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...
The third annual Days of Connection Biodiversity Fiesta celebrating World Water Day is taking place at Verdugo Park. Join Tucson Clean and Beautiful, Arizona Sonora Desert Museum, Pima County, Tucson Bird Alliance, Pima County Co-op Extension, United Way and other partners as we come together to celebrate this Day of Connection through a day of fun, stewardship, and connecting with nature and community!...
Rio Vista Park is one of a handful of Natural Resource Parks in the City of Tucson. We will walk from the park-like area through natural open scrub vegetation with fairly open views of wildlife. We should see out typical resident birds, migrants, and recent spring arrivals. We will be walking about a mile loop...
Join Marcia OBara for an outing designed for nature lovers with or without accessibility challenges; wheelchairs, walkers, or other assistive devices are welcome. On this trip, we will gather at one of Southern Arizona’s birding gems: Santa Rita Lodge in Madera Canyon! Here, we’ll watch for hummingbirds, migrating orioles, and an abundance of other species....
A trip for beginning or visiting birders who want to learn about Sonoran Desert birds that favor mesquite bosques (forests) and washes. We’ll explore the riparian zone along the Agua Caliente wash and practice identifying birds by shape, sound, color, and behavior. We’ll make connections between the birds and plants in this preserve. Meet in...
Join our local bird enthusiasts for a guided bird walk through the Rio Salado habitat! These walks are for everyone: experts, novices, and people who have never gone birding in their entire life. What to Know Before You Go: Bring water and wear sunscreen and shoes for walking. Groups usually travel slowly, over varying...
Our Aquaponics facility is home to your introduction to growing fish and vegetables without soil. We will show you how to use an IBC tote to raise Tilapia - and use their waste to grow vegetables. We will also demonstrate our "Home Fish Tank Growing System" that you can connect to your existing tank. Materials...
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...
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...
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...
The Japanese practice of Shirin-yoku (forest bathing) is a way to release the stress of modern life by spending time in nature and connecting with the environment. Join a certified nature therapy guide on a peaceful 2.5-hour guided "desert bathing" walk throughout Veterans Oasis Park. Pause, observe, reflect, and deepen your connection to the environment....
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, let us help you navigate organic gardening in the desert! This class is a great place to start your garden journey. Includes: 4 seasonal starts,...
Join us for a 90-minute walk around the Phoenix Zoo where we will learn the basics of photography including composition, lighting and capturing emotion. On our walk, we will cover how to photograph through fences, glass and foliage in addition to learning more about the Phoenix Zoo and the natural world. At the end of...
The Preserve is located in one of the most biodiverse areas of the Sonoran Desert. Learn about the plant life that thrives in this area. Note: If you have the i-Naturalist application on your phone, it would be a helpful tool to identify different flora. There are restrooms and water at the trailhead. Bring water...
Hike with a Park Geology Guide to the Grandview Overlook. Learn about the rocks, minerals, and land formations of Pinnacle Peak, McDowell Mountains, and the valley of the sun as seen from the trail. This is a moderate 3/4-mile hike that will take 90 minutes to 2 hours to complete.
Have you ever spotted a butterfly and wished you knew its name? This hands-on monitoring experience is for you! Estrella Mountain Regional Park Meet at the Nature Center parking lot Approximately 3.0 miles (moderate level) Includes the Quail–Rainbow–Baseline Trail, a walk through the new (still under construction) Pollinator Garden, and a short loop on the Gila–Rio Trail...
Azatlan is the contemporary archaeological name given to a large Hohokam community that existed north of the Fort McDowell Yavapai Reservation and east of Rio Verde. Join our archeological experts for a hike through one of the largest archeological sites in central Arizona, which lies right next door to the Preserve along the Verde River....
Spring has sprung and things are busy on the farm. It’s time for planting and watching as the world comes to life around you. Join us for a celebration of spring and farm life with fun crafts, games and opportunities to learn from our very own Phoenix Zoo staff!
Using recyclables plus a dash of imagination, construct a one-of-a-kind masterpiece. You might even find some dino-themed items to build with for Dinosaur Month!
Step back in time for some dino-sized STEAM fun! In this hands-on activity, young paleontologists will explore the fascinating world of dinosaur facts and measurements, comparing their own height, stride, and even “tooth size” to prehistoric giants. Using tools of measurement and simple math, kids will practice estimation, observation, and data collection as they measure...
