Join experienced birder and Park Volunteer Tom Locascio—a proud member of the Audubon Society and Sun City Birding Club—for a guided bird walk through Estrella Mountain Regional Park. After the walk, gather in the Nature Center classroom for an engaging presentation on the park’s feathered residents, from desert dwellers to seasonal visitors. Please wear protective clothing...
Join Tucson Bird Alliance staff members Luke Safford, Alex Patia, and Donito Burgess for World Migratory Bird Day at Sweetwater Wetlands! We’ll be at the wetlands from sunup to sundown, watching for migrants and resident birds as we celebrate the incredible diversity of birds moving through Southeast Arizona. Stop by for a few minutes, a...
Trip difficulty: Easy. 1.25 miles on flat paved paths. Trip duration about 2 1/2 hours. No water on site but port-a-potty is at the parking lot. Limited shade and benches. We will partially walk the old front 9 of this abandoned 200-acre golf course that has been turned into a Nature Preserve. While the number...
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 birds by sight and sound, about the behavioral and ecological traits that make them unique, and about citizen...
c On this walk near the Nature Center, Ranger Nikki will lead the way as we look for birds and try to spot their homes camouflaged among the cholla cacti and trees. The route follows Overton Trail to GO John Trailhead, where we will then walk on the paved roadway and return to the Nature...
Trip difficulty: Easy; Walking Distance: 2.5 miles; Trip Duration: 2 hr 45 min; Elevation Gain: none; Ground Condition: groomed trail. Drinking water not available on trail. Restrooms at the Mason...
Join our resident Medicinal Herb expert as we share tips for maintaining annual & perennial medicinal herbs and flowers in the low desert. We'll cover a variety of medicinal plants, including their medical benefits, their history, how to prepare them, and how to grow them. Each registration includes: 4 medicinal plant starts, 1/2 gallon worm...
No complicated photography jargon, no expensive equipment – just your phone, a bit of walking, and plenty of guidance and inspiration. Normally we’d suggest you put your cellphone away and...
Join us for a fascinating two-hour leisurely walk exploring the dynamic relationship between predators and prey. Discover how desert animals like coyotes, bobcats, mountain lions, raptors, and snakes have evolved to hunt, and how their prey—such as deer and rodents—have adapted to survive. Please arrive 15 minutes prior to scheduled departure. Restrooms and water at...
Join us for our second annual Wildlife Extravaganza on Tumamoc Hill! Located at the Tumamoc Historic Boathouse (base of Hill)- meet with various wildlife organizations and ask your animal questions! Tons of Giveaways Kids Activities Games and more! This event is free and open to all.
t's a day of feathers and flora. Discover a birding haven at Veterans Oasis Park on expert-led walks by the lake, recharge basins, desert and riparian habitat to learn about resident birds, their songs and tips for identification. Sun protection, closed-toe footwear, and ample drinking water are highly recommended. Binoculars provided upon request at the...
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...
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,...
Ranger Nikki will present a slideshow of common birds seen at the park and in local suburban backyards. See some sample field guides and learn about birding apps that use visual and even sound cues to suggest identifications. (There is a separate hike prior to this indoor class to search for birds and their homes...
Do think desert gardens seem colorless or intimidating? You’re not alone! Gardening in the desert can feel overwhelming because it’s so different from other regions. But we don’t have to settle for a landscape of just cactus and rocks, discover how easy it can be to create a vibrant, thriving garden. In this talk, horticulturist,...
Bring your potted plants and cuttings to exchange with other plant lovers at Red Mountain Library. Paper cards will be provided for you to fill out the identity and care...
Step back in time at this hands-on Girls in STEM archaeology event! Uncover ancient artifacts, study lost civilizations and piece together the stories buried beneath the surface—it's sure to be a full day of exploration, investigation and discovery! Girls in STEM is a series of educational programs throughout the year that encourages interest in science and...
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...
The Sonoran Desert is the most diverse desert in the world. It’s home to a lot of different kinds of animals. Families will learn all about the animals who call the Sonoran Desert home and how to identify them by looking at skulls, scats and tracks. Non-Member child (5-17yo): $10 Member child: $8 Up to 2 adults free with child* * Please no more than 2 participating adults per family....
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 a walking tour of the Canoa Ranch headquarters. Visit the historic buildings and corrals and enjoy the special exhibits of the people of Canoa. DIRECTIONS: Historic Canoa Ranch, 5375 S. I-19 Frontage Rd., Green Valley 85622 From Tucson - Take 1-19 south to exit 56 - Canoa Road. Go around the traffic circle until...
Come get WILD with wildlife of the Sonoran Desert at Pinnacle Peak Park! Local non-profit wildlife rescue, rehabilitation, and education organizations will be in the Ramada exhibiting live animals. This education opportunity is free for visitors of all ages. All exhibits are on Saturdays 10am-12pm. No registration necessary. Check our website for all of the...
We will have daily programs and presentations that will be advertised in the lobby upon your arrival for a different experience each visit. 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....
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
Participate in citizen/community science with the Fall eBird Global Big Day, the counterpart to the spring version which happens annually on World Migratory Bird Day! J oin Ranger Eric for a 'big sit’, a stationary type of bird count to look and listen for resident and migrant species within the diverse riparian habitat of the...
Step into the fascinating world of the Sonoran Desert with our educational table, “Skins and Skulls.” Discover the rich biodiversity of this unique ecosystem as we showcase what desert creatures left behind for us to find, providing a hands on learning experience. Perfect for curious minds of all ages, this exhibit is a non-structured come...
Join Willow Bend and forager John Slattery for an information-packed, hands-on workshop that walks you through every step of processing acorns for food and provides recipes for preparing your leached acorn meal. We will process acorns from the locally abundant Gambel’s oak (Quercus gambelii), which can be found throughout Flagstaff's urban environment and the surrounding...
Deep beneath the earth's crust, hundreds of kilometres below the surface, with no light, no air, and very little water, in pores and fissures of hard rock, scientists have found an enormous biodiversity of micro-organisms that thrive in extreme conditions. The Dark Biosphere challenges everything we thought we knew and challenges us to rethink not...
Come celebrate fall gardening with the Eckstrom-Columbus Library! Bring your plant cuttings, seedlings, seeds, and other garden-related abundance to share. All are welcome - you don’t need to bring plants to take plants home! Pima County Master Gardeners will be here to help answer your garden questions and local members of Garden Exchange Stands will be there with...
his will be a fun presentation on wildlife you may encounter in your Sonoran Desert backyard. You will learn about your neighborhood wildlife and how to create a wildlife friendly yard that is safe, ethical, and enjoyable. Jessie Dwyer is the Senior Scientific Program Manager at the McDowell Sonoran Conservancy. In this capacity, they manage...
Learn about the history of water in the Sonoran Desert, the current threats and opportunities related to water supplies, and how you can reduce your use at home. This presentation will get you started on the path to being “hydro local” (living with our available water here in Tucson without relying on external water sources)....
Ranger Olivia leads this picturesque hike to watch the sunset while also learning about saguaros along the way. We will see the sunset, saguaros, and maybe some evening critters as well. October 10th is also Urban Wildlife Conservation Day, which means we will also be discussing the importance of having nature and places for wildlife...