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...
Learn about the resident and migrant birds of desert riparian areas on this guided walk with Ranger Eric. Join Ranger Eric for a guided bird walk to look and listen for resident and migrant species within the diverse desert riparian habitat of the Hassayampa River Preserve. Along the way we will discuss how to identify...
We've compiled everything we think every beginner gardener should know, and jam-packed it into an hour class. From setting up your growing space to harvesting the fruits of your labor,...
Spend the morning outside to learn all about plants of the Sonoran Desert during this guided hike with Ranger Olivia. Enjoy a guided nature hike along one of our trails to see all the beauty the desert plants have to offer. We will be along the Blackrock trail which is mostly flat with some uneven/rocky...
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...
Capture the beauty of butterflies and fascinating insects in this beginners Macro Photography Workshop with Butterfly Wonderland photographer Jonathan Cline. Learn essential photography techniques along with tips and tricks to elevate every shot. This class is designed for interchangeable lens cameras (not cell phones or point-and-shoot models) and is geared toward adults, though 16+ participants...
VIP tour of the Arizona Worm Farm, including our breeding operations, castings production, organic egg production, and food forest. You will learn how we breed thousands of worms, meet our Black Soldier Fly Larvae and see how we turn garbage into food. This tour may include tastings of some fruits and vegetables - including our...
Does your child dream of becoming a Zoo veterinarian? Your child will travel behind-the-scenes to the Zoo’s Animal Health Center for a day in the life of a Zoo Vet experience. Participants will utilize the Freeport-McMoRan Education Gallery to view the surgery, treatment, and pharmacy rooms of the Animal Health Center. They’ll experience first-hand the...
A very special class taught by Angela Judd of @growing.in.the.garden. Whether you want to grow tomatoes in hanging baskets or you want to utilize a small space, our Container Vegetable Gardening class is the workshop for you. Learn all about how to successfully grow vegetables in containers. It's harder than it looks! In this hands-on...
Breakfast with the Animals includes a light breakfast in front of the spotlight animal, a special animal feeding and keeper talk, and an animal activity for the kids. It’s the best way to learn more and feel closer to your favorite sanctuary resident(s)! Breakfast runs from 9:00am to 10:30am on Saturday mornings. After breakfast, you’re welcome to...
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...
Learn how animals move as you construct and create a movable paper animal in the Art Studio.
Learn about the wildlife that quietly lives in our backyards. From scorpions, to snakes, coyotes and more. There will NOT be any animals at this educational presentation and is primarily an adult program.
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...
Explore the rich and complex history of modern preservation efforts within Walnut Canyon. This historic cabin was built for the first forest rangers tasked with safeguarding the resources of the monument. Participants will embark on a 2-mile round-trip hike with a knowledgeable park ranger, uncovering the diverse history of this land and learning how the...
Join Ranger Olivia to learn about the people who lived in the Valley before us by seeing real artifacts, petroglyphs, and even creating your own. This classroom setting program will feature real and replica artifacts from the Indigenous people who lived in the Valley. We will be discussing how they communicated, hunted, lived, and had...
University of Arizona Cooperative Extension Master Gardeners are certified volunteers who answer questions about gardening, landscaping, plant identification, and plant problems. If you have been wondering when, what, where, and how to plant your garden in Arizona, and who to ask, wonder no more. Come talk with a Master Gardener and have your questions answered—you...
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...
A fun filled day celebrating the variety of food that is grown and harvested on the Colorado Plateau! Enjoy a pueblo oven demonstration, tea tastings, and kids' activities, all free. This event is set to take place by the Colton Garden, located on the MNA research campus on Fort Valley Road. Part of...
Get a personalized, signed copy of Angela Judd's new garden planner. Pickup at the event or anytime after.
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!
Gardening here is much different than in most areas of the U.S., offering special rewards and special challenges. This presentation is designed to familiarize newcomers with the unique climate, soil, and native plant types in the Sonoran Desert to help them transition successfully. Gardeners of all experience levels are welcome. Presented by Pima County Master...
Come eat lunch in the air conditioning and learn about scavengers with Ranger Shaun. The desert, you might have noticed, is not prone to allowing thing to rot. That requires a certain amount of ambient humidity we simply do not have most of the time. So, what’s a dead thing to do? Mummify? Well, that’s...
The lecture will briefly outline the purpose and function of the statewide Invasive Plant Program, and will showcase success stories of restoration projects in central and southern Arizona. Participants will explore the unique and resilient adaptations of native plants, and learn about how they can bring the Sonoran Desert to their own backyard. Jessi Szopinski...
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...
Join a Park Ranger and the crew from Scorpion Bay Marina on an informative and relaxing boat cruise around scenic Lake Pleasant. Explore the beauty of Lake Pleasant on a cruise narrated by a Park Ranger. Learn about the history, flora and fauna of this oasis in the desert that serves as both a massive...
Come with Ranger Shaun for a Sunset hike! Walk a western facing section of Clay Mine trail as the sun sets to enjoy one of Arizona’s legendary sunsets. Water and restrooms will be available near the trailhead. This hike includes segments of Overton, Clay Mine, and Go John Trail. These trails are rated, respectively, moderate,...
Questions about the Sonoran Desert or the things that live there? Ask Ranger Kevin! Come to the Trailhead Staging Area 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, cactus...
Explore the Phoenix Herpetological Sanctuary at your own pace and join us for an unforgettable evening full of reptile fun! Observe Crocodilian and Venomous Snake Feedings throughout the night! Meet some amazing scaly friends at our Petting Zoo! This is a great hands-on opportunity for guests of all ages to get up close with our...
Search for scorpions and other critters with Ranger Eric on a short night hike! Join Ranger Eric to look for scorpions and other nocturnal wildlife on a short hike along the Pipeline Trail. Wildlife may include scorpions, spiders, insects, owls, nightjars, reptiles, and mammals. Please bring your own flashlight or headlamp, ample water and electrolytes,...
Join Ranger Shaun for an after dark critter hunt! Come walk roughly 1.5-miles in the desert in the dark and look for wildlife with Ranger Shaun. This is a great...