Join Ranger Nikki on a walk to see what’s growing and blooming in our beautiful Sonoran Desert. Learn about the Sonoran Desert in springtime with a chance to see wildflowers and blooming shrubs. Late fall rains provided a start for the flower season so there may be a continuation of blooms or even a second...
Learn about plants of the Sonoran Desert during this guided hike with Ranger Eric. Join Ranger Eric for a guided hike to learn about the plants and ecology of the Sonoran Desert. We have a chance of seeing early spring wildflowers following the rains we received in the fall. We will hike 1-2 miles roundtrip...
Desert Defender volunteers needed! Join us in removing invasive species and reducing the wildfire risk in Maricopa County Regional Parks. Participants will learn to identify several invasive species, their phenology and characteristics, and how to remove these invasive plants effectively. Meet at the Main Parking Lot. The goal is to remove invasive plants as a...
Desert Defender volunteers needed! Join us in removing invasive species and reducing the wildfire risk in Maricopa County Regional Parks. Participants will learn to identify several invasive species, their phenology and characteristics, and how to remove these invasive plants effectively. Meet at the Area 4 Parking Lot. The goal is to remove invasive plants as...
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!
Join us on a half mile 90-minute walk on the Jane Rau trail where we will talk about the people and events that shaped the history of the Brown’s Ranch area. We will discuss the Indigenous people who lived here, the role of the military in the region, the ranching history of the region and...
Sink your teeth into creativity in the Art Studio! Learn about the different types of animal teeth and how they help creatures eat, chew, and survive. Then, bring your favorite animal to life as you design and craft your own toothy puppet! It’s a hands-on mix of art and science that’s sure to make you...
Part art. Part engineering. Totally amazing! Add a pop of wonder and a pinch of nostalgia to your spring with Sean Kenney’s Nature Pop! Marvel at over 40 wildly creative sculptures made entirely of LEGO® bricks at this exhibition, included with Zoo admission and free for Zoo members from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. daily....
Join us for our free docent-led tour in the lobby of the Bryant Bannister Tree-Ring Building (1215 E. Lowell St.). Visitors will be introduced to the basic tenets of dendrochronology and have a chance to examine specimens. During your 1.5 hour tour, you will be introduced to the basic tenets of dendrochronology, have a chance to...
Homeschool students can join Ranger Nikki on a birdwatching walk and learn how to identify common desert birds and their homes. Our mild winter season is a great time to get outside and enjoy observing our feathered friends. Ranger Nikki will introduce students to some common bird species that can be seen at our desert...
Join Liberty Wildlife at the Verde Canyon Railroad Depot and meet their eagle/raptor ambassadors!
Are you mammal obsessed? This is the tour for you! Our Private Mammal Tour is a great option to meet some of our furry friends, watch feeding demonstrations, and learn more about the mammal residents at PHS! Your VIP-Inspired Experience Includes: Capybara interaction for the group. Meet, pet, and feed our adorable capybara "Spud"! Opossum interaction...
Are you curious about hiking and want to find hikes near you? Then come down to Nature Center and learn how to start hiking in the desert with ranger Derik. This class will cover a variety of topics around hiking and desert safety. Topics covered will be Basic map reading, what to carry, knowing when...
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...
Come join us for our Verde Valley SciTech Festival programming: Create a New Animal or Plant- design your own new animal or plant species and create a scientific fact sheet. Ages 6 - 12 Part of the Verde Valley SciTech Festival, a month-long celebration of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM), featuring free...
Meet a rescued kingsnake, learn about local snakes, & create a fun snake craft with AZ State Park Rangers. Part of the Verde Valley SciTech Festival, a month-long celebration of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM), featuring free events across the Verde Valley. Arizona SciTech Festival Season is here! We hope to...
Join Desert Foothills Land Trust for a special outdoor screening of "Cactus Hotel" under the desert stars. Inspired by the beloved children's book "Welcome to the Cactus Hotel," the film follows the life of one towering saguaro and the community of desert creatures who depend on it. Watch as Gila woodpeckers carve out nesting holes,...