Southeastern Arizona's desert grasslands and agricultural areas are dotted with artificial lakes, ponds and mudflats providing habitat for winter birds, including at least twelve species of raptors and numerous waterfowl (ducks and geese). Thousands of Sandhill cranes migrate from as far away as Alaska to spend the winter near Willcox. Join us for a spectacular...
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...
Join Marcia OBara for a leisurely birding experience designed for nature lovers with accessibility challenges; wheelchairs, walkers, or other assistive devices are welcome. The pace is slow, distance short, and terrain even. This month’s birding explores the birding hotspot of Agua Caliente Park where we hope to see waterfowl, raptors, sparrows, and a lot more....
Trip difficulty: Easy. 1-1.5 mile loop on mostly level ground, paved & grassy surfaces with uneven areas. Restroom facilities & water available. Meet at the picnic pavilion near the pond next to the main parking lot off Craycroft. Fort Lowell Park, an urban park located in central Tucson, draws a wide variety of bird species...
Northern Arizona is home to the world’s largest continuous stand of ponderosa pine forest, and the import and impact of its valuable timber is deeply woven into the region’s history. Visitors can trace the story of the region’s forests, from the ancestral environmental care practices of the region’s Indigenous communities to the founding of the...
Age at least 3 yrs but less than 7 yrs Looking for scientific adventures? Homeschool Days offer hands-on exploration while enhancing early-education curriculum through STEM programming led by Nature Center staff. Lessons are designed to encourage curiosity and spark a lifelong love of science. Days also provide students and their families the opportunity to share...
Come explore the Children’s Garden every Tuesday and Thursday morning! Water the plants, discover vibrant flowers, observe buzzing insects, and check out the veggies and herbs—there’s always something new to see and learn!
Join Ranger Eric for a guided 2.6-mile hike to learn about the animals, plants, and ecology of the Sonoran Desert. We will do a loop incorporating segments of the Baseline and Gila Trails. The trails are moderate with occasional inclines and rocky, uneven terrain. Please wear sturdy footwear and sun protection, carry ample water, electrolytes, and snacks....
Join us as we explore the stunning Jewel of the Creek Preserve, learning about our native plants and wildlife. This is a moderate 2-mile hike. The trail is rocky in places on uneven surfaces, with an approximately 100-foot elevation change. We recommend that you wear closed-toed shoes, sun protection, and bring drinking water. Bring binoculars if...
Registration fee: $35/member, $50/non-member* Trip difficulty: Moderate, some stairs and inclines; Walking Distance: About 1 to 1.5 miles; Trip Duration: 2 – 3 hours; Three pit toilets around the lake and one at the starting point in the picnic area. With 282 species reported through eBird at this medium-sized lake in the Pajarito Mountains you...
Come with Ranger Shaun on a winter walk along Tortuga Trail. Learn about desert plants, animals, and ecosystems along the moderate difficulty, roughly 1.2-mile Tortuga Trail. The cooler temperatures of the Arizona winter allow us to explore the desert during the day. While we may not be able to see all the critters of the...
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...
Age at least 7 yrs but less than 13 yrs Looking for scientific adventures? Homeschool Days offer hands-on exploration while enhancing early-education curriculum through STEM programming led by Nature Center staff. Lessons are designed to encourage curiosity and spark a lifelong love of science. Days also provide students and their families the opportunity to share...
Follow the predator/prey trail and explore a tangled food web Eco-Stations at the Overlook These touch carts, staffed by Docents, feature hands-on Sonoran Desert learning opportunities for visitors of all ages. Stocked with everything from binoculars and hand lenses to mounted specimens and scientific models, and supplemented with an amazing array of feathers, bones,...
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...
Unleash the hidden potential of your outdoor sanctuary as we delve into the art of creating garden rooms using pots and majestic plants. In this one-of-a-kind class, join Marylee Pangman, our Desert Potted Garden Expert, as she delves into the realm of large trees, shrubs, and resilient plants that thrive in our challenging desert climate...
Join Ranger Olivia for a hike to see and learn about the stunning saguaros during sunset. Ranger Olivia leads this picturesque hike to watch the sun set while also learning about saguaros along the way. We will see the sunset, saguaros, and maybe some evening critters as well. You may bring your blacklight and regular...
Join Red Rock Rangers to meet a rescued kingsnake, learn about VV snakes and create a snake craft! Part of the Arizona SciTech Festival Season is here! We hope to see you in many of the Festival's events all over Arizona. Check out the calendar!