Enjoy a guided tour of the gardens of Historic Canoa Ranch. Join Raydine Taber from the Green Valley Gardeners to explore the variety of themed gardens within the ranch headquarters. DIRECTIONS: Historic Canoa Ranch, 5375 S. I-19 Frontage Rd., Green Valley 85622 From Tucson - Take 1-19 south to exit 56 - Canoa Road. Go...
Did you know Arizona actually has five seasons? The thunderstorms of Tucson’s monsoon have the power to transform the Sonoran Desert during Arizona’s fifth season: the wet summer! Monsoon Magic is a mini-nature exhibit where you’ll learn about the wildlife and meteorology of the southwest’s summer rains. Come anytime between 7-9 a.m.! Follow signs for...
Bird enthusiasts join a naturalist for a guided walk appropriate for beginner and advanced birders. Most year-round birds are found in the riparian area next to Oak Creek or along the field behind the Visitor Center. The Audubon Society has designated Red Rock State Park as part of the Lower Oak Creek Important Birding Area...
Join Ranger Jacque for a scenic hike, where we'll uncover the secrets of the mighty saguaro and its place in the desert ecosystem. Experience the beauty of the desert on this saguaro walk! This 1.3-mile loop along the Little Leaf and Goldmine Trails offers the perfect setting to learn about the towering saguaros and the...
Learn about the resident and migrant birds of desert riparian areas on this guided walk with Ranger Eric. Join Ranger Eric for a guided bird walk to look and listen for resident and migrant species within the diverse desert riparian habitat of the Hassayampa River Preserve. Along the way we will discuss how to identify...
Experience a stunning limestone cave in Southeastern Arizona that boasts world-class features. Explore the discoverer's original trail, 45,000 year old bat guano, delicate formations, and "Kubla Khan", the largest column formation in Arizona. All transportation and entrance fees are included. Pack a sack lunch, or bring money for the Bat Cave Cafe. Ages 18+ Meet...
Join a walking tour of the Canoa Ranch headquarters. Visit the historic buildings and corrals and enjoy the special exhibits of the people of Canoa. DIRECTIONS: Historic Canoa Ranch, 5375 S. I-19 Frontage Rd., Green Valley 85622 From Tucson - Take 1-19 south to exit 56 - Canoa Road. Go around the traffic circle until...
Every third Saturday of the month At Mission Garden’s Placita (near the kitchen) This event is FREE. Mission Garden continues this tradition of talks and demonstrations about O'odham Agriculture. We talk about traditions associated with Native American crops and how crops brought by Europeans were integrated into O'odham agriculture.
WMG’s Living Lab and Learning Center is our premier demonstration site for various water harvesting strategies and sustainable living practices for arid landscape living. We have rainwater on tap and meet almost 100% of our water needs with rainwater, greywater, and stormwater. Bring the kids to enjoy the Raindrop Retreat – a children’s playhouse featuring a rain tank,...
Get out early and beat the summer heat! Join a ranger for a short stroll and chat in our cactus garden. Come learn about a variety of topics including the iconic saguaro cactus and other plants of the Sonoran Desert! Meets in front of the Rincon Mountain Visitor Center. Accessible program.
Every morning, a volunteer naturalist leads a guided nature walk informing visitors about the different life zones of Red Rock State Park. The subjects discussed on this walk may include geology, wildlife, history, archeology, and plant life. The naturalists welcome questions during the walk, enhancing the learning experience. Hikes are included with park entrance fees...
This Summer, join a ranger at 9 am for a 45 to 60 minute fossil discovery walk. This is a fun, family-friendly activity. The program is a favorite of Junior rangers who are able to explore a fossil bed and discover brachiopods, sponges, and other marine creatures preserved here in limestone for millions of years....
Join us to walk around Liberty Wildlife during our public open hours and see us fulfilling our mission! In the months of May, June, July and September, we are open from 9am until 11am. Our admission is simply donation based - whatever you feel you can give. There are no set programs, but volunteers are...
Interact with some of our special animals, which for many people is a once in a lifetime experience. Guests will get to learn about endangered species, how we contribute to conservation of those animals, some of the considerations we must take into consideration when having these reptiles in Arizona, which reptiles are good pets for children or adults, adaptations...
Stop by the Nature Center to learn about San Tan’s animal ambassadors with Ranger Jacque during this drop-in session. Ranger Jacque will introduce you to San Tan’s animal ambassadors, including snakes, a chuckwalla and a gila monster. Learn about their lifestyles, adaptations and what you should do if you encounter their relatives on the trail....
Join us as we hike 2-3 miles along the Bear Jaw Trail. This will be a good hike to view wildflowers, Basque tree carvings, and possibly some early mushrooms. What you'll need: transportation to and from the trailhead, water, snacks, sun protection, and shoes for hiking. Please no dogs on this adventure. How to get...
