Seasonal Round Calendar

Climate & Environment: Warming temperatures, increasing daylight, minimal rainfall (transition from cool season to hot dry season). Desert blooms, especially annual wildflowers and early cactus flowers, are prominent.
Relatives:
- Plants: Wildflowers (poppies, lupines, brittlebush), Saguaros and other cacti begin flowering, mesquite trees leaf out. These provide early nectar for pollinators and greens for herbivores.
- Animals: Desert tortoises emerge from burrow, many bird species begin nesting and breeding, reptiles become more active. Various insect pollinators are abundant.
Land Care Practices:
- Light harvesting of spring greens and early herbs.
- Monitoring permanent and ephemeral water sources.
- Ceremonial activities acknowledging renewal and abundance.
- Managing early weeds around important plant resources.

Climate & Environment: June is typically the hottest and driest month. July-August brings the Sonoran Monsoon, characterized by intense, short-duration thunderstorms and fluctuating humidity. September sees a gradual decrease in monsoon activity.
Relatives:
- Plants: Saguaro cacti produce edible fruit in early summer. Mesquite and Palo Verde trees bear pods. Monsoon rains trigger rapid growth of annual plants and stimulate creosote bush and ocotillo to leaf out.
- Animals: Nocturnal activity increases to avoid heat. Amphibians and reptiles are very active during monsoons. Migratory birds might pass through or breed before the most intense heat. Many insects (e.g., cicadas) are active.
Land Care Practices:
- Intensive harvesting of Saguaro fruit (ba'ag) and mesquite pods - crucial traditional food sources.
- Utilizing and managing monsoon runoff for small-scale agriculture (e.g., O'odham agriculture of tepary beans, corn, squash).
- Repairing and maintaining diversion channels and planting areas.
- Community gatherings and ceremonies associated with harvest and rain.

Climate & Environment: Cooling temperatures, pleasant days and crisp nights. Typically dry, but occasional early winter rains can occur.
Relatives:
- Plants: Many plants continue to senescence; seeds are plentiful. Some native grasses and forbs are at their peak for seed production.
- Animals: Birds begin their southward migration. Many animals are actively foraging and storing food in preparation for cooler months. Rodents gather seeds.
Land Care Practices:
- Seed collection for future planting and food.
- Preparation of planting areas for winter annuals or spring crops.
- Gathering firewood (where sustainable).
- Hunting/gathering of specific resources (e.g., agave roasts).
- Storytelling and intergenerational knowledge transfer.

Climate & Environment: Mild, cool temperatures with occasional freezing nights, especially at higher elevations. Sparse, gentle winter rains are common, replenishing aquifers slowly.
Relatives:
- Plants: Many woody plants and cacti are dormant or in slow growth. Winter annuals may begin to sprout with sufficient moisture.
- Animals: Reduced activity for many reptiles and insects. Migratory birds from northern regions are present. Bigger mammals like deer might be more visible near water sources.
Land Care Practices:
- Rest and repair of tools and infrastructure.
- Weaving, basketry, and other craft production using collected materials.
- Water harvesting and storage from winter rains for personal or agricultural use.
- Social gatherings, ceremony, and continuing education.
- Planning for spring planting and activities.