Maricopa County Parks and Recreation: City Nature Challenge Hike

The City Nature Challenge is a global competition between cities to document biodiversity in regions around the world, taking place April 26-29. Ranger Nikki will lead a hike with stops along the way to take phone photos of flowers, trees, cacti, birds, bugs, fungi and more to boost the number of observations for Team Phoenix. The route is a 4-mile loop using Cinch, Scenic and Shallmo Wash Trails on terrain that varies from flat and even to rocky and uneven.

You can prepare for this hike by downloading the free iNaturalist app at home on wi-fi and registering your account before you come to the park. For more information about the City Nature Challenge visit https://www.citynaturechallenge.org/ and for iNaturalist visit https://www.inaturalist.org/

Wear closed-toe shoes, a hat and sun protection. Bring snacks and plenty of water. Be sure to bring your phone fully charged to take photos. You can upload photos to the app later at home. Water and restrooms are available at the trailhead.

MEETING LOCATION: Trailhead staging near the entry station

Limit 20 participants. To register, please call the Nature Center at 602-506-2930 ext. 3 with your name, phone number, and number of people attending. If you find you cannot attend a program after you have registered, please email the ranger ASAP so we may contact those on the waiting list. Registration for this program will close on Wednesday, April 24.