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!
Get outside this summer with our staff on a family friendly educational hike! On this sunrise hike, learn about our unique collection plants, Sonoran Desert ecology, and meet our resident Sonoran Desert Tortoises. Be sure to wear closed-toe shoes, sun protective clothing, and bring plenty of water. Sign up for this free hike at the...
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 is a mini-nature exhibit where you’ll learn about the wildlife and meteorology of the southwest’s summer rains. Come anytime between 7-9 a.m.! Follow signs for...
Join docent Anne Leight for a walk around the preserve to look for and learn about birds. Look for and learn about birds of this desert oasis with seasoned birder, bird bander, and preserve docent Anne Leight on this guided, easy walk. Please bring your own binoculars if you have them, but some are available...
Learn about some of the 50 medicinal plants in Mission Garden's Moore Medicinal Garden. The plants are native to the American Southwest deserts and in many cases have been used for millennia. Modern herbalists are keeping this tradition alive at Mission Garden. The walk will be led by Donna Chesner, one of the local herbalists...
This is for those who's gardens are STRUGGLING. We will help you revive or remove plants that are distressed from the heat of summer, identify plants that are susceptible to insect damage, rebuild microbes and soil nutrients, plan a watering schedule, and how to prepare for fall growing. Includes: 4 seasonal starts, 1/2 gallon of...
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...
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...
Join us to walk around Liberty Wildlife during our public open hours and see us fulfilling our mission! In the months of May, June, July and September, we are open from 9am until 11am. Our admission is $5 per person age 5 and up. There are no set programs, but volunteers are on hand to...
Who’s it for? Children, birth to age five, and their favorite grownups What will you do? Play, read, sing, and dance with your children in a fun, active program that builds reading skills. What is your child learning? Children who love books and stories become better readers. Please visit the desk for a program ticket. Unless posted, this...
Learn how to identify common desert and backyard birds with Ranger Eric. C Join Ranger Eric at the Usery Nature Center back patio to watch birds around the feeders and...
The Arizona Worm Farm growing staff will teach the basics of organic tomato growing and give you a gift package to get you started! Topics will include: The Best Time to Plant Choosing the Right Tomato Varieties Sun and Temperature Requirements Soil Preparation Planting Tomatoes Companion plantings Watering, Fertilizing, and Pruning Tomatoes Class includes a...
Join ecologist, author, and photographer John L. Vankat for an easy, guided walk in downtown Flagstaff. Visit key locations highlighted in his book "The San Francisco Peaks and Flagstaff Through the...
Explore some of the most sensitive and awe-inspiring locations within Walnut Canyon National Monument—areas that are not accessible to the public outside of these special programs. During the 2025 season, our knowledgeable park rangers will guide you along the historic Ledge Trail and take you to the historic Ranger Cabin, the second oldest USFS cabin...
Master Gardener volunteers from the University of Arizona Cooperative Extension will be available to answer your desert gardening questions, including but not limited to plant selection, irrigation, fertilization, pruning techniques, pest management and problem diagnosis. You can bring plant material or insect specimens for ID and advice.
Discover the secrets to successful vegetable gardening in Arizona with Angela Judd, author and certified Master Gardener. Learn about the intricacies of planning, watering, nurturing and harvesting your garden amidst the unique challenges of Arizona’s arid climate. Presented by Angela Judd, author and certified Master Gardener, in collaboration with City of Scottsdale's Solid Waste department.
Do butterflies really come out of cocoons? Learn more about the differences between Butterflies and Moths from your local Park Ranger during Monarch Awareness month this September. Put your skills to the test, get quizzed on what you’ve learned, highest score wins a prize!
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 is invited to get a close-up look at these tiny travelers as staff and volunteers from the Southeastern Arizona Bird Observatory capture, band, weigh, measure,...
Questions about the Sonoran Desert or the things that live there? Ask Ranger Kevin! Come to the patio of the Nature Center and say hello to Ranger Kevin from 6:00pm to 7:00pm. Bring your burning desert questions, or let’s just talk. We’ll also have a table full of interesting objects like bones, feathers, snake sheds,...
Learn about reptiles and amphibians on this guided hike with Ranger Eric. Join Ranger Eric to go herping (looking for reptiles and amphibians) on this a short hike of part of Blevins and Amigos Wash Trails. We will discuss identification and behavior of Sonoran Desert herpetofauna as we go and discuss safety around venomous wildlife....
Kartchner Caverns invites you to join us for a walk in the park as we uncover and learn about some of the 13 different neighboring bat species in the park. We will use bat detectors while on a walk through the beautiful desert night to see and hear some of them while learning about the diversity of these flying mammals. Boldly go where the...