Learn about the abundance of food that grows on trees throughout the desert. Learn about the bean trees that can be harvested like mesquite, ironwood, palo verde and carob. Enjoy...
Trip difficulty: Easy. 1 -1.5 miles on mostly flat surfaces with some uneven terrain. Trip duration approximately 2.5 – 3 hours. This bird walk is all about enjoying nature and birds. It’s about walking slow, being mindful and looking for birds and then spending time truly watching their behaviors. It’s not about the number of...
Trip difficulty: Moderate difficulty – for bicyclists accustomed to riding on a paved trail, in formation. The Chuck Huckelberry Loop follows the major drainages while encircling Tucson, passing by some of the favorite TBA Field Trip Locations. This is a moving trip following the Santa Cruz River north from Sweetwater, ending a little north of...
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...
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!
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...
Kick off your summer reading adventure with Jungle Jill! She will teach participants about different animals from around the world. This program includes live animals and opportunities for audience members to interact with the animals. No registration is required.
Play with seeds big and small, squish sponges and real soil, read an inspiring seed story, then start a little garden in a sponge. Children and adults alike will learn about the local environment, imagine ways to play and plant in it, and do a planting project to take home. Dress for the weather. This...
Join Ranger Kevin and learn about these mystifying and often misunderstood arachnids of the Sonoran Desert. Come to the Nature Center and let’s chat it up about our venomous neighbor, the scorpion. Bring your curiosity and your questions. We’ll bust some misbegotten myths about these creatures as well as learn why they are worthy of...
Kick off your summer reading adventure with Jungle Jill! She will teach participants about different animals from around the world. This program includes live animals and opportunities for audience members to interact with the animals. No registration is required.
Learn about rabbits and how to care for them as pets in our interactive rabbit class! Meet diverse rabbit breeds, including the charming long-haired angora, and enjoy optional rabbit themed arts and crafts for a fun and educational experience.
Ever wanted to explore the wilderness and get out there but not sure how to start? Come for a late lunch and learn how to navigate with Ranger Derik. Ranger Derik will give a short 30-minute talk on how to use maps and compasses as well as how to operate modern GPS hiking apps. After...
Develop water harvesting skills with this free virtual class from Watershed Management Group. Our instructors will teach you about passive rainwater harvesting, active rainwater harvesting, and how to qualify and apply for Tucson Water's Rainwater Harvesting Incentives Rebate Program. Learn how to save municipal water while supporting a productive oasis or even to drink rainwater. The course...
Step into the Garden after dark to explore the art of light painting, where long exposure photography meets creative lighting techniques. Experiment with illuminating cactus and desert flora to create stunning images that add depth and drama to our shots. Instructed by Rick White-Pickett. Garden admission included.
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...
Join Ranger Jacque on this barrier-free nature walk. This approachable walk is on a 0.8 mile loop on barrier-free gravel terrain with little elevation gain. We go at a comfortable,...
Phenology is all about timing—when trees leaf out, flowers bloom, birds migrate, animals bear young and hibernate—and it is everywhere around us. Seasonal events quietly but steadly occur in response to fluctuations in daylength, temperatures, and rainfall patterns, and these events are threaded through our daily lives, shaping our experiences and perceptions. As well, the...
Ranger Derik leads this hike to watch the sun set behind the mountains and the stars start to shine in the sky. We will listen for coyote and owl calls and watch for bat silhouettes against the dimly lit sky. Bring your blacklight and regular flashlight to look for other evening critters such as scorpions,...
Ready for a rare look inside a real Arizona mine? We’ll be hiking roughly 1.8-miles round-trip to the Clay Mine, where an enterprising woman by the name of Leila P....
Summer is here and so are our scorpion friends. We’ll be on the lookout for our Sonoran species, and whoever finds the Giant Desert Hairy scorpion wins! This fun program starts with a brief overview of scorpions of Arizona and how to identify them, followed by a walk with a ranger to see how many...