Maricopa County Parks and Recreation: Plant Hike

Ranger Nikki will lead you on a hike to look for cactus blooms, wildflowers and pollinators such as bees and butterflies. Learn how to document your findings on the citizen science app, iNaturalist*, and how to join app-based local and worldwide biodiversity projects. The route will be a 4.5-mile loop on San Tan, Hedgehog and Moonlight Trails. The trails are rated as moderate and the surface ranges from smooth and level to rocky and uneven. Wear closed-toe shoes and bring snacks and plenty of water. Bring a camera and notebook to log your observations. Restrooms and water are available at the Nature Center.

*If you would like to learn how to document via iNaturalist, please download the free app at home and register with a username prior to arrival.

MEETING LOCATION: Main Trailhead map kiosk

Limit 20 participants. To register, please call the San Tan Nature Center at (602) 506-2930 ext. 7 with your name, phone number and number of people attending. If you find you cannot attend a program after you have registered, please call the Nature Center ASAP so we may contact those on the waiting list. Registration for this program will close on Tuesday, April 2.

Once you’re comfortable using the app, we invite you to return as a park citizen scientist on April 26-29 for the City Nature Challenge, an international effort that encourages all citizens to find and document plants and wildlife on iNaturalist in cities across the globe. This bioblitz-style competition challenges local communities to make the most observations in nature during this 4-day period, and then this data is available for science, management, and conservation. So this April 26-29, connect with your open spaces, your community, and other global naturalist using only your phone or camera to record nature wherever you go! For more info, check out http://www.citynaturechallenge.org.