Join Ranger Shaun for a morning walk and talk! Come walk the Metate, Towhee, and Spur Cross loop with Ranger Shaun. This medium difficulty roughly 2- mile trail will give us a chance to walk through a couple different desert ecosystem and discuss their characteristics and inhabitants, perhaps even spotting a few. We’ll stop and...
Join Ranger Nikki on an easy to moderate hike to learn about the fascinating plant and animal life in our Sonoran Desert. Join Ranger Nikki for a 4-mile hike along Shallmo Wash, Cinch and Scenic Trails to observe plant and animal life in this area of winding seasonal waterways, including shrubs, legume trees and any...
Join Ranger Kevin for an informative hike about the history and significance of this desert river. The Gila River has a storied past, a very tenuous present, and perhaps a hopeful future. We’ll discuss the importance of rivers like the Gila to the health and diversity of desert life as we explore the riparian habitat...
Join a Pima County Conservation Lands and Resources naturalist to explore the natural history of Cienega Creek Natural Preserve. Hike among Saguaros to get a closer look at the interesting and diverse flora and fauna that helps make the Sonoran Desert so unique. This will be a 3-4 mile hike along the creek, with some...
Moderate level hike. Revisit three hundred years of European-Native American contacts and conflicts, from Coronado to the Alamo (1540-1850). Join an expert Archaeologist and Historic Preservationist for about 3 hours covering 4 miles. Our hikes explore the more remote areas of the Preserve. The difficulty of the hikes varies. Please come prepared and choose hikes that...
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 Admission
During October 2024, The Highlands Center and Prescott National Forest are partnering to offer a four-session miniseries focused on fire ecology and prescribed burns. Through this program, participants will be able to understand the basics of fire ecology, apply this knowledge towards supporting and creating defensible spaces in our communities, connect with and build relationships with our...
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
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...
October is when some of our spookiest desert critters get their turn in the spotlight! Join Ranger Kevin as we celebrate spooky season! Forget about animals with two legs or four; let’s meet some critters with six, eight, or more! Insects, spiders, and scorpions galore! You’ll have to come visit to see what’s in store!...
Stop by the Nature Center to learn about the annual hiking, running, biking and horseback riding challenge presented by Maricopa County Parks and Recreation Department. Gear up for Maricopa County Parks and Recreation’s annual 100 Miles in 100 Days Challenge that starts on November 1. This drop-in learning session will share everything you need to...
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...
Unlock the secrets to thriving desert pots in our beginner-friendly class. Whether you’re new to the desert, a winter visitor, or seeking to conquer desert challenges, Marylee will guide you on plant choices and pot selection to set your garden up for triumph. Join our virtual class and embrace desert container gardening success! Marylee’s books,...
Presented by Ben Sadler (Postdoc, University of Arizona Geosciences) This year's colloquium series will consist of a mixture of researchers across the University of Arizona along with visiting scientists as well! The colloquium series will be conducted in the Gould-Simpson “Fishbowl” (2nd floor) from 4-5PM on Thursdays. There will be a Zoom option as well to...
Which flittery and fluttery pollinators aren't known for their grace and beautiful wings? If you guessed bats, you're right! Wildlife expert Nancy Kreuder from the Arizona Game and Fish Department along with our friends from Arizona Bat Rescue and the Glendale Water Conservation Department are joining us to talk about bats in the wild and...
Join us at South Mountain Community Library for a fun and educational program, "Surviving the Zombie Apocalypse," just in time for Halloween! Delve into the world of survival skills with a thrilling twist as we explore what it takes to outsmart zombies while having a blast. Led by a survival instructor and zombie enthusiast, this program blends practical...
calling all ghosts and goblins Enjoy a spook-tacular stroll around the Phoenix Zoo at night with games, activities and treat stations and much more!
Take a dive into the natural history and modern biology of an iconic species, Ursus americanus, the black bear. These bears are opportunistic feeders and have complex and interesting lives. Spend an evening learning about this incredible critter and enjoying the opportunity to see them live and in person. Instructed by wildlife biologists Jeff Meyers...