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...
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...
We've compiled everything we think every beginner gardener should know, and jam-packed it into an hour class. From setting up your growing space to harvesting the fruits of your labor,...
Spend the morning outside to learn all about plants of the Sonoran Desert during this guided hike with Ranger Olivia. Enjoy a guided nature hike along one of our trails...
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...
Capture the beauty of butterflies and fascinating insects in this beginners Macro Photography Workshop with Butterfly Wonderland photographer Jonathan Cline. Learn essential photography techniques along with tips and tricks to...
VIP tour of the Arizona Worm Farm, including our breeding operations, castings production, organic egg production, and food forest. You will learn how we breed thousands of worms, meet our Black Soldier Fly Larvae and see how we turn garbage into food. This tour may include tastings of some fruits and vegetables - including our...
In this course you will learn the basic skills about the internet: Surf using Edge/ Google Bookmark and organize pages of interest Understanding the Internet addresses– URLs Understand search engines...
A very special class taught by Angela Judd of @growing.in.the.garden. Whether you want to grow tomatoes in hanging baskets or you want to utilize a small space, our Container Vegetable Gardening class is the workshop for you. Learn all about how to successfully grow vegetables in containers. It's harder than it looks! In this hands-on...
Breakfast with the Animals includes a light breakfast in front of the spotlight animal, a special animal feeding and keeper talk, and an animal activity for the kids. It’s the best way to learn more and feel closer to your favorite sanctuary resident(s)! Breakfast runs from 9:00am to 10:30am on Saturday mornings. After breakfast, you’re welcome to...
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...
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,...
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 $5 per person age 5 and up. There are no set programs, but volunteers are on hand to...
Gift the gift of blood at the American Red Cross Blood Drive! Appointment times can be found by going to www.redcrossblood.org and selecting the "Donating Blood" option. Location: 1st Floor Pulliam Auditorium, Burton Barr Central Library
Learn about the wildlife that quietly lives in our backyards. From scorpions, to snakes, coyotes and more. There will NOT be any animals at this educational presentation and is primarily an adult program.
The Arizona Worm Farm growing staff will teach the basics of organic tomato growing and give you a gift package to get you started! Topics will include: The Best Time to Plant Choosing the Right Tomato Varieties Sun and Temperature Requirements Soil Preparation Planting Tomatoes Companion plantings Watering, Fertilizing, and Pruning Tomatoes Class includes a...
Explore the rich and complex history of modern preservation efforts within Walnut Canyon. This historic cabin was built for the first forest rangers tasked with safeguarding the resources of the...
Join Ranger Olivia to learn about the people who lived in the Valley before us by seeing real artifacts, petroglyphs, and even creating your own. This classroom setting program will feature real and replica artifacts from the Indigenous people who lived in the Valley. We will be discussing how they communicated, hunted, lived, and had...
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 when, what, where, and how to plant your garden in Arizona, and who to ask, wonder no more. Come talk with a Master Gardener and have your questions answered—you...
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,...
A fun filled day celebrating the variety of food that is grown and harvested on the Colorado Plateau! Enjoy a pueblo oven demonstration, tea tastings, and kids' activities, all free. This event is set to take place by the Colton Garden, located on the MNA research campus on Fort Valley Road. Part of...
Get a personalized, signed copy of Angela Judd's new garden planner. Pickup at the event or anytime after.
Presented by Tempe Water Conservation. Water can be a high cost for Homeowner Associations (HOA). Join us for this information session on water efficiency for large landscapes and learn about...
Gardening here is much different than in most areas of the U.S., offering special rewards and special challenges. This presentation is designed to familiarize newcomers with the unique climate, soil, and native plant types in the Sonoran Desert to help them transition successfully. Gardeners of all experience levels are welcome. Presented by Pima County Master...
Come eat lunch in the air conditioning and learn about scavengers with Ranger Shaun. The desert, you might have noticed, is not prone to allowing thing to rot. That requires...
Unlock your creativity! Create a design using our computers and get it 3-D printed—we’ll help you get started and contact you when your print is ready. Ages 12 + / Ages 12 and under need to be accompanied by an adult. *Please note that this is not a Workshop/Class* An online tutorial is recommended for...
Families are encouraged to participate in making and creating at Mesquite. Guided activities will include science, technology, engineering, arts, or mathematics concepts. Join the family STEAM event every second Saturday of the month. Let's create!
The lecture will briefly outline the purpose and function of the statewide Invasive Plant Program, and will showcase success stories of restoration projects in central and southern Arizona. Participants will explore the unique and resilient adaptations of native plants, and learn about how they can bring the Sonoran Desert to their own backyard. Jessi Szopinski...
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,...
Explore the night skies from the summit of Mt. Lemmon using Arizona's LARGEST publicly available telescopes! Under the guidance of a professional, visitors will enjoy a brief astronomy lecture, a light dinner, and an exclusive opportunity to observe astronomical objects and phenomena. This five-hour program starts 2 hours before sunset and accommodates up to 28...
Join a Park Ranger and the crew from Scorpion Bay Marina on an informative and relaxing boat cruise around scenic Lake Pleasant. Explore the beauty of Lake Pleasant on a cruise narrated by a Park Ranger. Learn about the history, flora and fauna of this oasis in the desert that serves as both a massive...
Come with Ranger Shaun for a Sunset hike! Walk a western facing section of Clay Mine trail as the sun sets to enjoy one of Arizona’s legendary sunsets. Water and restrooms will be available near the trailhead. This hike includes segments of Overton, Clay Mine, and Go John Trail. These trails are rated, respectively, moderate,...
Questions about the Sonoran Desert or the things that live there? Ask Ranger Kevin! Come to the Trailhead Staging Area and say hello to Ranger Kevin from 6:00pm to 7:00pm. Bring your burning desert questions, or let’s just talk. We’ll also have a table full of interesting objects like bones, feathers, snake sheds, cactus...
Explore the Phoenix Herpetological Sanctuary at your own pace and join us for an unforgettable evening full of reptile fun! Observe Crocodilian and Venomous Snake Feedings throughout the night! Meet some amazing scaly friends at our Petting Zoo! This is a great hands-on opportunity for guests of all ages to get up close with our...
Join Ranger Kevin for an evening of fun late-summer stargazing! Clear skies permitting, we’ll be viewing a selection of objects through a portable telescope. Possibilities include planets, galaxies, nebulae, and...
Search for scorpions and other critters with Ranger Eric on a short night hike! Join Ranger Eric to look for scorpions and other nocturnal wildlife on a short hike along...
Join Ranger Shaun for an after dark critter hunt! Come walk roughly 1.5-miles in the desert in the dark and look for wildlife with Ranger Shaun. This is a great time of year for scorpions, tarantula, and snakes! Bring a flashlight! Bring a friend! Bring a sense of adventure! Closed toed shoes, water bottle, and flashlight...