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...
It’s time to get your birding on! On this tour, you’ll learn how to identify resident birds and those just passing through. You’ll also learn where they like to hang out and what their habits are, so you can be ready to spot them in their natural habitat. View the Tohono Chul bird guide here....
Celebrate the Sonoran Desert via the words of poets and naturalists as you explore the Desert View Trail in a rustic area of Tohono Chul.
From fur to feathers, and scales to exoskeletons, this program helps learners with special needs recognize differences and similarities through visual, tactile, olfactory, and auditory experiences. Learn about five animal groups (invertebrates, amphibians, reptiles, birds, and mammals) and the amazing characteristics that make each group of animals unique. Programs are tailored to fit the needs...
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...
Experience Tohono Chul while learning some of the basics of the ecology of the Sonoran Desert. Join us for a Walk in the Gardens and get an intimate look at the plants and animals that call Tohono Chul home. During this guided tour, you’ll hear about desert wildlife and learn how to identify some of...
From birds to butterflies, a look at the winged things of the skies 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...
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...
Calling all scientists! Learn all about using a microscope and explore tiny worlds through different microscope stations. Each month STEAM Club bring kids together to explore Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, and Math through hands-on activities. This program is best for school-age children ages 6 - 12 years old.
Chop and drop your plant trimmings, leave the leaves, make compost tea, and go chemical-free! The secret to a productive vegetable garden, food forest, and drought resilient landscape is underneath the surface. Healthy soils include a diverse population of microorganisms that work together to create an ecosystem where plants and their roots thrive. Discover how...
Egg Protection in the Absence of Parental Care: The gut and reproductive microbiome of Sceloporus lizards and its role in providing antifungal protection to eggs For every organism you see, there are trillions of microbes living in and on them. Many of those microbes are beneficial, with positive influences on host health, behavior, and fitness. However,...