WANT TO VOLUNTEER? Check out publiclandsday.org/ involved/sites.htm for a list of scheduled events. Our IDEA: Celebrate National Public Lands Day by removing trash, debris; enjoy free entry at federal parks Today is the 15th Annual National Public Lands Day.

By Andrea Kelly, The Arizona Daily Star, Tucson May 19--Mother Nature is giving Pima County a run for its money on Catalina Highway. After a pair of devastating fires, emergency funding to repair the damage from increased runoff and the debris it carries has become an annual ritual.

Two of the region's long-running disputes -- access to public lands and the Mexican gray wolf program -- just became the subject of separate lawsuits in federal court.

Fall takes its sweet time showing up in Southeastern Arizona -- and it's choosy about where it makes public appearances. But seek it out in the coming month -- from nearby mountains aglow with colorful leaves to fall festivals and rousing Oktoberfest celebrations -- and you will be richly rewarded.