This holiday, step into the enchanting ‘Glistening Gardens’ at Butterfly Wonderland. This seasonal escape transports guests to the rainforest as they leisurely stroll with family and friends through an all-new illuminated holiday display inside the Conservatory. Lights line the garden paths in this cozy, lush indoor setting. Fluttering butterflies take center stage, surrounded by sparkling,...
Join us for an introduction to birdwatching basics at the Tucson Bird Alliance Mason Center. After feeder watching at the Center, stroll across Hardy Rd to Arthur Pack Regional Park for some 20 to 30 more species along the trails and golf course pond. Meet at the Mason Center (3835 W. Hardy Rd.) on the...
We’ll start at 8am at the Water Ranch, one of the top birding destinations in the Phoenix metro area, usually yielding 45-50 species in a typical two-hour cool season walk, including wintering waterfowl, waders, shorebirds, common desert species and often some surprises. Perhaps we’ll find some White Pelicans, and secretive Wilson’s Snipe should be back. Wrap up around 11:15...
What if the insects we often overlook could stop you in your tracks with beauty? Step into a world where dragonflies hover overhead, butterflies balance on petals, and bees shimmer in sunlight—each one larger-than-life and crafted in glass. “Glass in Flight” is an immersive outdoor sculpture exhibit by renowned Tucson-based artist Alex Heveri. Featuring over...
Join us on the first Saturday of the month for unstructured outdoor play! Kids can explore the Zoo’s “enchanted forest”, and caregivers can learn how to take nature play home. Nature play is child-directed play in nature and with nature. Nature play can happen in the smallest natural and wild areas, all ages of children can participate, it can...
Forest Bathing, also known as Shinrin-yoku, is the practice of spending time in nature for the purpose of enhancing health, wellness, and happiness. During this class, participants will be led on a 2-and-a-halfhour walk through the century-old trees of the Arboretum with a series of guided “invitations”, closing with a tea ceremony. Instructor: Judy Karnia...
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...
ark Rangers and community partners (including the Natural History Institute!) lead child-centered play events at different family-friendly parks and trails each month. At each event, there are free take-homes, creative nature activities, games, storytime, a raffle, fun lessons, healthy snacks, and more! Nature Niños events are held the first Saturday of each month from 10:00am –...
Unplug and Reconnect with Nature! Join us for Nature Play at the Children’s Garden, where families can escape the screens and dive into the wonders of the great outdoors. Every Saturday, from October to April, bring your kids to explore, play, and learn in a safe, engaging environment. Outdoor play isn’t just fun; it’s essential!...
This walk provides a geological and ecological overview of what lives in the McDowell Sonoran Preserve, and how the flora and fauna survive and thrive. Restrooms and water are available at the trailhead. Please bring water and snacks for the trail. Plan to arrive 15 minutes before start of walk.
October through April we are open to the public from 10am until 1pm. Our admission is $10 per adult (18+) and $5 per student (under 18). Children 4 and under are free. We will have daily programs and presentations that will be advertised in the lobby upon your arrival for a different experience each visit.
This Very Difficult hike goes to some of the north central trails of Stagecoach, High Desert, and The Divide. See several of the iconic granite formations in the preserve. This hike is very difficult because it is 8.5 miles in about 4 hours; the actual terrain is rolling; elevation gain is 250 ft. Experienced hikers...
Sign up for a Guided Tour before our flight and eagle show: https://libertywildlife.org/about-us/plan-your-visit/ Space for 15 people Cost $15 per person paid onsite via cash, check or card
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.
The CVCL Seed Bank is open! Join us on the 1st and 3rd Saturday of each month from 11 AM to 1 PM. Each household can pick out 5 free seed packets each day the seed bank is open. Perfect for starting your own garden or trying out new vegetable, herb, or pollinator-friendly flower varieties. We...
Forest Bathing, also known as Shinrin-yoku, is the practice of spending time in nature for the purpose of enhancing health, wellness, and happiness. During this class, participants will be led on a 2-and-a-halfhour walk through the century-old trees of the Arboretum with a series of guided “invitations”, closing with a tea ceremony. Instructor: Judy Karnia...
The Desert Foothills have been a spiritual, prehistoric and historic, cultural and agricultural, and artistic center place for over 2,000 years. The landscape is a roadmap through history. The parcel of land known as Harmony Hollow is sited at the crossroads of all this living history and Steve Greenberg joins us to share some of...
When the sun goes down, the wings light up. Experience Glass in Flight like never before—under the stars and aglow with color. For a limited number of evenings, the Arboretum will stay open late to unveil Glass in Flight at Night, an illuminated twist on our dazzling outdoor sculpture exhibit. With strategic lighting and nightfall...