Gabrielle Kamahele Rhind, Broker/Owner

Arizona wildflowers are blooming early this year - driving around today on errands - I stopped to take several cell phone photos of some of the beauty in the desert:

Arizona has a wide variety of plants due to its climate, varied topography, variety of habitats, and its location from the desert floor to higher evaluations up on Mt Lemmon.

This is the best time to see many wildflowers! It did come a little early this year – near February – but the typical season is between March and May.

There is a summer wildflower season from late July through early September and other types of wildflowers begin blooming here in October as the weather cools a bit, and they will continue blooming until late November.

For the most part, because of the temps, wildflowers can be observed here in lower elevation desert areas almost all year-round.

The 2012 Polar Plunge Tucson to benefit the Special Olympics was this morning - and it sure was a nice way to spend some time with my daughter and her friend.

Warming up before the plunge!

The Polar Plunge brought out groups from all over Tucson including the Elks Clubs, University of Arizona students, the Tucson Police Department, the Arizona Department of Corrections and more.

The event was held at Breakers Water Park in Marana, Arizona, just outside of the Tucson city limits. There were costume contests, lots of food, coffee, a Polar Bear on site and of course, the pool filled with cold water and ice.

Emceeing the event was Big "traffic Al" from TV station 9 news. And for the record, the outside temperature at plunge time was 65 degrees - inside the water - 42 degrees! Not as cold as in some parts of the country where these polar plunges happen - but for Tucson - remember, when temps drop to 50 outside, we are in snow parkas!

All and all a fun event for a terrific cause!

The Tucson Police Department has always been a proud supporter of the Arizona Special Olympics – over the years my husband and I, along with friends have participated in many events to support the Special Olympics including run with the torch, triathlon events and now this fun event!

Event photo and logo from the Breakers Water Park website.

On Saturday, March 3rd, Special Olympics Arizona and the Arizona Law Enforcement Torch Run will host the 4th Annual Tucson Polar Plunge at Breakers Water Park in Marana. Special Olympics athletes, families, friends and fans will be "Freezin' for a Reason", all to support SOAZ!

How are you going to freeze in Tucson? The Breakers pool will be filled with a ton of ice so when you jump in – you’ll freeze and get that “brrrr” feeling right to the bone all for a special cause!

The details:

Date: Saturday, March 3rd, 2012

Time: 10:30am Registration; 12:00pm Plunge!

Location: Breakers Water Park 8555 W. Tangerine Way

It’s $25 to take the plunge and you’ll get a Polar Plunge towel for your efforts!

Many years ago, people moved to Arizona for health reasons – the climate was said to help those struggling with many ailments – especially those with asthma, allergies, etc.

Many years ago, residents also had lush lawns, and planted thriving shady trees such as the mulberry and olive trees – they are very bushy trees and provide lots of shade. The first home I ever bought had the most beautiful mulberry tree and I loved it! But these trees also pollenate and cause issues with air quality – and some say the mess that the olive trees make when the olives fall just adds to the problem.

It must have been a big problem because in 1984 the city of Tucson imposed a law that banned Bermuda grass, mulberry trees and olive trees. And this is one of the reasons when you come to visit Tucson – you will see the same type of trees, cactus and rock yards all over! (Just one of the reasons – the others of course are you’ll see plants that can survive the extreme temps and are low care.)

Looking around a home yesterday that is being readied for listing, the backyard was beautiful – lots of flowers, plants and something I had not seen in a while – a few olive trees. Two of them were already showing signs of olives and green leaves.

Looking at them – I couldn’t help but think that it’s too bad they are banned because here in a month or so – they are sure going to be beautiful!

March is a beautiful time of year in Tucson Arizona! Flowers are in bloom, the weather is perfect – ranging from the 60s to 80s most days! And typically, Tucson event calendars are busy, busy, busy – making it a challenge to decide which event to do!

Here is a snapshot of Tucson events happening in March:

Kiss Me Dirty – A mud run obstacle event to fund gynecological cancer research

DATE: March 24

LOCATION: Pima County Fairgrounds

COST: $50

Tour de Cure

DATE: March 4th, 2012

LOCATION: Innovation Corporate Center (near Tangerine & Oracle Rd.)

ADDRESS: 1861 Innovation Park, Oro Valley, AZ 85737

ROUTES OFFERED: 10 mile family fun ride, 50K, 100K

Walk The Loop for Lupus

DATE: Saturday, March 17. Registration at 7:15 a.m. , walk begins at 8:30 a.m.

LOCATION: The 5K walk begins at Ramada 31 west of Hi Corbett Field and continues around Reid Park

COST: $25 in advance; $30 at the walk

Fight for Air Walk

LOCATION: East of Old Main on the University of Arizona Mall

COST: Free; donations are encouraged.

NAMI Walks Community Walk for Mental Illness Awareness

DATE: Saturday, March 31 - Registration at 7 a.m., walk begins at 9 a.m.

LOCATION: Kino Veterans Memorial Stadium, 2500 E. Ajo Way

COST: Free; donations are encouraged

And for the full list of walks and triathlons such as the Be Tucson Womens 5k, Tucson Triathlon, Dave’s Run for ALS, Susan Komen Race For The Cure, and MORE – check out the Arizona Running Calendar!