The Myrtle Kraft Library in Portal will host ecologist and journalist Joan Meiners for an AZ Speaks presentation on April 17 at 2:00 PM, according to a Mar. 30 announcement. The event, titled “The Arizona Trail: An 850-mile Mountain Bike Exploration of Climate Change,” will feature Meiners sharing her experiences from biking the full length of the Arizona Trail.
Meiners is a climate reporter for The Arizona Republic and has been recognized for her work covering energy, extreme heat, housing, and climate issues in Arizona. Her presentation will include firsthand observations, scientific insight, and multimedia from her seven-week journey along the trail in fall 2025. She plans to discuss environmental impacts such as wildfire near the Grand Canyon, drought-related conflicts, energy development projects, and challenges facing border regions.
“This program is made possible by Arizona Humanities and offered in support of the America 250th initiative to celebrate and commemorate the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence,” organizers said.
The event comes at a time when Cochise County faces educational challenges. In Cochise County, 70% of students in grades three through eight did not pass the mathematics section of the AASA exam during the 2022-23 school year. Similarly, 76% of high school students failed mathematics on that year’s ACT test. English proficiency also remains low; 62.4% of students in grades three through eight failed English on AASA tests during that period while 65% of high schoolers did not pass English on their ACTs.
Recent data show some improvement: 27% of high school students passed mathematics on the ACT during the current (2023-24) academic year while 28.5% of third through eighth graders passed math on this year’s AASA exam.
Advance registration for Meiners’ presentation is not required but space is limited; attendees are encouraged to arrive early at Myrtle Kraft Library located at 2393 S. Rock House Rd., Portal. For more information about attending or accessibility needs contact Kathleen Talbot at ktalbot@cochise.az.gov or call 520-558-2468.
