This field trip begins in Camp Verde where we will turn off from South Oasis Road and go up Forest Service Road 136 to trailhead parking adjacent to the Copper Canyon drainage. We will bird desert scrub, pinon/juniper, and riparian habitat. Most years there is a trickle of water and a small waterfall in Copper Canyon for a...
This is a great Trip to end the Festival on. After a short drive, we will be in search of desert specialties. In short order, Rich Armstrong will have you on Curve-billed thrasher, Crissal Thrasher, Cactus Wren and anything else that has feathers in this prime location on the edge of Cottonwood. This will be...
We will walk from the park birding on the way to Old Town Cottonwood via the “Jail Trail”. This interpretive trail actually begins at the old Cottonwood Jail so we will be walking it in reverse of the printed guide. Not to worry. We'll end up on Main Street to be picked up by the...
One of the many reasons we hold the festival at Dead Horse Ranch State Park is its location in the heart of the Verde River riparian corridor. An easy walk along the Verde River Greenway will provide opportunities to spot riparian dependent species. Our knowledgeable guide will enhance your experience. You should be able to...
Alcantara Winery is almost 90 acres of desert scrub, vineyards and extensive riparian habitat located at the confluence of Oak Creek and the Verde River. Come join us as the guides attempt to spot and identify all the different species that should be present in this varied habitat. Some of the walking along the River...
Homer, as one of our most popular guides, will be helping you to hone your skills of birding by ear while seeking a variety of species. Learning to identify birds through sound will improve your success at spotting elusive species We will visit diverse habitats in this exercise so that you can learn a wide...
Mingus Mountain has the second highest summit in the Black Hills Range on the west side of the Verde Valley and peaks at more than 4,000 ft above the Valley floor. We will take advantage of the varied slope aspects to look for birds including Steller’s Jay, Pygmy Nuthatch, Brown Creeper, Hermit Thrush, Olive Warbler,...
We will hike the Wind Cave Trail with 800ft of elevation gain, and at a distance of 3 miles, it is rated as difficult. The trail is steep and rocky, so it is encouraged you bring proper footwear, and if balance is an issue, trekking poles are great to have. Please bring plenty of water...
Phenology is nature’s calendar – the timing of annual life-cycle events that are influenced by climate and weather, like blooming, migration, and nesting. Join us for a stroll along the Santa Cruz River as we gather data on seasonal changes in native plants to learn more about phenology, its importance, and how you can help...
Let the birds come to you! Bring your favorite camp chair, binoculars, a little refreshment, and just enjoy birding as the time slips by. You will only have to walk a short distance on the handicapped accessible Canopy Trail to a spot where feeders bring the birds up close. A knowledgeable guide will help identify...
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 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...
Join Ranger Nikki on a moderate hike and use your phone to document biodiversity in the park for the City Nature Challenge global citizen science competition that runs April 26-29. The City Nature Challenge is a global competition between cities to document biodiversity in regions around the world, taking place April 26-29. Ranger Nikki will...
While all the trees in the Campus Arboretum are beautiful, some of them are also tasty. Join us for a tour of the edible trees, including olive, fig, pomegranate, and many you may have never heard of. Knives and forks not required for this delicious and informative tour. Tours start at the University of Arizona...
Take a guided stroll along the Chuck Huckelberry Loop to see a desert river brought back to life. Learn about the ecology and history of the Santa Cruz – its ups and downs – and how this once-dry portion flows again thanks to recycled water. Along the way, we’ll keep our eyes out for water-loving...
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 1pm. Our admission is $10 per adult (18+) and $5 per student (under 18). Children 4 and under are free. We will have daily programs...
Skulls, bones, furs, scales – what do clues left behind by desert creatures tell us about their ways of life? Ranger Jacque will have displays and open Q and A to discuss curious adaptations of common desert dwellers. Step into the fascinating world of the Sonoran Desert with our educational table, “Skins and Skulls.” Discover...
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!...