Lecture: 10:00 - 11:30 AM | All Ages

Open Garden Hours: 8:00 AM - 2:00 PM | All Ages

The Next Generation of Sonoran Desert Researchers (N-Gen) and the Agave Heritage Festival Lifetime Career Award honors those whose work is a cornerstone in understanding agave’s cultural and ecological significance, shaping the agave world we love today.

This year, we recognize Paul and Suzy Fish's pioneering research on ancient agave cultivation and its role in the Sonoran Desert’s rich history. Through decades of archaeological and ecological work, they have uncovered how traditional farming practices shaped the landscape and its thriving communities. In their talk, Paul and Suzy will reveal hidden landscapes and share how ancient farmers used to grow agave in the Tucson basin.

Before or after the lecture, take time to explore and support Mission Garden, Tucson’s living agricultural museum. Wander through vibrant heritage crop plots, including agave plantings that echo the traditions Paul and Suzy have studied. The garden will be open during event hours, offering a unique opportunity to connect with the landscape that has sustained desert communities for centuries.