WHAT:
Tucson Postmaster Carl Grigel will join University of Arizona Etymology Professor Stephen Buchmann and officials from Tohono Chul Park to unveil the new Pollination commemorative stamps as they go on sale for the first time.

WHEN:
8:30 a.m. to noon, Friday, June 29, 2007

WHERE:
Tohono Chul Park
7366 N. Paseo del Norte, Tucson.

BACKGROUND:
Tohono Chul Park will offer free admission Friday in celebration of the event unveiling four new Pollination stamps at the park.The stamps, available in booklets of 20, depict a lesser long-nosed bat preparing to "dive" into a saguaro flower; two Morrison's bumble bees paired with purple, or chaparral, nightshade; a calliope hummingbird sipping from a hummingbird trumpet blossom; and a Southern dogface butterfly visiting prairie, or common, ironweed. During the initial design phase, the U.S. Postal Service consulted with Dr. Buchmann on the stamps’ subject matter.

The new stamps’ intricate graphic scheme emphasizes the ecological relationship between pollinators and plants and also hints at the biodiversity necessary to ensure the future viability of that relationship. The four designs are arranged in two alternate blocks that fit together like interlocking puzzles. In one block, the pollinators form a central starburst. In the other, the flowers are arranged in the center.

In addition to the stamps, the Tucson Post Office will offer a commemorative postmark in honor of the event. Tohono Chul Park has created special collectible envelopes that will also be available during the day. Also, storyteller Ann Anovitz will offer children’s stories about the pollinators shown on the stamps.

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