Lake Pleasant is creating a Monday clean-up crew. If you are available on any Monday, please join us as we pick up litter along the shoreline. Date- Every Monday from 4/1/24-10/28/24 Time – April 7:00am-9:00am May-Oct 6:00am-8:00am Location – Park at Castle Hot Springs dirt lot near the entry station. Meet with Park Assistant Doug...
June 3 - 7 9am - 4pm Ages 12 - 14 Your registration for a week-long camp will include: 1 Camp T-shirt with camper name, per week (More available to purchase if needed) Photos of camp. Emailed 1-2 weeks after the camp has ended in a Google Drive Folder available for about a year Camp...
Stop by the Discovery Center after your morning hikes or time on the lake and talk with Ranger Derik The many snake species that can be found in the Sonoran Desert. A table will be set up with guidebooks, snake skins, rattlesnake rattles and even a live snake. Feel free to ask questions, bring your...
Make an easy open top origami box to organize your drawers, your desktop and more! We will be using origami paper and also upcycling used copy paper, so if you have any colorful paper that you would otherwise discard, bring it with you!
Age at least 5 yrs but less than 17 yrs May 28, 2024 - May 31, 2024 Tue, Wed, Thu, Fr 4:30 PM - 5:30 PM If you have an itch to create engaging, authentic, and wildly watchable videos, but a newbie when it comes to the tech side of things, then StayClassyTV Academy has...
Join park volunteers Jim & Judy Taylor on the back patio of the nature center for a meetup to observe and identify Sonoran Desert birds species at our feeders! We will also take a short, easy trail walk to see what else we can identify. Please bring plenty of water, binoculars (some will be available...
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...
Age at least 14 yrs but less than 19 yrs May 29, 2024 - Jun 19, 2024 Wed 11:30 AM - 12:15 PM Participants will learn about computer components, and hand-on skill to rebuild/build a PC. Instructor will provide old computers for students. Learning how to install operation systems (Windows OS, Linux, and Chrome OS)...
Join Ranger Kevin for a 2.4-mile hike on the Cottonwood trail amidst the desert’s late spring beauty. The trail is rated easy-moderate, which means there may be stretches of loose rock, uneven terrain and elevation change. While out on the trail, we will learn about the ongoing project to catalog the Sonoran Desert’s amazing saguaro...
“Seed Collection Time!! The Desert Defender Team spent months removing Invasive species. It is time to collect native seeds, which will be used to make seed bombs this summer and then deployed in the parks, planted in areas where invasive species were treated earlier this year or in wildfire-impacted areas. We will be improving the...
Join Ranger Kevin as we celebrate everything saguaro! Drop on in from 2:00 pm to 4:00 pm and learn why these iconic cacti deserve our utmost respect and admiration. Late spring is the season when the saguaro starts to blossom. Find out why that is, how saguaros help boost the biodiversity of desert animal species,...
Join Ranger Eric for a late afternoon hike along the Slate and Flume Trails to look for reptiles of the Sonoran Desert. Along the way, we will discuss identification tips, their ecological roles, and safety around venomous animals. We will hike 1-3 miles roundtrip (depending on heat and interest) on easy grade, but occasionally rocky...
Ranger Nikki will introduce you to San Tan’s animal ambassadors, including snakes, chuckwallas, tortoises, a tarantula and a Gila monster. Learn about their life cycles, adaptations and what you should do if you encounter their relatives on the trail. Bring your water with you and a hat to visit the outdoor tortoise enclosure. Restrooms and...
Learn heat safety tips from Ranger Eric as we get into the summer months. Come learn about heat safety, heat-related illness symptoms, and how and when to hike during the hot summer months in the Sonoran Desert with Ranger Eric. If you plan on continuing hiking over the summer, learning these tips is the best...
Join Willow Bend Environmental Education Center and embark on a journey to become a naturalist! Engage with nature, hone your observation skills, and document your discoveries at our free, family-friendly event. Through engaging demonstrations, interactive games, hands-on activities, you will learn all about how to become a naturalist. Science Saturday is an event held on the...
