Hike the treasured landscapes of the Sonoran Desert surrounding the East Valley. Each trip you’ll discover iconic cacti, canyons peppering the landscapes, and rugged trails. Trips are local and start out with easy terrain and progress to more difficult hikes later in the season. Transportation and entrance fees included. Come prepared with hiking attire, water,...
Trip Difficulty: Easy Join us as we explore Splendido’s diverse birdlife on a guided walk. Discover colorful songbirds and hummingbirds, and engage in insightful discussions about bird behavior and conservation. We’ll conclude with a delightful light brunch at Splendido, reflecting on the birds we saw and the time we spent together. Join us for an enriching...
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 in...
If you have ever been interested in drawing what you observe in the natural world, then you should attend this program! Join local illustrator and author, Diane Iverson, for the Fall drawing series. Learn and practice colored pencil drawing and leave with finished pieces.
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
Use pastel chalk art to create a “fall-tacular” outline of a fall leaf! Free with Admission
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...
During September and October, a variety of raptors and other birds soar southward over Grand Canyon. Learn about their remarkable journey, and why we count them every fall. Presented by Hawkwatch International. NOTE: There is no vehicle parking at Yaki Point, please park at the visitor center and take the Eastbound Kaibab (ORANGE) Route shuttle to Yaki Point. Buses...
Join Ranger Jacque as we uncover nature’s oddities and bizarre relationships between Sonoran Desert’s famous (and infamous) characters! Meet the Sonoran desert’s most bizarre and fascinating characters at this indoor presentation, where we’ll discover the surprising relationships and peculiar behaviors that define life in the wild. From unexpected partnerships to strange survival strategies, dive into...
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...
Gardening here is much different than in most areas of the U.S., offering special challenges and rewards. This presentation is designed to familiarize newcomers with the unique climate, soil and plants of the Sonoran Desert to help them transition successfully. Gardeners of all experience levels are welcome. Presented by Pima County Master Gardeners (University of Arizona Cooperative...
During September and October, a variety of raptors and other birds soar southward over Grand Canyon. Learn about their remarkable journey, and why we count them every fall. Presented by Hawkwatch...
Join Ranger Eric for an after-hours prowl of the Preserve trails to look for nocturnal animals and scorpions! Join Ranger Eric for an after-hours trail walk to look for and learn about the nocturnal critters of the Preserve! Wildlife seen on past walks have included bats, ringtails, foxes, skunks, javelinas, deer, owls, scorpions, insects, and other...
Enjoy A Bewitching Evening! Dig up your zombies and grab your ghouls! Show off your boo-tiful costumes at Reid Park Zoo for a delightful, not too frightful, family friendly evening at Boo at the Zoo, presented by OneAZ Credit Union. You’ll have an enchanting time with the whole family at this Tucson Halloween tradition. Proceeds benefit...
Get your heart pumping in the dark as you hike through the foothills and lush riparian habitat of the Sonoran Desert with Ranger Derik The hike will cover sections of...
Night hiking is an exciting way to experience Catalina State Park’s desert wildlife and dark skies. On a one-mile, guided hike on the Nature Trail, learn about the desert’s nocturnal animals like scorpions and bats. Enjoy a constellation tour featuring a variety of cultures and astronomy facts. Please bring a flashlight and a jacket. Caution:...