Sierra Vista is the Hummingbird Capital of the United States, so what better place can there be to hunt for hummingbirds. This exciting trip is led by professional bird guide Kristy Gallo, and will visit all of the best locations for hummingbirds in the Huachuca Mountains. As well as the regulars such as Rivoli’s, Broad-billed and...
Join local bird expert, Steve Tracey, on an exploration of Scotia Canyon, a lesser-known 'hotspot' on the west side of the Huachuca Mountains. The rich Madrean woodlands and sycamore-lined riparian habitat hosts breeding birds like Dusky-capped Flycatcher, Elegant Trogon, Plumbeous Vireo, Painted Redstart, Red-faced and Grace's Warblers and much, much more. The area will be accessed along the road...
Join professional guide, Jeff Babson on a full day within Fort Huachuca where destinations will include Huachuca and Garden Canyons. We will explore a variety of habitats including foothill grasslands, sycamore-lined canyon woodland, and pine forest. We will search for regional and mountain specialties such as Elegant Trogon, Arizona Woodpecker, Buff-breasted and Dusky-capped Flycatchers, Plumbeous Vireo, Painted...
Join professional tour leader Sharon Goldwasser on a search for the best birds of the Sonoita and Patagonia area. The Nature Conservancy’s Patagonia-Sonoita Creek Preserve is one of southeastern Arizona’s best-known destinations for riparian birds. Stops will be made at the Preserve, Las Cienegas NCA, Patagonia Lake State Park, Patagonia roadside rest stop, and Paton’s Hummingbird Center...
The San Pedro River in May is a vibrant green ribbon of life, an avian super highway through the desert for millions of migrants. The dense cottonwood/willow forest is alive with bird song as those species that stay to breed set up territories and get down to business. Join naturalist guide Gordon Lam in an exploration of...
Join bird guide, Dan Hoobler on a visit to the world famous Ramsey Canyon in the Huachuca Mountains. Owned by The Nature Conservancy, this area has been a hot spot for birding...
Meet at the Native Seed Garden (Near Maintenance Compound). It is time to harvest seeds! Join us for a celebration of native seeds!! As we strive to improve native biodiversity within the parks. Registering is required via sign-up.com. Events start at 7:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. Participants will learn to identify native plants in their...
This casual meet-up is perfect for those who enjoy going outside, sketching, observing, and meeting fellow nature enthusiasts. Join the Southern Arizona Nature Journal Club to learn about Nature Journaling, and immerse yourself in the natural world. The group meets at our park’s entrance at 8 am and explores a different aspect of the park...
Every second Thursday of the month, 8:00 AM - 9:30 AM At Mission Garden, meet at the front gate FREE Walk around beautiful Mission Garden with one of the garden's expert birders. We'll look for seasonal and resident birds and learn to identify some common calls and songs. The garden is a good place for...
Join leader Rich Bailowitz (co-author of several butterfly books as well as Field Guide to the Damselflies and Dragonflies of Arizona and Sonora) as we search for some of the butterflies and dragonflies of the Sierra Vista area. The day will include stops in Escapule Wash (near the San Pedro River) and in Huachuca Canyon, at various elevations...
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...
Every desert dweller knows that there’s nothing more breathtaking than the Spring bloom! Take advantage of this extraordinary chance to see live wildflowers and learn how to identify them and begin to BLOOM with knowledge yourself! This amazing indoor display is presented by Sedona Public Library volunteers with permission of the Coconino National Forest.
Start the weekend on the right foot with Ranger Jacque on a breathtaking hike to Yavapai Point! The trail is 3 miles (4.8 km) with rocky terrain, and a 400 foot (122m) elevation gain, featuring a lookout point at the peak. Bring sturdy shoes, sun protection, and plenty of water. We meet on north side...
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!
Bring your littles to the Highlands Center for some family fun in the forest. We will meet in Forest Play on select Thursday mornings to read stories, play games, make crafts, go on hikes, and discover the wonders of nature. Stories and activities designed for ages 0-5 years old. Come dressed for the elements and...
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...
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 ideas and expand their network of like-minded learners. Age at...
This program invites 3-5-year-olds and their caregivers to explore the exciting world of STEAM—Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics. *Spots and supplies are limited!* 05/08 - April showers bring May Flowers: Create a mixed media representation of the parts of a flower.
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...
Enjoyable, relaxing bird walk/sit. We will look and listen for birds at Ft. Lowell park from 4:00 to 5:30 or 6 pm. This is especially for folks newer to bird watching, we will have binoculars for loan as needed. All are encouraged to come! Meet at Ft. Lowell park at the pond at 4:00 pm....
Join us to make seed paper, biodegradable paper that grows flowers when planted! Teens & adults welcome.
Join Ranger Derik on a night hike through the park in search of scorpions and other nocturnal Sonoran Desert creatures. The hike is rated as moderate and will cover 3.7 miles and gain 528ft of elevation on rocky and loose trail. Due to the rocky ground, hiking poles and hiking boots are strongly encouraged. Please...
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, saguaro blossoms, and maybe some evening critters as well. You may bring your blacklight...
After the sun sets, a whole new world awakens, largely unseen by most. Join Jeff Babson to explore the Huachuca Mountains at night and step into the nighttime world of moths and other insects. At historic Carr House, set at the entrance to Carr Canyon, we will set up a black (or UV) light to see what...