal to us,” said Justin Brown, President and CEO of Southwest Gas. “By working alongside trusted partners, we can help students feel better prepared, explore their interests, and see greater possibilities for their future.” Programs and partnerships across Southwest Gas’ service territory in Arizona include: · Arizona Educational Foundation’s (AEF) teachSTEM Program Since 2024, the Southwest Gas Foundation has supported the AEF’s teachSTEM program. The program provides educators with hands-on STEM training, resources, and mentorship, while inspiring students to explore and pursue STEM careers. The program has reached more than 5,000 students, 78% of whom attend Title I schools. · Energy Safe Kids with the National Energy Foundation (NEF) For nearly 30 years, Southwest Gas has partnered with the NEF to promote energy education and safety awareness in schools. Through the Energy Safe Kids program, elementary and middle school teachers receive curriculum that helps students recognize and respond to a suspected natural gas leak, identify natural gas appliances and pipeline markers, and understand the importance of calling 811 before digging. Last year, 130 schools throughout Southwest Gas’ service territory used the program. · Girls in STEM at the Arizona Science Center The Southwest Gas Foundation has supported the Arizona Science Center’s Girls in STEM program since 2021. This initiative introduces girls in grades 4-8 to science and engineering through hands-on activities and mentorship. These experiences help students explore STEM concepts and envision careers in the field. · Natural Gas Program at Estrella Mountain Community College Southwest Gas partners with Estrella Mountain Community College on a hands-on Natural Gas Program that introduces students to careers in the utility and construction industries. Courses taught by current Southwest Gas employees provide experience with tools and safety practices used in the field. · Share the Spirit Shoes for Kids With the support of a $5,000 contribution from the Southwest Gas Foundation, Southwest Gas employees partnered with the Share the Spirit Foundation to provide 90 students from Title I schools with new shoes and socks during the Shoes for Kids event on August 28. As part of the Company’s volunteer program BLUE (Building Lives Up Everywhere), Southwest Gas employees served as personal shoppers, helping the students select new shoes that fit comfortably and help boost their confidence as they begin the school year. · Summer Internship Program Southwest Gas offers a paid Summer Internship Program for currently enrolled college and university students across the U.S. The 10-week program offers hands-on experience and professional development opportunities across a variety of business functions. Applications are open from January through April, with the program starting in June. Last year, more than 2,900 students from across the country applied for the internship program. Together, these collaborative efforts help open doors for opportunity and reflect Southwest Gas’ long-standing commitment to enriching lives and strengthening communities. For more information about Southwest Gas and its community partnerships, visit www.swgas.com/community. About Southwest Gas Southwest Gas Corporation is a dynamic energy company committed to exceeding the expectations of our over two million customers throughout Arizona, California, and Nevada by providing safe, reliable, and affordable service while pursuing innovative sustainable energy solutions to fuel the growth in its communities. For more information about how Southwest Gas is supporting a sustainable energy future, please visit www.swgas.com. About The Southwest Gas Foundation The Southwest Gas Foundation has spent six decades partnering with 501(c)(3) organizations to open doors of opportunities, provide support in times of need, and create a legacy of impact that benefits generations to come. Funded by shareholders, the Foundation is committed to enriching lives and strengthening communities. For more information, please visit www.swgas.com/community.
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