Learn how to identify common birds and tips for better birding! Learn how to identify the common birds found around Phoenix during this introductory program. Participants will learn basic field ID techniques, some fun facts about our local species, as well as what you can do to help birds in your backyard. You will also...
One of the world’s largest fringing coral reefs, Ningaloo Reef is visible from space and stretches along the northwest coast of Western Australia. For this event, we will travel in a two-person submarine, Odyssea, on an underwater adventure. Rich in coral, we will experience this highway for the planet’s largest and smallest fish, including the...
Board your airships and jettison the ballast! Join in the fight to save a dystopian realm and create beautiful and imaginative kinetic sculptures that tell your hero’s tale. Immerse yourself in a world of gears, gadgets, and gizmos as you explore the exciting world of steampunk. In this immersive week-long day camp, participants in grades...
Age at least 11 yrs but less than 15 yrs Jun 10, 2024 - Jun 14, 2024 Weekdays 9:00 AM - Noon Customize your own Minecraft world and mod the classic game in this one-of-a-kind class. Learn scripting and logic statements as you create your first mods. Students will create a wide variety of...
If it’s slithery, scaly or just plain WILD, Phil has it, and he’s bringing it to Yuma! See snakes, lizards and more in this fun all-ages wildlife experience. Seating is limited for each of our two shows. Please arrive early for your best chance at seating. Space is limited.
June 11-16, 2024 (day camp) ASU Polytechnic campus High School, rising 11-12 grade Interested in learning how the field of engineering can be a force for good in the world? Team up with fellow high school students for an exciting introduction to the world of robotics. During the camp, students will compete in the National Underwater...
This is one of three online safety classes being offered at Dewhirst-Catalina Library. In this program participants will learn that the internet is a treasure trove of useful and reliable information, but also unreliable data and materials created to purposefully mislead readers. Tips will be discussed to learn to tell the difference. Staff led. No...
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....
This three-day program is for those who have completed Level 1. Participants will demonstrate their skills from Level 1 and caregiving is continued by learning about caring for a horse’s hooves and how to bathe a horse. Participants begin to develop riding skills that focus on basic control of a horse. Ages 7 - 14...
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....
Walk around beautiful Mission Garden with one of the garden's expert birders. We'll look for seasonal and resident birds and learn to identify some common calls and songs. The garden is a good place for beginning and intermediate birders to learn about many of the birds common to the greater Tucson area. Check in with...
Age at least 15 yrs but less than 19 yrs Jun 13, 2024 - Jun 27, 2024 Thu 9:00 AM - Noon This is a nationally recognized course that teaches teens ages 15-18 how to identify, understand, and respond to signs of mental health and substance abuse challenges among friends and peers. This course is...
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....
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 for a one-hour STEAM activity. Activities will include gardening, bird identification, paper airplanes, bubbles, doodle-bots, and geodes. Ages 7+
Can you survive a zombie apocalypse? Venture through different trials to see if you can withstand the undead! Send Morse code flashlight signals, test your agility in a foam tomahawk toss, and more! Ages 13-17 only. Limited space, First come, first serve.
This event is FREE. All gifts are appreciated. They help the garden grow! Maegan Lopez from Mission Garden and the Ajo Center for Sustainable Agriculture continue this Mission Garden tradition of talks and demonstrations about O'odham Agriculture. They talk about traditions associated with Native American crops and how crops brought by Europeans were integrated into...
Age at least 11 yrs but less than 17 yrs Jun 15, 2024 Sat 9:00 AM - 12:30 PM The Childcare & Babysitting Safety (CABS) course, helps build confidence, self-esteem and skills necessary to care for infants and children on a daily basis and in emergency situations. Topics include: starting your business, communicating with parents,...