Our Breastfeeding Basics class helps improve families' chances for breastfeeding success. Through step-by-step instructions and 3D animation, class participants learn the benefits of breastfeeding, how to achieve a deep latch, which breastfeeding holds and positions are best for them, pumping/returning to work, and how to maintain healthy milk production. The class follows the International Lactation...
Join a Park Ranger on the outside shaded patio overlooking the magnificent saguaro forest to learn a little about the unique diversity of the Sonoran Desert ecosystem. 30 minutes. Wheelchair accessible.
Enjoy koi fish feeding in the Conservatory every morning as aquatic experts share their knowledge about this unique and beautiful species. Meet “Hoover”, and the important role he plays in the pond that takes center stage at Butterfly Wonderland’s Conservatory! FREE WITH ADMISSION
Learn about the 15 native cactus, trees and shrubs that produce fruit throughout the year. Learn when to harvest and how to process and eat these fruits. Enjoy samples of edible plants foraged from the desert and take home recipes. Instructed by Peggy Sue Creekmore (Sorensen). Garden admission included with class purchase.
Learn all about editing digital photographs with professional photographer Ryan Parra. From basic to advanced edits, this class covers a master editing workflow, which can be used with just about any photo editing software, from Apple Photos to Adobe Lightroom. Instructor demos are done in Adobe Lightroom Classic and Photoshop, and students are expected to...
Since time immemorial, Native people have called Walnut Canyon home. During traditional times, a thriving community lived within the canyon, building cliff dwellings in natural geologic formations. Participants on this hike will descend into the canyon, have the opportunity to view the cliff dwellings, and learn about the Ancestral Puebloans' rich cultural history. This hike requires...
University of Arizona Cooperative Extension Master Gardeners are certified volunteers who answer questions about gardening, landscaping, plant identification, and plant problems. If you have been wondering how to start and maintain your desert garden, wonder no more! Visit the Chandler Sunset Library on 3rd Saturdays between 10 a.m. to Noon to chat with a Master Gardener and...
Every Saturday we will have a table with teen technology experts from TechBloom who have partnered with our libraries! Individuals of all ages are welcome and they are happy to assist anyone with tech related questions or problems, including those who may need extra support. Explore, ask questions, and gain valuable skills.
30-minute, one-on-one instruction sessions are available for assistance with introductory software, creating email accounts, downloading eBooks and eAudiobooks, résumé development, online job applications, and more. Tutoring check-in is at the reference desk. Registration is required for all sessions. Register by calling 928-213-2331 or visiting the reference desk at the downtown library to check session availability.
So you want to haunt your house. But, where to begin? This workshop will be in two parts. Part 1 : Let's talk about planning your haunt. How will it be set up? Where will we find inspiration? How will we keep track of it all? Part 2: Milk Jug skulls. Learn to take an...
Learn about Grand Canyon's natural world on a one hour guided walk on a paved pathway along the canyon rim. Topics vary and may include: animals and plants adapting to changing seasons, man's impact on nature, how nature inspires writers and poets, rare and endangered species, or Indigenous people's use of plants and animals. Program duration:...
Join a Park Ranger at the Carl Hayden Visitor Center for a quick presentation about Glen Canyon. Topics vary.
Journey into the mysterious world of black holes in this visually stunning, immersive show. Featuring cosmic simulations and narrated by Liam Neeson, explore star birth and death, colliding galaxies, and a thrilling dive into our galaxy’s core. Audience: General, all ages Style: Fulldome film + live star talk All-Inclusive Planetarium Show Tickets Show...
Enjoy a captivating experience at the heart of our mountaintop observatory with our guided daytime tours! Discover the rich history of our unique site, from its origins as a Cold War early warning radar station to its current role as a leading astronomical research facility. Our knowledgeable guides will lead you on a 90-minute walking...
The saguaro celebrates events and faces challenges throughout its life. A biologist explains how it provides shelter and substance for wildlife; when it flowers; its growth patterns; and how it fights for survival against drought, lightning, frost, and other dangers. Wheelchair accessible.
We are all Scientists! CMT’s educators lead hands-on experiments designed to inspire a love of science every weekend at Brain Boost. A STEM program designed for whole-family engagement, kids explore science concepts in an interactive setting based on the concept that science is fun, interesting and everywhere! Every Saturday and Sunday at Noon; Saturday Brain...
Join us in the Red Hills Visitor Center to discover various plant species native to the Sonoran Desert and learn how indigenous peoples traditionally used them for food and medicine . Wheelchair accessible.
