For a different birding experience, join our knowledgeable bird walk docents at a little-known birding hot spot. This is about a 2 mile walk on an uneven dirt and gravel trail that crosses through a deep wash. There is no shade, and it will be hot on sunny days. The walk will last about 3...
Embark on a unique day-long journey through the remote and rugged beauty of Big Shipp Canyon, which cuts deep into a basalt lava flow. This off-trail escapade promises encounters with perennial water sources in the Sonoran Desert, ancient rock art, untouched vistas, and a fascinating geologic history. Register via Eventbrite Highlights: – Guided off-trail hike...
First Saturday of the month, 8-9am (note time change from previous months) At Mission Garden, meet inside the front gate of the garden $10, Spots limited: Register and pay here. Learn about some of the 50 medicinal plants in Mission Garden's Moore Medicinal Garden. The plants are native to the American Southwest deserts and in...
Are you new to birding? Need help getting started? Birding is a great way to get outside to explore nature, learn more about wildlife and wildlife behavior, hone your observation skills, reduce stress, and connect with others. Join naturalist Jeff Babson for a casual birding experience to familiarize yourself with birding basics. Loaner binoculars available....
The San Pedro River is one of the last free flowing rivers in the Southwest and home to one of the largest cottonwood-willow riparian forests remaining in Arizona. On this walk we will discuss the interactions of the components that make up the ecosystem of the river and its importance to the surrounding area. The...
Desert 101 South Educational Walk at Gateway Trailhead Location: Gateway Trailhead – 18333 N. Thompson Peak Pkwy. Scottsdale, AZ 85255 Skill level: Easy Time: ~2 hours The Conservancy has a mission to help sustain the McDowell Sonoran Preserve. This walk provides a geological and ecological overview of what lives in the McDowell Sonoran Preserve, and...
Stop by all month long at the Downtown Branch and test your detective skills with our scavenger hunt for a chance to earn a prize! This month's Earth Day theme runs through April 30th. Explore every nook of your library to complete the hunt, and along the way, discover something new your library has to offer! The hidden...
Learn about the resident and migrant birds of desert riparian areas on this guided walk with Anne Leight. Did you know that over 300 species of birds have been found at the Hassayampa River Preserve? Enjoy an easy-paced walk with seasoned birder and bird bander Anne Leight to spot and identify the many resident and migratory birds of...
Trailside Naturalist – Big Cats in the Preserve at Gateway Trailhead Location: Gateway Trailhead Time: ~2.5 hours Stop by anytime between 8:30 and 11:00 A.M. to learn about mountain lions that live in the Preserve. Mountain Lions, also known in North America as the puma, cougar, catamount or panther live in the Preserve. They are...
Get your blood pumping and take in stunning views of the Estrella Mountains on a desert fitness hike with Ranger Derik. This hike will be 6.2 miles in length with 500ft of elevation gain and covers sections of the Coldwater, Gadsden and Butterfeild trails and is rated as moderate and can be steep and rocky...
Bring your family to Mesa Urban Garden for a fun-filled and educational experience. Learn about gardening, composting, and other exciting topics. Take and Make crafts will be available as supplies last. Parking is available at the County Health Building parking on the east side of the garden. Location: Mesa Urban Garden 212 E 1st...
This class is for those that have already taken our basic tomato class or have at least 1 year of gardening experience. In this advanced course, we will dive into growing heirloom varieties, trellising, pruning techniques, pest control/mitigation, companion planting, in ground growing, ways to improve in areas of past failure and more! Includes: 1/2...
Take a walk to the ruins of the historic Grand Central Mill. During the Tombstone silver boom, this stamp mill operated 24 hours a day, processing the ore brought in from Tombstone by wagons. Learn about the mining history of the area and take a three-mile round trip walk to the mill site. This walk...
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. Designed for ages 12 and up.
Join in a celebration for the love of elephants and in honor of Penzi the elephant’s fourth birthday. Watch Penzi and the herd receive some special enrichment treats and learn what it takes to care for these gentle giants during zookeeper presentations. You may catch a glimpse of Penzi’s new baby sister, too! Enjoy free...
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...
Join us to walk around Liberty Wildlife during our public open hours and see us fulfilling our mission! October through April we are open to the public from 10am until...
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
Learn to create a birdhouse luminary with a special surprise! All supplies provided; teens and adults welcome. Please register every individual who is attending.
A very special class taught by our Farm Manager and Head Grower, Leslie Blanchard. Her best tips for thriving annual & perennial herbs in the low desert. Plus, the proper soil to use, Space requirements, Sunlight needs, Fertilizing, Companion planting for maximum yield and results. Plus! A focus on flowers to aid in attracting pollinators....
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...
An informational session on the importance and ways of protecting your newly planted fruit trees their first summer. Space is limited.
Learn about growing your own herbs at the library! Space is limited. ¡Aprende a cultivar tus propias hierbas! Capacidad limitada.
What can go from 0-30mph instantly, fly upside down and backwards and cruise over 500 miles without stopping, plus eat the equivalent of 30 cheeseburgers a day? Meet the hummers! Join Ranger John, a retired NP Ranger, to discover the lives of nature's smallest birds and how to protect them in your own backyard.
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...
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...
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,...