Age at least 11 yrs but less than 17 yrs Jun 15, 2024 Sat 9:00 AM - 3:00 PM This one day class provides students with the knowledge and skills to confidently care for infants and young children. Participants learn how to respond to emergencies and illness with first aid, CPR and other appropriate...
Come on down and meet Ranger Olivia at the Discovery Center to learn more about the fascinating world around you – the Sonoran Desert. Are you visiting Arizona on vacation? Or have you recently moved to the Valley of Sun? Or perhaps you just want to learn more about the desert you live in? Then...
Join us on a celestial journey with our brand-new program at the park with Ranger Jacque, featuring a tranquil hike, telescope moon viewing, and stories of the night sky. Discover the magic of the celestial realm on this combination program, starting with a leisurely one-mile walk, immersing you in the natural beauty as the sun...
Embark on a celestial adventure with our Astronomy Camp—an extraordinary journey that transcends the boundaries of traditional education! Brace yourself for an immersive experience that unveils the secrets of the universe through captivating lectures, hands-on activities, planetarium shows, and eye-opening field trips. Participants will engage in activities such as constructing pulsars using LEDs and learn how...
“Flight Exploration” is a five-day immersive introduction to an aviation career. Designed to provide hands-on experience in flight training, the program is presented in three components across five days: Live flight training in beautiful north central Arizona; Aviation related knowledge topics (Weather, Air Traffic Management, Safety Analysis, Night Operations, Cross Country Operations) presented in an...
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....
Lake Pleasant is creating a Monday clean-up crew. If you are available on any Monday, please join us as we pick up litter along the shoreline. Date- Every Monday from 4/1/24-10/28/24 Time – April 7:00am-9:00am May-Oct 6:00am-8:00am Location – Park at Castle Hot Springs dirt lot near the entry station. Meet with Park Assistant Doug...
Lake Pleasant is creating a Monday clean-up crew. If you are available on any Monday, please join us as we pick up litter along the shoreline. Date- Every Monday from 4/1/24-10/28/24 Time – April 7:00am-9:00am May-Oct 6:00am-8:00am Location – Park at Castle Hot Springs dirt lot near the entry station. Meet with Park Assistant Doug...
June 17-20, 2024 (day camp) ASU Tempe campus High School, rising 11-12 grade The Engineering Projects in Community Service program, known as EPICS, is a national award-winning social entrepreneurship program. Students design, build, and deploy systems to solve engineering-based problems for charities, schools, and other not-for-profit organizations. This year Ira A. Fulton Schools of Engineering...
All ages Jun 18, 2024 Tue 7:00 AM - 9:00 AM As we stroll through the cottonwoods and willows of Cienega Creek, we hope to see Summer Tanager, Yellow Warbler, Bell’s Vireo and many other birds. If lucky, we may also see delights such as Northern Beardless-Tyrannulet. Sections of the trail are steep and...
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 for a stroll through our ethnobotanical garden where we will discuss some of the fascinating plants found in the Sonoran Desert. From the mighty saguaro cactus to the smallest wildflower, come let your curiosity blossom! Accessible program. Free with Park Fee
Please note that for all Wednesday Sweetwater walks in June, we will be starting at 6:00 AM. Trip difficulty: Easy; Walking distance: 1.5 miles, Trip Duration: 2.5 hrs, Elevation gain: none, but with chance of slight inclines/declines; Ground condition: groomed gravel trails. Drinking water and restrooms available at park’s entrance. Benches available at periodic intervals...
Level 3 is available for participants who have completed both Level 1 and 2. In this three-day program, participants will broaden their horsemanship knowledge by learning different breeds and colors of horses. While practicing more independence with the horses and riding skills develop further, participants are introduced to faster gaits and learn to maneuver through...
A special exhibit will be located inside the Visitor Center, on the side of the hall opposite the entrance to the theater. It will include posters, a short film, and a ranger led discussion to share what Juneteenth is and to elevate the stories and connections that Black communities have with public lands. Free with Park...
