Some of the most sought-after birds in North America spend their winters here in Cochise County. The tour travels the wetlands, grasslands, agriculture fields, and foothills of the Sulphur Springs Valley and may include stops at Sunsites, Cochise Stronghold, and Whitewater Draw. The tour will look for Scaled Quail, Arizona Woodpecker, Mountain Plover, Sage Sparrow,...
Roper Lake is an excellent place for bird watching. Species commonly seen are Gambel's Quail, Red-winged Blackbird, Yellow-headed Blackbird, Great Horned Owl, Northern Cardinal, as well as flycatchers, kingfishers, ducks, grebes, egrets, herons, and mergansers. Dankworth is a very popular southern Arizona birding destination and a large variety of migratory birds spend their winters soaking...
Learn and practice basic identification skills. Time will be spent at the Willcox ponds and nearby areas observing and identifying common bird species. The trip leader will likely have a spotting scope; however, this tour will require that you bring your own binoculars. Less than 1/2 mile of easy walking. Beginner. Part of Wings...
Registration for this trip is free. Bird beautiful Oracle State Park, situated at 4500 ft. elevation which means cooler temperatures and the chance to see some higher elevation species like Woodhouse’s Scrub Jay, Crissal Thrasher, and Canyon Towhee. Walk 1-2 miles on fairly level terrain and meet at the Kannally Ranch House/Visitor Ctr. at end...
It’s time to get your birding on! On this tour, you’ll learn how to identify resident birds and those just passing through. You’ll also learn where they like to hang out and what their habits are, so you can be ready to spot them in their natural habitat. View the Tohono Chul bird guide here....
Patagonia-Sonoita Creek Preserve, 150 Blue Haven Rd, Patagonia Friday, January 12th: Meeting time 8:30 am; duration 2 ½ – 3hrs Trip difficulty: Moderate. 2-2.5 miles over mostly level, but occasionally uneven, terrain. Chance of moist, muddy brief portions near wetland areas. A portion of the trail is a former railroad bed, with concrete abutments at...
If you were a spider, what would you look like? What would your favorite food be? Join us as we make our very own spider and talk about all our spiders' favorite things! Let’s work on our story telling with a cute little art project. Support for the Phoenix Families First Resource Center is provided...
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
Head to the south end of Sulphur Springs Valley looking for Sandhill Cranes foraging in the fields along the way. Then enjoy their return to Whitewater Draw as they fly in to loaf after their morning feeding. Less than 1/2 mile of easy walking. Beginner to Intermediate. Includes rest stops and lunch. Part of...
Join a park naturalist on a favorite trail to explore the wonders of the Sonoran Desert. Meet at the Visitor Center to learn what that day’s adventure entails. Expect a 3-hour moderate hike. Bring water and sun protection. Hiking boots are recommended. Free with Park Fee
Students will become paleontologists. Students will learn about fossils, dinosaurs, rocks and so much more. Students will learn through read-alouds, dino digs, study of fossils/rocks, projects/crafts. An $8.00 class fee will be due to the instructor on the date of the first class. No class on 2/2. Age at least 4 yrs but less than 7 yrs Jan...
Join a ranger at the Kris Eggle Visitor Center at our back patio to learn about the wildlife found at Organ Pipe Cactus National Monument. Topics may include javalina, gila monsters, cougars, and more! Free with Park Fee
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...
Experience Tohono Chul while learning some of the basics of the ecology of the Sonoran Desert. Join us for a Walk in the Gardens and get an intimate look at the plants and animals that call Tohono Chul home. During this guided tour, you’ll hear about desert wildlife and learn how to identify some of...
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
Sometimes scary, but always cool! – spiders, scorpions, snakes, and lizards Eco-Stations at the Overlook These touch carts, staffed by Docents, feature hands-on Sonoran Desert learning opportunities for visitors of all ages. Stocked with everything from binoculars and hand lenses to mounted specimens and scientific models, and supplemented with an amazing array of feathers,...
Come learn a little about mindfulness, mediation, and slowing down a little. Even better, do it on a hike. Ranger Shaun will show you how! Mindfulness seems like a buzzword these days and maybe meditation isn’t just for monks and hippies, or maybe it is. Curious? Ranger Shaun’s noticed people seem less embarrassed to ask...
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...
Willcox Playa and the adjacent Dos Cabezas Mountains, which form the geologic framework along the northern end of Sulphur Springs Valley, have caused major restrictions to travel and land use since pre-historic times. We will observe these features and learn about their origin and the impacts they've had and are still having. Discussion is encouraged. ...
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 a ranger on the back patio of the Kris Eggle Visitor Center to discover more about Organ Pipe Cactus' fascinating cultural or geological history, ecology, wildlife or other fun topics! Free with Park Fee
Expedition Reef show reveals in exquisite detail the breathtaking beauty and biodiversity of coral reefs—and the scientists taking action to restore them. Recommended for general audiences. Themes: Sea, Climate, Biology Style: Fulldome documentary followed by live presentation Planetarium Tickets Adults: $12 Children (ages 3-15): $8 Children ages 2 and under: Free Discounted Rates Seniors (55+) and...
What is the difference between poison and venom? Come learn more at Ranger Steve’s discovery station and display of LIVE venomous animals. Join Ranger Steve at the Nature Center for...
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...
This tour will start with a circuit of Cochise Lake for late afternoon arrivals of waterfowl. Next stop will be at a known roosting site as dusk begins to fall, with Sandhill Cranes coming in from the fields to spend the night. Up to ¾ mile of walking may be required along unpaved, sandy roads....
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
Join a ranger at the Twin Peaks Campground Amphitheater to discover more about the amazing Sonoran Desert! Topics may including cultural history, wildlife, cacti, restoration projects, and more! Free with Park Fee
Arizona has a rich geologic history, both naturally and culturally. Dig in with Jessica Garcia, Physical Scientist with the Southeast Arizona Group. Jessica has been working for the Southeast Arizona Group for ten years as a geologist, and her passion for geology and caves has been fueled by the natural wonders that Southern Arizona offers...
Take a stroll in the twilight as night-prowling creatures emerge to enjoy the cooler hours after dark. Bats expected! Meet at the Rincon Mountain Visitor Center entrance. Bring water, flashlight...