Rattlesnakes Fact and Fiction: Sonoran Speaker Series Tackles the Desert's Most Misunderstood Neighbor

 
          
 
FOR RELEASE September 1st, 2026
 
Rattlesnakes Fact and Fiction: Sonoran Speaker Series Tackles the Desert's Most Misunderstood Neighbor
 
Free public lecture will separate myth from science, and offer practical guidance for coexisting safely with one of the desert's most misunderstood residents
 
SCOTTSDALE, Ariz.: Desert Foothills Land Trust and Valley of the Sun J will present "Rattlesnakes, Fact and Fiction" as part of their Sonoran Speaker Series, a free lecture presented by Bryan Hughes of Rattlesnake Solutions. The event will be held on Tuesday, October 13 at 6 p.m. at Valley of the Sun J, 12701 N. Scottsdale Rd., Scottsdale, AZ 85254.
 
Rattlesnakes are among the most feared, and least understood, animals in the Sonoran Desert. This lecture will take on common myths and misconceptions about rattlesnakes, explore the ecological benefits they provide, and share practical, science-based guidance for coexisting safely with snakes in a desert community.
 
Hughes brings decades of hands-on field experience to the topic through his work with Rattlesnake Solutions, a company specializing in humane rattlesnake removal and public education throughout Arizona.
 
"People tend to fear what they don't understand, and rattlesnakes may be the most misunderstood animal in the desert," said Bryan Hughes, presenter and founder of Rattlesnake Solutions. "Once you know how they actually behave, it becomes a lot easier to share the landscape with them safely."
 
The Sonoran Speaker Series is an ongoing free lecture series designed to connect community members with the natural and cultural heritage of their Sonoran Desert home. It offers accessible educational opportunities for residents and visitors to deepen their understanding of this unique desert ecosystem and its human history.
 
"One of our goals with this series is to help people feel more connected to, and less afraid of, the desert around them," said Raena Kamakahi, President & CEO of Desert Foothills
Land Trust. "We're excited to have Bryan Hughes join us and help our neighbors replace fear with understanding."
 
Whether attendees are longtime desert residents or newcomers still getting used to their surroundings, "Rattlesnakes, Fact and Fiction" offers a rare chance to learn directly from a leading expert in a relaxed, community setting. To learn more about this event and other upcoming talks in the Sonoran Speaker Series, visit dflt.org/speakerseries.
 
Event Details:
·       What: Sonoran Speaker Series: "Rattlesnakes, Fact and Fiction"
·       When: Tuesday, October 13, 6:00 p.m.
·       Where: Valley of the Sun J, 12701 N. Scottsdale Rd., Scottsdale, AZ 85254
·       Cost: Free and open to the public
·       Register: dflt.org/speakerseries
 
Since 1945, Valley of the Sun J is the place where children are enriched, friendships built, bodies strengthened, minds challenged, and Jewish culture celebrated. The Valley of the Sun J is where all are welcome. Where the community comes together to workout, to play, to grow, to engage. The Valley of the Sun J is where we are All. Together. Better. To learn more visit valleyofthesunj.org.
 
Desert Foothills Land Trust connects people to nature by working with communities and partners to conserve and steward sensitive lands and species for the survival of our Sonoran Desert. Operating in communities across the north Valley, this nonprofit has conserved 1,100 acres across 31 preserves, many open for public exploration. Re-accredited in 2022 by the Land Trust Accreditation Commission, the organization continues its vital work protecting the region's unique desert landscapes, balancing conservation with community needs in rapidly developing areas. Learn more at dflt.org.
 
Media Contact:
Rachel Stringham, Director of Community Engagement, Desert Foothills Land Trust
480-488-6131 x201, rstringham@dflt.org