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...
Look for desert and migratory birds around the lake with Ranger Eric! Learn about birds of Sonoran Desert and migrant water birds on this walk with Ranger Eric. We will first meet at the Wild Burro Day Use Area, then caravan in our respective vehicles a short distance up Desert Tortoise Rd. or Two Cow...
Did you know that we had large Ice Age mammals in southern Arizona? At the Murray Springs archeological site along the San Pedro River near Sierra Vista we will learn about the Pleistocene megafauna which roamed the savannahs. Alongside these mammals lived the Clovis people, great hunters, which we know from their fluted projectile points....
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....
Trip difficulty: Moderate. Approximately two-mile hiking round trip on mostly uneven surfaces. No restrooms, water or benches are available. Geared to those new to birding or the Tucson area, we’ll walk along the road first, checking telephone poles for hawks, fields for blackbirds and flycatchers. We’ll continue onto open grassland trails, looking for falcons that were...
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 Nikki to look for early signs of wildflowers and other blooming plants. Ranger Nikki will lead you on a hike to talk about a variety of plants along the trail. Depending on how much winter rainfall we received, there may be signs of common wildflowers such as lupine, poppy, and scorpionweed and perennial...
Welcome! Join us for a guided adventure in the beautiful McDowell Sonoran Preserve. We have something for everyone. The Conservancy relies on the generosity of donors to support our conservation efforts in the Preserve. Your contributions help us mitigate invasive species, restore burned areas, and monitor wildlife to identify current and future threats. To participate, we...
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...
Bring your littles to The Highlands Center for some family fun in the forest. We will meet in Forest Play every Thursday morning to read stories, play games, make crafts, go on hikes, and enjoy time in nature together. Stories and activities designed for ages 0-5 years old.
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...
Join Ranger Eric on a 2-mile roundtrip hike along the Cottonwood Trail, as we learn about the plants, animals, and ecology of the Sonoran Desert. The hike is rated as easy, with some rocky and uneven surfaces, and gradual inclines and declines. Please dress in layers, wear protective clothing or sunblock for sun exposure, wear...
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,...
Drop by to talk with Ranger Olivia and learn about local and regional efforts to manage the spread of non-native invader plants as a proactive step towards ecological restoration and fire risk reduction. Stop by an information table to learn about the Desert Defenders program, a powerful collaboration uniting citizen scientist, the Central Arizona Conservation...
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 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 us for a drink at Borderlands Brewing Company in celebration of the return of Lucy’s Warblers to Southeast Arizona! These enigmatic warblers (and Arizona’s only cavity-nesting warbler) are some of the first birds to return in the new year, and once their trilling songs fill the air we know that spring is right around...
Registration fee: $125/member, $175/non-member Join local bird expert, Homer Hansen for this 2-part ID workshop focusing on Raptors! Birds of prey are one of the most watched groups of birds...