“Seed Collection Time!! The Desert Defender Team spent months removing Invasive species. It is time to collect native seeds, which will be used to make seed bombs this summer and then deployed in the parks, planted in areas where invasive species were treated earlier this year or in wildfire-impacted areas. We will be improving the...
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....
Chat with paleontologists at work in the Museum Demonstration Lab and peek in the windows to view the fossils they are cleaning and conserving from Petrified Forest National Park. Free with Park Fee
Ages 12+ Jun 21, 2024 Fri 8:00 AM - 10:30 AM Explore a 2-to-3-mile section of the Anza Trail during an easy, level interpretive hike. . Learn about the cultural and natural history of the Santa Cruz Valley. Travel on the Juan Bautista de Anza National Historic Trail to the area of La Canoa...
Join an Interpretive Ranger at Signal Hill to learn about the peoples who lived in this area from 450CE to 1450CE and are believed to have been the creators of the petroglyphs on Signal Hill and at other sites throughout the greater Tucson/Phoenix area. 1 hour, 1/2 mile Free with Park Fee
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....
Hike through rare Riparian habitat and amount towering Saguaro as you learn about the many edible native plants that thrive in the harsh desert climate and about the people that once called the Sonoran Desert home. Join Ranger Derik on a 2.5-mile loop hike of the Metate and Spur Cross trails starting at area 7....
“Seed Collection Time!! The Desert Defender Team spent months removing Invasive species. It is time to collect native seeds, which will be used to make seed bombs this summer and then deployed in the parks, planted in areas where invasive species were treated earlier this year or in wildfire-impacted areas. We will be improving the...
This event is FREE. No RSVP necessary. All gifts are appreciated. At our monthly (fourth Saturday) Archaeology Day, representatives of Tucson's archaeology community come to Mission Garden to teach practical hands-on skills. Old Pueblo Archaeology Center is represented at these events, also presenting interactive programs about things like pinch pots, pendants, and cordage. John Palacio...
Join Ranger Nikki on early morning hike to celebrate the end of National Pollinator Week by watching for critter activity and enjoying cactus blooms. Ranger Nikki will lead you on a hike to observe birds, insects, mammals and reptiles starting their day and learn about a variety of cacti showcasing their summer blooms. National Pollinator...
Join Ranger Kevin for an early morning walk in search of wildlife. Enjoy a roughly 1.5-mile hike on the Wildlife Pond and Mule Deer trails with Ranger Kevin as we look for all kinds of wildlife along the way. Some animals we may see include mule deer, javelina, squirrels, rabbits, various species of birds and...
Ready for an exhilarating dive into the world of air traffic control? Brace yourself for a week of thrills, challenges, and the chance to step into the shoes of an air traffic controller! In our one-week program, we're not just talking about air traffic control – we're putting you right in the action. Imagine yourself...
Lake Pleasant is creating a Monday clean-up crew. If you are available on any Monday, please join us as we pick up litter along the shoreline. Date- Every Monday from 4/1/24-10/28/24 Time – April 7:00am-9:00am May-Oct 6:00am-8:00am Location – Park at Castle Hot Springs dirt lot near the entry station. Meet with Park Assistant Doug...
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....
This 90-minute tour provides a unique opportunity to learn how innovative engineering and optical technology melds with manufacturing techniques to produce the largest and most advanced giant (8.4 meters / 27 ft) telescope mirrors in the world on the University of Arizona campus. Visitors will see the unparalleled technology and revolutionary processes in making the...
Meet for a bird walk at Gilbert Riparian Preserve, at the west end of the parking lot at 6:00 a.m.; social time at Coffee Rush starts at 7:30 a.m. Coffee Rush, 53 N Val Vista Dr, Gilbert, AZ 85234,
Age at least 10 yrs but less than 18 yrs Jun 25, 2024 Tue 9:00 AM - 12:30 PM Registration fee: $12 Mesa resident/$14 non-resident. INSTRUCTOR FEE DUE FIRST DAY: 40. This course provides student with the knowledge and skills to confidently care for infants and school age children. Participants will learn how to...