Step into the Jurassic Sandpit and dig into dino-sized adventures all month long! Young paleontologists can uncover hidden “fossils” using brushes, scoops, and magnifying glasses. This hands-on pretend play experience invites kids to investigate, imagine, and unearth prehistoric treasures right in the Children’s Garden.
Keep your eyes peeled… we’ve had reports of dinosaur sightings all around the Museum! You never know where one might pop up – scaling the Climber, stacking blocks, or showing off disco moves on the 2nd floor. Stay alert, exploders… your mission this month is simple: catch a DINO if you can!
This Women’s History Month, step into the Art Studio and make your own dinosaur fossil! Using rubbing plates and crayons, young artists can channel Mary Anning, the trailblazing fossil hunter whose remarkable Jurassic discoveries continue to inspire scientists and explorers today.
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....
This class is taught by an expert from Sprinkler World, our local gurus! Consistent watering is key to successful gardening. In this class, you'll receive all the information and (optionally*) materials you need to set up your own irrigation system for a 4x8 raised bed. This class includes an explanation of materials and terminology followed...
Have you ever spotted a butterfly and wished you knew its name? This hands-on monitoring experience is for you! White Tank Mountain Regional Park Meet at Area 4 parking lot 3.5 miles (easy level) Black Rock Trail, Waterfall Trail, and a short roadway walk connecting to the Wildlife Trail back to Area 4 Five Maricopa County...
Have you ever spotted a butterfly and wished you knew its name? This hands-on monitoring experience is for you! Usery Mountain Regional Park Meet at the Nature Center parking lot Multiple monitoring routes, including: Desert Hawk Trail: ~1-mile loop (easy level) Merkle Loop and Vista Trail: 1.1 miles (moderate level) Short walk to Path Pond Trail: 0.06 miles Five...
Have you ever spotted a butterfly and wished you knew its name? This hands-on monitoring experience is for you! Spur Cross Ranch Conservation Area Meet at the Dragonfly Parking Lot 1.85-mile Dragonfly Loop (moderate level) Additional 1-mile round trip to the Solar Oasis (easy level) Five Maricopa County Park Locations will host Citizen Science Butterfly Monitoring events on Saturday, March...
Have you ever spotted a butterfly and wished you knew its name? This hands-on monitoring experience is for you! Hassayampa River Preserve Meet at the Nature Center parking lot 1.3 miles (easy level) River Ramble, Lions, and Palm Lake Trails Five Maricopa County Park Locations will host Citizen Science Butterfly Monitoring events on Saturday, March 21. Each park...
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...
Limited space, by reservation only! Did you know that Oracle State Park was once covered by warm, shallow seas? Are you familiar with the numerous faults that uncovered rocks once buried more than 5 miles beneath the surface? The park offers visitors the opportunity to experience the unique geology of the Santa Catalina Mountains area. First,...
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!...
The course is divided into two sections. The first half of the course is a classroom lecture portion where participants learn about misconceptions and discuss real rattlesnake behavior. The second half participants with learn how to safely relocate a rattlesnake using proper safety equipment. Each participant receives a certificate once they learn how to safely relocate a rattlesnake. If the participant...
nterested on how to start and maintain a desert garden? Wonder no more! Visit the Chandler Sunset Library on 3rd Saturdays between 10 a.m. to Noon to chat with a Master Gardener and have your questions answered—you can even bring your problem plant. University of Arizona Cooperative Extension Master Gardeners are certified volunteers who answer questions about gardening,...
Families are invited to a flutter-tastic Spring Equinox celebration at the Monarch Haven & Reading Sanctuary at Red Mountain Library! The M.O.R.E. (Mesa Outdoor Recreation Experience) mobile unit will be hosting an educational activity about Desert wildflowers. Kids can enjoy making a “seed bomb” and sprinkle some color in their gardens. St. Vincent de Paul's Urban Farm program will...
Aromatic hydrosols, also called floral waters are lesser-known herbal extracts that are delightful and gentle to use. We’ll learn about, spritz and sip various hydrosols and discuss how to use them. Each participant will make their own Floral Waters skin mister or room spray to take home. Presented by certified aromatherapist Kerry Cummins of Catalina...
