Did you know Arizona actually has five seasons? The thunderstorms of Tucson’s monsoon have the power to transform the Sonoran Desert during Arizona’s fifth season: the wet summer! Monsoon Magic...
Bird enthusiasts join a naturalist for a guided walk appropriate for beginner and advanced birders. Most year-round birds are found in the riparian area next to Oak Creek or along the field behind the Visitor Center. The Audubon Society has designated Red Rock State Park as part of the Lower Oak Creek Important Birding Area...
Come along with Ranger Shaun for a relaxing morning walk and talk. Join Ranger Shaun for a stroll among the trees in the relative cool of the morning. We’ll watch...
For the past several years, AZ BHA has hosted a mushroom hunting event near Flagstaff on National Forest land. As long as the monsoon rains come, we will be holding...
Learn what and how to grow in our "rainy" season as well as the basics of how to make the switch from summer to fall gardens. Along with a brain full of useful advice, you'll also go home with four monsoon-ready starts, a half-gallon of worm castings, and a half-price gallon of vermicompost tea.
Join a walking tour of the Canoa Ranch headquarters. Visit the historic buildings and corrals and enjoy the special exhibits of the people of Canoa. DIRECTIONS: Historic Canoa Ranch, 5375 S. I-19 Frontage Rd., Green Valley 85622 From Tucson - Take 1-19 south to exit 56 - Canoa Road. Go around the traffic circle until...
Tasting History is an interactive, drop-in, family friendly program. Learn more about Tucson through the people and plants that shape our home. This July, we are celebrating grapes! We grow 9 different varieties within Mission Garden. Missionaries of the Spanish colonial empire introduced “Mission Grapes” into Arizona in the late 1690s. In Middle Eastern cuisine...
Explore birds/bird life with special guest Joe Ford. The Park has a wide range of habitats. You will encounter some of the best birding in the valley! Beginner birders and...
Plateau Perspectives: Nature Through Art celebrates the profound and evolving relationship between art, ecology, and the unique landscape of the Colorado Plateau. Set amid the natural beauty of the Arboretum at Flagstaff, this exhibition invites artists to explore and amplify the stories of native plants and ecological processes that define this extraordinary region. The exhibition centers...
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...
Want to learn about and see hundreds of elk in one place at one time? Join us for the annual elk viewing workshop! Hosted through the Arizona Game and Fish Department (AZGFD). The event includes a 1-hour presentation held at the AZGFD Flagstaff Regional Office (3500 S Lake Mary Rd) and then we will caravan...
Presentation on medicinal mushrooms by author, mycologist, herbal clinician, and research scientist Christopher Hobbs PhD. Christopher Hobbs, PhD, is a mycologist, an herbal clinician, a botanist, and a research scientist with over 40 years of experience in herbal medicine. He has authored over 20 books and is willing to share some of his knowledge of...
Five groups this morning! Group 1: This is an opportunity to participate in a foray that includes a 1-2 mile hike over off-trail mountainous terrain. You will be meeting up...
Listen along as we read a nature-themed story!
Learn about the 15 native cactus, trees and shrubs that produce fruit throughout the year. Learn when to harvest and how to process and eat these fruits. Enjoy samples of edible plants foraged from the desert and take home recipes. Instructed by Peggy Sue Creekmore (Sorensen). Garden admission included with class purchase.
Step through the gate and discover a hidden gem at the Museum of Northern Arizona—the Moore Medicinal Garden. Tucked between MNA’s administration and anthropology buildings on the east side of Highway 180 (across from the Museum building), this quiet, fenced-in space offers a unique opportunity to explore the traditional and contemporary uses of native plants...
Join Certified Arborist Jonathan Manning as he discusses the best plants and techniques for container gardening in the valley.
Want to learn about and see hundreds of elk in one place at one time? Join us for the annual elk viewing workshop! Hosted through the Arizona Game and Fish Department (AZGFD). The event includes a 1-hour presentation held at the AZGFD Flagstaff Regional Office (3500 S Lake Mary Rd) and then we will caravan...
Discover the fascinating world of the saguaro cactus at this presentation-style program with Ranger Jacque! Join us for an hour-long presentation exploring the iconic saguaro cactus, a symbol of the Sonoran Desert. Through images and engaging discussions, we’ll highlight the distinctive features and ecological importance of these remarkable plants, which support numerous desert species. Attendees...
Workshop led by Elissa Callen, which will get you direct hands on experience and detailed knowledge on the use of fungi for pigments and dye. Elissa Callen will be joining us...
Young Naturalists is a Fall 2025 program for 6th-8th graders interested in forming a deeper connection with the Sonoran Desert. Become a certified Young Naturalist at the Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum!...
Up to 10 species of hummingbirds use the green corridor of the San Pedro River as a freeway between their tropical winter retreats and their northern nesting grounds. The public...
Rick Gagnon presents edible plants around the area and tips on mushroom foraging. Samples included! Members are free! Non-members are $5 per adult. Children 12 and under are free!
Beat the heat and explore the outdoors with Reid Park Zoo’s Summer Safari Nights on Friday and Saturday evenings! Come to Summer Safari Nights, presented by TMC Health and enjoy the Zoo in the cooler evening hours! Each week will feature keeper chats, animal encounters, artifact stations, giraffe feedings, carousel rides, crafts and games. Face painting and...
Howl and boogie with the Desert Museum Family Band! Join education specialists Michelle Miner and Kyleigh Sacco — plus special guests like Mr. Nature, Syndenn Sweet, and Eli Beren — in a desert style Singalong at the Warden Oasis Theater. Get your paws on our nature inspired music album! Bring your flashlight and explore, scamper in Packrat...
We are excited to host fellow mycophile Dr. Gordon Walker, Author of the recently published Dr. Fun Guy's Passport to Kingdom Fungi, and also known on social media as the joyful, toadstool tapping Fascinated by Fungi! Dr. Walker will be giving the 2025 Annual Foray Keynote Presentation where he will share his super interesting and entertaining take on...
Join Ranger Olivia on an evening stroll to watch the full moon rise over the lake. Ranger Olivia will lead you on an evening walk to enjoy a peaceful evening in the desert as the full moon rises. We will also keep an eye and ear out for any creatures that may be stirring, such...
Join Ranger Nikki on an easy/moderate hike to enjoy the full moonrise and the desert aglow. Ranger Nikki leads this hike to enjoy the desert at night while the full moon starts its journey across the sky. We will listen for coyotes, owls and nightjars. Bring your blacklight and regular flashlight to look for other...
Join Ranger Jacque for a beautiful evening hike under the moon and stars. : Come watch the full moon rise over the Superstition mountains! We’ll take the Blevins trail to its easternmost point, where we’ll wait for what should be a spectacular moonrise. When we’ve had our fill of that, we’ll take Blevins west to...
Zoo By Moonlight is an evening event held at Heritage Park Zoological Sanctuary from May through September. It provides a great opportunity to see the Sanctuary's nocturnal residents. Enjoy our Clouded...
Spend the night exploring Veterans Oasis Park after dark. You'll discover the sights and sounds of nocturnal wildlife, observe the full moon, and talk astronomy as you hike the park. Bring your flashlight and UV light to hunt for fluorescent arachnids. Participants will meet at Red-Tailed Hawk Pavilion. Ages 6+ Meet at Red Tail...