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....
The SPRNCA provides habitat for over 100 species of breeding birds. The San Pedro River is also a critical migration corridor that provides water, food, and shelter for another 250 migratory and wintering birds. Novice and experienced bird watchers attend our bird walks to view the diverse avian community of the area. We usually observe...
Please note that for all Wednesday Sweetwater walks in June, we will be leading two walks of 15 participants each, both starting at 6:00 AM. Trip difficulty: Easy; Walking distance: 1.5 miles, Trip Duration: 2.5 hrs, Elevation gain: none, but with chance of slight inclines/declines; Ground condition: groomed gravel trails. Drinking water and restrooms available...
Start your day right with Ranger Jacque on this morning nature hike! Come with Ranger Jacque out to the park for a two-mile hike on Moonlight and Stargazer trails, rated easy to moderate, picking up tidbits of Sonoran Desert wisdom along the way. Restrooms are available at the Nature Center where we will meet. Please...
Join Ranger Derik on a hike through a chainfruit cholla forest as you learn about the many cacti species found in the Sonoran Desert. Hike on the Lost Sheep Trail for a 2.5 mile out and back on easy trail. The group will make frequent stops to talk about the many cactus species along the...
“Seed Collection Time!! The Desert Defender Team spent months removing Invasive species. It is time to collect native seeds, which will be used to make seed bombs this summer and then deployed in the parks, planted in areas where invasive species were treated earlier this year or in wildfire-impacted areas. We will be improving the...
Start your day right with Ranger Jacque on this morning nature hike! Come with Ranger Jacque out to the park for a two-mile hike on Tortoise and Hilltop trails, rated easy to moderate, picking up tidbits of Sonoran Desert wisdom along the way. Restrooms are available at the Nature Center where we will meet. Please...
Step into your weekend on a morning hike with Ranger Jacque! Ranger Jacque leads you on a 3.7-mile hike, starting at the Nature Center, and making a clockwise loop on the Moonlight, San Tan, Gold Mine, and Little Leaf trails. This trail is rated moderate-difficult. Please prepare by wearing appropriate shoes/clothing, sun protection, and bringing...
Join Ranger Nikki on an easy hike to learn about a variety of desert plant and animal life. Join Ranger Nikki on a 2-mile hike to learn about our fascinating Sonoran Desert and how plants and animals survive, particularly during the summer. We will also visit Petroglyph Plaza on the Waterfall Trail and talk about...
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....
Do you know how a compass works? Could you use one to find your way out of the woods if you got lost camping? Did you know you can make a compass out of common objects? Join us for this fun program for teens ages 13-17. Seating is limited. Supplies will be provided on a...
Join Ranger Kevin for an introduction to birding in one of Arizona’s premiere birding locations. Enjoy a roughly 2-mile walk on the Palm Lake, Mesquite Meander, Lions, and Willow Walkway trails. We’ll cover birding basics, from tools and equipment to bird identification tips and strategies. Trails are rated easy, although thick sand is possible in...
“Seed Collection Time!! The Desert Defender Team spent months removing Invasive species. It is time to collect native seeds, which will be used to make seed bombs this summer and then deployed in the parks, planted in areas where invasive species were treated earlier this year or in wildfire-impacted areas. We will be improving the...
Join Ranger Derik on fitness hike up to Wind Cave to see scenic views of the Tonto National Forest and the Phoenix Valley. This hike will be 3 miles long and gain 800ft of elevation. For this hike you will need a daypack with at least 2 liters of water and a snack. The trail...
Join Ranger Kevin for an early morning walk in search of wildlife. Enjoy a roughly 2-mile hike on the Spur Cross and Metate trails with Ranger Kevin as we look for all kinds of wildlife along the way. Some animals we may see include mule deer, javelina, squirrels, rabbits, various species of birds and perhaps...
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....