The February issue of the PRT is out now!

The February issue of the PRT is out now!

Click on the cover below to read the entire issue in PDF format.

You can also read every story from the new issue of the PRT at our website. Here are direct links to a few of the stories…

A Salute to Ike Isakson

Members of Ike’s family, Patagonia Volunteer Fire & Rescue and the wider community share remembrances in this special tribute to the beloved town elder.

Moving On

By Marion Vendituoli

The PRT’s departing managing editor reflects on nine years at the helm of the newspaper.

Canelo Hills Residents Report Surge in Hunting Abuses

Five residents from the Canelo Hills area have expressed concerns to the PRT about being overrun with “bad actors” during the Coues whitetail deer season that concluded in December. They want to see fewer permits issued—and more enforcement.

Sheriff’s Blotter – Feb. 2026

A log of calls to the Sheriff’s office from eastern Santa Cruz County in January.

‘Dark Sky’ Designation a Work in Progress for Sonoita-Elgin

By Carrie White

While people may not move to eastern Santa Cruz County for dark skies, they soon come to appreciate them. Now a group of locals are working to preserve our unique night skies by pursuing an ‘International Dark Sky Community’ designation for the area.

Town Council Notes for Jan. 2026 Meetings

News and notes from the Patagonia Town Council’s three January meetings.

Seniors Night Celebration

By Dave Lumia

A pair of victories marked the final home game for Lobo seniors.

Friday Morning STEAM Classes Stimulate Kids’ Imaginations

By Sondra Porter

The Mat Bevel Company, an arts and science nonprofit, offers free Friday morning courses in Patagonia for local 4th-8th graders. The goal? Sparking the “natural creative genius” in kids. Here’s how they do it.

‘Together We Fly’ Sculpture Planned for Doc Mock Park

By Mary Tolena

Ahead of a March 1 fundraiser for the project, Patagonia artist and metal fabricator Keith Spooner shares her vision for a dramatic, 11-foot-tall piece of public art.

2025 Christmas Bird Count

By Donna Edmonds

Here’s a look at results from this year’s survey in and around Patagonia. There were some surprises, including a dramatic population surge in Lawrence’s goldfinches.

Notes From SEFD: Fire Services Before SEFD

By Eddie McArthur

We owe a big debt to those individuals who began fire services in this area, literally beginning with nothing.

Verse Against the Machine

By Robert Gay

Longtime environmental advocate Russ McSpadden’s first book is a collection of poetry drawing on his experiences in the borderlands.

Take a Hike!: El Pilar and Bathtub Tank

By Wayne Tomasi

Here’s the shortest, easiest and most direct route to two landmarks in the upper basin of Adobe Cabin.

Glimpses Into Our Past: Dixie Collie Walker

By Alison Bunting

A look at the life of an Arizona one-room schoolteacher in the early 20th century.

Nature Journeys: Build Your Own National Park!

By Vince Pinto

Whether you own ten square feet of barren turf or hundreds of wild acres, you have a genuine opportunity to bolster the biodiversity of the Sky Islands.

Treasure Trove of Local Works Waiting to Be Discovered at Library’s Reading Room

By Sarah Klingenstein

The Patagonia Library carries books written by several award-winning local authors, including Philip Caputo, Gary Paul Nabhan and Jim Harrison.

R.I.P. McGruff the Crime Dog

By Cassina Farley

We Gen X kids high-fived the campus cop, knowing he was keeping us safe. Today we have masked guys grabbing people off the streets and terrifying schoolkids. It’s a far cry from what I learned growing up.