Join a ranger in our visitor center exhibit area to learn about a rotating selection of topics around the Sonoran Desert and Saguaro National Park. Drop in any time from 1pm-1:30pm. Accessible program.
Experience the fascinating world of marine life during an engaging Aquarist Talk and Live Feeding in the Tropical Waters gallery. Listen to expert insights regarding the venomous round stingrays as well as Agatha, the remarkable horn shark, at the Observation Pool. This interactive presentation offers a deeper understanding of these incredible creatures, along with a...
Enjoy a captivating experience at the heart of our mountaintop observatory with our guided daytime tours! Discover the rich history of our unique site, from its origins as a Cold War early warning radar station to its current role as a leading astronomical research facility. Our knowledgeable guides will lead you on a 90-minute walking...
Like to Sew? Want to learn? Learn to sew and come and enjoy sewing with others. Projects are prepared for those who wish to learn to sew.
A special weekend class designed for busy expectant parents. Begin the class on Saturday and complete the second session on Sunday. This class will provide parents with an overview of what to expect during childbirth and options regarding labor, birth and postpartum. You will gain the knowledge you need to be an active participant in...
Creep, crawl, and get curious! Join one a Butterfly Wonderland expert “bug specialist” for a close-up look at some of the world’s most incredible insects—like walking sticks, blue death-feigning beetles, katydids, and more. It’s buggy, fascinating, and totally FREE with admission.
Arizona Game and Fish Wildlife Educator, Nancy Kreuder, with the help of some feathery, and scaley animal ambassadors, will present the natural history of several fascinating species that call Arizona home. Come learn about lizards, snakes, hawks, owls, and falcons. This program is perfect for adults and older children (ages 8 and up).
Learn the secrets of the “rainforests of the sea” as you embark on an oceanic safari of the world’s most vibrant— and endangered—marine ecosystems. Narrated by Tony Award® winner Lea Salonga, the all-digital Expedition Reef immerses you in the undersea adventure. Audience: General, all ages Style: Fulldome film + live Earth science talk ...
This is not about the University of Arizona’s teams nor is it about your mom’s house cat! Join an Interpretive Ranger in the theater to learn about the four types of wild cats that roam not only Arizona’s mountains and deserts, but in some cases – our cities and towns! Wheelchair accessible.
Enhance your afternoon with quick insights into the geologic story of Grand Canyon at our "Geology Talk" ranger program - presented daily at 2:30 pm. Meet in front of Yavapai Geology Museum. Learn how this immense canyon formed and the science behind the landscape. The program is 30 minutes long and is accessible. Grand Canyon is one-mile deep, up...
Sit back and relax for this popular live show as one of our Console Captains guides you through the night sky from a Tucson perspective, pointing out stars, planets, constellations, and current celestial events. Then, take a cosmic leap beyond our solar system to explore the universe’s distant wonders. Audience: General, all ages Style: Live...
Up to 10 species of hummingbirds use the green corridor of the San Pedro River as a freeway between their tropical winter retreats and their northern nesting grounds. The public is invited to get a close-up look at these tiny travelers as staff and volunteers from the Southeastern Arizona Bird Observatory capture, band, weigh, measure,...
Bring Your Family to Meet Part of Our Family Our Education staff will share some fun facts while the keepers introduce you to the individual animals and their stories. this private after-hours event will include some tasty treats for both the animals and our guests, plus some fun activities!
Beat the heat and explore the outdoors with Reid Park Zoo’s Summer Safari Nights on Friday and Saturday evenings! Come to Summer Safari Nights, presented by TMC Health and enjoy the Zoo in the cooler evening hours! Each week will feature keeper chats, animal encounters, artifact stations, giraffe feedings, carousel rides, crafts and games. Face painting and...
Come out to Homolovi's Visitor Center Museum and Observatory for a night under the stars! These These astronomy events will take place on the third Saturday of each month, and are free with cost of park entry. Each event will feature a guest speaker with telescope viewing through the Winslow Homolovi Observatory's Moore Telescope (Celestron 14" Schmidt-Cassegrain) to follow...
Kartchner Caverns invites you to join us for a walk in the park as we uncover and learn about some of the 13 different neighboring bat species in the park. We will use bat detectors while on a walk through the beautiful desert night to see and hear some of them while learning about the diversity of these flying mammals. Boldly go where the...
Join Ranger Nikki on an evening stroll to search for a variety of nocturnal critters. Ranger Nikki will lead you on an evening walk to seek out scorpions, bats, owls, tarantulas and other nocturnal critters. The route follows Gila Trail to Baseline and a portion of Rainbow Valley Trail to make a balloon loop covering...
Learn about wildlife of the Sonoran Desert and easy citizen science you can help with on this late afternoon-evening hike with Ranger Eric. Join Ranger Eric to look for scorpions...