Maricopa county’s most accessible high elevation riparian areas is just 20 minutes north of Fountain Hills. The birding is partly done by car along a paved road, and partly by foot (also along a paved road). Many stops by car; then walking (3 miles round trip) mostly flat road (paved) surface. Species: Hutton’s vireo; Woodhouse and Steller’s...
Registration fee: $35/member, $50/non-member Trip difficulty: Easy walks along paved roads and some well-maintained trails, although the elevation is approximately 8000 feet. Fall migration, being more protracted, is an excellent...
Enjoy an early morning walk to watch for birds, lizards, snakes, and small animals with Ranger Olivia. Let’s see what sorts of wildlife we can spot. Birds should be active at this time and there’s not a bad chance for lizards and small animals too. Binoculars will make things easier, but a magnifying glass will...
Look for desert and migratory birds with Ranger Eric! Learn about birds of Sonoran Desert and migrant birds on this walk with Ranger Eric in a desert riparian area near the confluence of Morgan City Wash and the Agua Fria River. We will hike on the Beardsley Trail for at least 1 mile, which is...
Join Ranger Kevin for an early morning walk in search of wildlife. Enjoy a roughly 2-mile hike on the Blevins, Crismon Wash and Noso trails. We’ll be on the lookout 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...
Join the Southern Arizona Nature Journal Club to learn about Nature Journaling, an observational activity that immerses you in our natural world. This casual meet-up is perfect for those who enjoy going outside, sketching, observing nature and meeting fellow nature enthusiasts. The group meets at our park’s entrance at 7 am and explores a different...
Did you know that there are two types of geodes? Volcanic geodes are formed through volcanic activity and sedimentary geodes are formed through sedimentation. We’ll dig into all these details as you learn the craft of wool felting in creating your own colorful geode. Make plans to join us on September 1-15, 2024 during regular...
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 geology, wildlife, history, archeology, and plant life. The naturalists welcome questions during the walk, enhancing the learning experience. Hikes are included with park entrance fees...
Stop by the Art Studio and learn how animals move as you construct and create a movable paper animal. While in the Art Studio, use recyclables plus a dash of imagination, to construct a one-of-a-kind Thing-a-ma-jig! Free with Admission
We encourage our guests to visit the Children’s Garden every Tuesday and Thursday morning to water the garden, and enjoy the flowers, insects, veggies, herbs, and more! Free with Museum Admission
Look for and learn about reptiles of Sonoran Desert riparian areas during this guided hike with Ranger Eric. Join Ranger Eric for a guided hike along the Cottonwood Trail 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...
Children 18 months-3 years old are invited to join us for age appropriate stories & activities that focus on developing early literacy skills. Our theme is “Animals.”
Got a burning question about the Sonoran Desert? Looking for your next trail recommendation? Want to know more about our amazing park system? Ask Ranger Kevin! Come meet Ranger Kevin from 10:00am to 12:00pm. Bring your burning desert questions! Try to stump the Ranger! Impress your friends and enemies alike with your new-found knowledge! We’ll...
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...
Join Ranger Olivia to talk about venomous creatures such as rattlesnakes, gila monsters, scorpions, or any other desert dwellers you may encounter. It can seem like everything in the desert...
Join us for science fun as the Tucson Children's Museum presents That's Extreme! Kids will discuss various cloud types and the formation of extreme weather patterns, and then create their own cloud. ¡Eso es extremo! ¡Únase a nosotros para divertirse con la ciencia mientras el Museo de Niños de Tucson presenta That ‘s Extreme! Los...
Join Liberty Wildlife at the Verde Canyon Railroad Depot and meet their eagle/raptor ambassadors!
Come enjoy a nutritious after school meal and stay for a fun activity. Thursday is Trivia Thursday: Test your knowledge with trivia challenges you can win! (‘cuz we know, you know...) This week, we are celebrating Monarch Butterfly Month! Test your knowledge on butterfly facts and learn as you play. Kids Café provides free meals for youth under...
Join us for open garden hours. Help us tend to the Valencia garden, do something crafty or just sit and read with the plants. All ages welcome. No registration required
Embark on an educational journey with our "Preparing for the Grand Canyon" class at South Mountain Community Library. Whether you're planning your first visit to this iconic natural wonder or seeking expert tips for a return trip, this session is designed to equip you with essential knowledge and skills. Led by a seasoned Grand Canyon...
The deep-time perspective that archaeology, geology, and related disciplines provide about natural hazards, environmental change, and societal development is often ignored when societies today make decisions affecting social sustainability and...