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 where the expedition to found San Francisco camped after leaving Tubac Presidio...
Bobcat Amphitheater. Birds of prey are important to the health of wild ecosystems but they can benefit human habitats as well. Learn about the behavior, biology, and ecological role of raptors and how the ancient art of falconry has shaped modern raptor conservation efforts. Park ranger and licensed falconer, Erik, will answer all your questions about birds...
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. The lab is closed on all...
Saguaro National Park is famous for its gigantic saguaros. Still, you have to know where to look to find a real giant among giants. Join a ranger for a walk...
Discover simple Science, Technology, Engineering, Art and Math (STEAM) concepts through interactive learning centers. Appropriate for ages 2 – 5 years.
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...
Learn about Grand Canyon's natural world on a 1 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 American Indian use of plants and animals. Program...
Turkeys, grouse, quail, and their kin, collectively known as game birds, figure prominently on dinner tables this time of year. In this class we look past the gustatory aspect of these birds to explore their diversity, natural history, and conservation. This group includes some of the most beautiful birds in the world, some of the...
Join park staff on a guided hike to learn about area birds, plants, history, and get tips on bird identification by sight and sound! The hike will begin at the Fort Bowie trailhead and be a 1.5 mile walk up to the Visitor Center. Visitors will be responsible for making the return hike back to the...
Become a Rock Art Detective and investigate the who, when, and how mysteries of the 1000 year old Hohokam Petroglyphs. -Meet at Signal Hill at 10:15 a.m. Plan for 20 minutes of driving time to location from the visitor center -An optional 1/4 mile hike will follow the program, discussing some of the common plants and animals...
Join a ranger for a 15 minute talk at the Coronado National Memorial Visitor Center and learn about a variety of park topics including the Coronado Expedition, wildlife, and more! Ask a ranger at the visitor center desk for the topic of the day. Free with Park Fee
Join us for a free gardening presentation by Pima County Master Gardeners from the University of Arizona Cooperative Extension. Today’s topic is Glorious Winter Gardens. How do you cold proof your garden for Tucson winters? What plants will make it through the winter unscathed? What plants look great and are trouble-free even in the cold...
Step into a realm of wonder as Butterfly Wonderland’s Education Specialists release exquisite tropical butterflies into the Conservatory. Capture the enchanting moment with on camera as these graceful insects take...
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. Free with Park Fee
Join us for a surprise program. Topics change daily. Come curious, leave inspired! Program may include a walk to Mather Point or along the Canyon Rim Trail. Program duration: 30 minutes. Presented daily. We all have our favorites - favorite restaurants, favorite music, favorite parks. Join a ranger, or a park volunteer, for a program...
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...
What was it like to live in the desert a hundred years ago? Bring water and sun protection for a hike into a different era! Meet at the Freeman Homestead trailhead in the Rincon Mountain District. Free with Park Fee
If you have wanted to learn how far a jumping cholla can fly or if you have another question with respect to the seven various cholla species in Saguaro National Park, then join a volunteer interpretive ranger on a short walk as the cholla are identified and questions about those seven cholla species are answered....
Join us for a free gardening presentation by Pima County Master Gardeners from the University of Arizona Cooperative Extension. Today’s topic is Glorious Winter Gardens. How do you cold proof your garden for Tucson winters? What plants will make it through the winter unscathed? What plants look great and are trouble-free even in the cold...
Ranger Shaun has found some microscopes and is sampling Palm Lake! Come have a look at what sort of things might be swimming around in there. Learn about aquatic life cycles, indicator species, and ecosystems. Find out where mosquitos come from! Stop in for this drop in drop out session. MEETING LOCATION: Visitor Center No...
Enhance your afternoon with quick insights into the geologic story of Grand Canyon at our "Geo Glimpse" ranger program - presented daily at 2 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 to...
Join Ranger Shaun for a relaxing walk around the beautiful Palm Lake. Watch and listen for birds, bugs, and more in the trees as we enjoy the November weather. Closed toed shoes, water, and dressing in layers are recommended. Restrooms and water available at the visitor’s center. MEETING LOCATION: Visitor’s Center Limit 10 participants. To...
Join Ranger Eric on National Take-a-Hike Day for a guided hike to learn about the animals, plants, and ecology of the Sonoran Desert. We will hike 3.5 miles roundtrip on a loop up the Slate, Quartz, Go John, and Jasper Trails. It will be on moderate grade, with frequently rocky or uneven ground. We should...
Come 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
Join Liberty Wildlife and their Animal Ambassadors to learn more about the native wildlife of Arizona. Education Takes Flight, every Friday from October thru April. Location: Hyatt Regency Scottsdale Resort & Spa at Gainey Ranch 7500 E Doubletree Ranch Rd, Scottsdale, AZ 85258, United States
Ages 16+ Join the True Crime Club at the Avondale Civic Center Library to talk about true crime books, current trials, historical events, documentaries, podcasts, or to listen to a speaker who works in the true crime field. The True Crime Club meets the 1st and 3rd Fridays each month from 5:30-7 p.m.
Witness Catalina State Park’s nocturnal wildlife and stargaze on a one-mile, guided night hike on the Nature Trail. You’ll learn fun facts about the Sonoran Desert’s nocturnal animals like scorpions, coyotes, and bats. When the stars come out, experience a guided constellation tour featuring a variety of cultures and astronomy facts. Please bring a flashlight,...
Get creative! Spend an evening at Butterfly Wonderland with friends or a significant other at Butterfly Wonderland and learn to paint a beautiful butterfly masterpiece in this fun and interactive class led by artist Judith Nunez. Class held in the Café. Limited to 20 people. Pre-registration required. Register via EventBrite here or call (480) 800-3000, ext. 206....
The Colorado, the Gila, the Salt, the Verde, the Hassayampa, the Santa Cruz: Arizona’s rivers were lush green ribbons of life flowing through a desert landscape. They became sustaining paths for indigenous traders and immigrants leaving wagon tracks and settlements. The Hohokam built vast canals from the Salt to direct irrigation water for crops. European...