It's a bug's life. Or at least it's an arthropod's life at the Sonoran Arthropod Studies Institute (SASI) in Tucson Mountain Park. But what exactly is an arthropod? An arthropod is an invertebrate with a segmented body and jointed limbs, and can be an insect, arachnid, crustacean, millipede, or centipede. As children they captivated our attention, but as adults we have moved away from the simplicity of following a line of ants to their hill. SASI, however, allows us to get back in touch with our uncomplicated past.
The Institute, founded in 1986 and funded by memberships, serves to conduct research on these intriguing creatures, but more importantly, it serves to educate people. Its unique educational program for all ages is designed to make you shed your pre-conceived notions about bugs and return to your childhood fascination with them. SASI routinely offers various field trips, workshops and seminars for the eager student or interested party to enjoy. With a classroom, library and laboratory housed in its headquarters, they are highly prepared to enlighten visitors about their area of expertise. They also maintain a comprehensive collection of living and preserved arthropods, so you can see them up close. In addition, they have a collection of various arthropod fossils, cultural items and postage stamps. SASI is also host to the annual Invertebrates in Captivity Conference, which brings professionals from zoos, aquariums and museums together to share their knowledge.
The Sonoran Arthropod Studies Institute wipes out your old ideas about insects and opens up a new world of appreciation for the most dominant group of animals on earth. For more information about SASI, how to become a member, or to learn more about insects, call (520) 883-3945 or visit the website at www.SASIonline.org.
Sonoran Arthropod Studies Institute; Gate's Pass, marker G-10
http://www.sasionline.org
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