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...
Fundamentals classes are designed to help you raise a well adjusted and well-behaved puppy or new to you dog into a happy health dog. Fundamentals classes include basic training, leash walking, housebreaking, positive reinforcement of good behaviors, trust centered training and puppy socialization. Group Classes open to puppies ages 10 weeks and up. Dog must...
Ranger Shaun isn’t the best of the birders among the Rangers, but he enjoys it and that’s worth something! He hopes you’ll come join him for a crash course in birding basics! Learn how to use basic birding tools like binoculars and field guides, get an introduction to more modern accessories like birding app Merlin,...
Looking to get out on the water, but don’t want to do it alone? Just want to spend some quality paddle time on the lake? We’ve got just the thing!...
This class builds on the basics skills learned in the fundamentals dog training class. We revisit basic training, leash walking, positive reinforcement, and socialization and take them to the next level with time, distance and distractions. ***Must have Puppy Star or equivalent certification*** Intermediate Dog training Group Sessions are open to dogs ages 5 month...
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...
Experience the opportunity of a lifetime with our Capybara Encounter! Come meet Chewy or BB and their care team at Shipwreck Cove. This encounter will give you the opportunity to feed our capybaras and learn from their care team about what it takes to care for such unique animals. Feel the texture of their fur...
Experience the best dressed encounter opportunity at Wildlife World Zoo! Meet one of our endangered African Penguins and their trainers in the Wild and Wonderful aquarium building in front of the penguin exhibit. This encounter will give you the opportunity to find out what it takes to care for these incredible animals. Learn fun facts...
Advanced Dog classes build off the skills learned in Fundamentals and Intermediate classes. This class includes basic training, leash walking, real life situations, positive reinforcement, working with multiple dogs, and socialization. ***Must have CGC or equivalent certification*** Advanced Dog training Group Sessions are open to dogs ages 1 year or older and have passed the...
September is Parks for Pollinators month and we are celebrating here at the Riparian Preserve! Join us for this one-day workshop focused on the critters that pollinate the plants of the Southwest. You will play fun games, do crafts, make a visit to our pollinator demonstration garden, and even take home a plant for your...
Have you ever wondered about the tortoises that live in the Sonoran Desert and how they survive the heat? Visit our indoor Nature Center anytime between 10:00am-12:00pm to learn more about how they protect themselves, what they eat, and what it is like living in a burrow. If we are lucky, our two resident tortoises...
Have you ever wanted to meet one of our Sea Lions up close and personal? Join us for a WILD encounter at Wildlife World Zoo! Learn what it takes to care for our amazing marine mammals, and see what goes in to training them. You will be able to get an individual or group photo,...
Have you ever wanted to meet a sloth? Come meet Luna and her care team. This encounter will give you the opportunity to feed Luna and learn from her care...
Discover the incredible adaptations that make owls the ultimate nocturnal predators. In this presentation, we’ll explore the specific species that call the McDowell Sonoran Preserve home and learn about the research being done by the Conservancy’s Field Institute’s nocturnal bird survey. Lisa Miller is a Legacy Steward with the McDowell Sonoran Preserve, who has dedicated...
Ranger Nikki will lead you on an easy walk to search for bark, striped-tail and giant hairy scorpions. We will also be on the lookout for other nocturnal critters such as bats, owls, tarantulas, kangaroo rats, stink bugs and more, so bring your UV blacklight and a regular flashlight. The route uses NoSo and Blevins...