The River of Time Museum and Exploration Center is proud to announce our annual World Water Day Celebration on Saturday, March 21, at 10:00 a.m. in the Museum. We are honored to have David Gressly, Executive of the Friends of the Verde River as one of our speakers. His topic describes how Friends of the...
Learn about hiking safety, and enjoy the scenic surroundings of the Sonoran Desert as you join our park guide to trek the Calloway Trail to an overlook on the face of Picacho Peak! Register at the link below. The elevation gain of this trail is 334 feet and the hike's total distance will be 1 mile. Plan on...
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 geology, wildlife, history, archeology, and plant life. The naturalists welcome questions during the walk, enhancing the learning experience. Hikes are included with park entrance fees...
The Boyce Thompson Arboretum Photography Club is a welcoming community of photographers of all skill levels who are inspired by the natural beauty of Arizona’s high desert. The club meets every third Saturday to explore seasonal changes, share techniques, and participate in hands-on workshops. Best of all, it’s free with admission. Drop ins are welcome....
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.
HEADS UP Arivacans! The fourth annual Turkey Vulture Festival is March 21, and the open mic is 1:00-3:00 at the Arivaca Dancehall. Time to get going on your vulture songs, stories, limericks, dances, poems, and WHATevers, as we welcome them back as only we can!
Celebrate springtime in the Sonoran Desert with family and friends! Discover our new interactive exhibit, enjoy live music, search for plants and animals, meet your neighbors, and so much more. Our grounds will be bursting with life and filled with fun! When: Saturday, March 21, 2026 Who: Everyone! Cost: Included with Museum admission (8:30 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.)
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
Join Saguaro and it's Seed Library by getting your hands dirty and planting some Spring friendly seeds. Using biodegradable planters, you will prep and plant the seeds of your choice, as well as learn what to expect in your seed's life cycle. Take your planter home to continue growing in your own garden! Families are...
Join Dr. Brian Curtice from Fossil Crates as he presents to us, “What’s a Dinosaur?”! Not only will guests enjoy learning about dinosaurs from our playful Paleontologist friends, but they will also see exclusive paleo art, premium fossil replicas, and spectacular specimens cast from actual fossils! Fossil Crates brings authentic paleontology to the public. To...
Aprende cuáles son las condiciones necesarias para mantener un terrario autosustentable. Los materiales son limitados y se entregarán por orden de llegada.
During this 30-minute adventure, see a Keeper training session with either our brown (grizzly) bear or lions. Your experience will take you behind the scenes to see a training with...
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...
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...
Herb gardening is easy and rewarding here in the Tucson desert. Even beginners can have great success growing their own herbs year ‘round. We’ll learn which herbs do well here, which ones do best in pots, and when all the different varieties of herbs should be planted. Presented by Pima County Master Gardeners from the...
Learn how Reid Park Zoo cares for its herd of goats, from nutritious foods and tactile enrichment, to climbing structures and training. Get an up-close look at the features that allow wild goats to live among cliffs! Age: All participants must be 5 or older and at least one adult must attend. Time: Start times vary...
Learn the secrets of the “rainforests of the sea” as you embark on an oceanic safari of the world’s most vibrant— and endangered—marine ecosystems. Narrated by Tony Award® winner Lea Salonga, the all-digital Expedition Reef immerses you in the undersea adventure. Audience: General, all ages Style: Fulldome film + live Earth science talk ...
Learn what conditions are necessary to produce a self-sustaining terrarium! Supplies limited and available on a first come, first served basis.
Planet Earth is a truly fascinating place. The only known world where life has flourished. But how did it all begin? That’s what Little Eve, the young bear in Krutart Studio’s new film, is about to discover. A story kids love, and parents enjoy just as much. Eve is small, but her problems feel huge....
POMPEII: THE EXHIBITION examines the lives of residents of Pompeii before and after the catastrophic eruption of Mount Vesuvius in 79 A.D. through artifacts on loan from the Naples National Archeological...
The Zoo is hosting two after hours events in conjunction with the exhibit. During “Builders and Bricks Nights” from 5:30 – 7:30 p.m., March 14 and March 21, guests can enjoy evening viewing of the sculptures and participate in hands-on activities, including speed building contests and animal enrichment making. Guests will also be able to...