Lake Pleasant is creating a Monday clean-up crew.  If you are available on any Monday, please join us as we pick up litter along the shoreline. Date- Every Monday Time – 6:00am - 8:00am Location – Park at Castle Hot Springs dirt lot near the entry station. Meet with staff at main building at entry....

The Madrean Sky Islands of southern Arizona are green gems and a high-altitude sanctuary for a variety of wildlife. Join us for a guided hike through pines, summer wildflowers, and crisp mountain air. This generally mellow 2-mile hike through a mountain wonderland in the heart of the Sonoran Desert starts at 9000’ elevation with an...

Saddle up and come along on this virtual field trip that will introduce you to the world of horses. We will visit a horse stable, learn about the care and feeding of horses, and meet Cowboy, a quarter horse. This event will premiere on August 4 and will be available throughout the week. Watch: https://mcldaz.org/now/

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...

This 90-minute tour provides a unique opportunity to learn how innovative engineering and optical technology melds with manufacturing techniques to produce the largest and most advanced giant (8.4 meters / 27 ft)  telescope mirrors in the world on the University of Arizona campus. Visitors will see the unparalleled technology and revolutionary processes in making the...

Explore the world of artificial intelligence to design fully interactive games and experiences using cutting-edge technology. This program combines artificial intelligence with coding to create an unforgettable learning adventure. Students will construct machine learning models that use image and text recognition within block-based coding software to build projects. Students will work in pairs or teams...

Begin your rise to the top of the charts with digital music production! Just like today's top artists, you can design your own beats or remix a mashup of your favorite songs to become a digital composer and sound engineer. In this course, students will learn to produce digital music, record sound, make sound effects,...

Learn programming tools so powerful they seem like magic! Start off by exploring an array of core programming concepts with JavaScript by experimenting in a series of digital challenges. Start with programming your first animated memes, then tackle more advanced skills such as interactive 3D experiences and game creation. Projects will be available on a...

Customize your own Minecraft world and mod the classic game in this one-of-a-kind class. Learn scripting and logic statements as you create your first mods. Students will create a wide variety of new elements, gameplay mechanics, and world-generating mods to change the way you play Minecraft. Projects will be available on a password-protected Black Rocket...

Keep your mind in motion and feet on the ground. Designed for active adults who know the importance of staying mentally sharp and physically stable, this innovative class cleverly combines specific activities designed to improve your memory, reasoning, conceptualization, language and problem solving skills. You'll learn age-appropriate exercises to strengthen the core and reduce risk...

Get an extra boost of science every Monday this summer with Family Brain Boost! CMT’s educators lead hands-on experiments designed to inspire a love of science for the whole family! Explore science concepts in an interactive setting based on the concept that science is fun, interesting and everywhere!

No computer experience required. Learn how to use a mouse and keyboard. Free tickets are available at the Service Desk 15 mintues before class. The computer lab is located on the 1st floor near the Teen section.

Explore the world of artificial intelligence to design fully interactive games and experiences using cutting-edge technology. This program combines artificial intelligence with coding to create an unforgettable learning adventure. Students will construct machine learning models that use image and text recognition within block-based coding software to build projects. Students will work in pairs or teams...

Begin your rise to the top of the charts with digital music production! Just like today's top artists, you can design your own beats or remix a mashup of your favorite songs to become a digital composer and sound engineer. In this course, students will learn to produce digital music, record sound, make sound effects,...

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...

Learn to be more comfortable, efficient, and safe in your daily life through ergonomics! The science of ergonomics focuses on preventing injuries and promoting well-being through ensuring neutral postures, minimizing strain, and promoting movement. Adults. Registration is needed. Watch for other Science Spark events every other month on a Monday!

This class is inspired by the “Escape Room” concept, but no one gets locked in a room. Instead, we are trying to use our clues to break into our boxes with all kinds of different, crazy locks! “Unlock” the secrets to ancient civilizations and lost cities! Learn about faraway and ancient lands and use that...

Print your imagination into the palm of your hand! Learn all about 3D printing, how it works, and learn the software skills you’ll need to create your own unique designs! Take home several mini-prints and watch your final project print on our 6 classroom 3D printers! Nerds love to repeat this class, so we are...

Calling All Young Architects and World Explorers! Are you ready to embark on a global adventure — all within the exciting world of Minecraft? In this immersive class, students will travel across continents, exploring history, culture, and architecture as they recreate famous historical structures from around the world in Minecraft's Creative Mode. Along the way, they'll develop research,...

Calling All Young Architects and World Explorers! Are you ready to embark on a global adventure — all within the exciting world of Minecraft? In this immersive class, students will travel across continents, exploring history, culture, and architecture as they recreate famous historical structures from around the world in Minecraft's Creative Mode. Along the way, they'll develop research,...

Come to this nighttime storytime inspired by the great outdoors. (No fires will be present.)

Dear Birders, I look forward to another birding field trip at Himmel Park, 1000 N. Tucson Blvd. on Tuesday, August 5th at 7:00 am. Himmel Park is located on the east side of Tucson Boulevard, half a block south of Speedway Boulevard. We will meet in front of the wildlife mural. You can’t miss it!...

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...

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!

Final Ph.D. Defense presented by Samantha Moruzzi Ph.D. in Planetary Sciences

Unleash your creativity in this hands-on workshop where anything can become a piano key or game button. Using Makey Makey, kids transform everyday objects into working musical instruments and custom video game controllers. Perfect for curious minds ready to code, design, and play in their inventive way. Homeschool CREATE students will discover the science of...

Listen along as we read a nature-themed story!

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...

A Nationally Certified Nutrition course offered through the University of Arizona that comes with weekly recipes and kitchenware giveaways! We cover nutrition essentials such as My Plate, key nutrients: calories, fats, and protein, food safety, and osteoporosis prevention. Class participants will graduate from the course with a Certificate from the University of Arizona.

Unleash your creativity in this hands-on workshop where anything can become a piano key or game button. Using Makey Makey, kids transform everyday objects into working musical instruments and custom video game controllers. Perfect for curious minds ready to code, design, and play in their inventive way. With a special emphasis on conductivity, this class...

Bingocize®, brought to you by the Area Agency on Aging, strategically combines the game of bingo, exercise, and health education. Come play Bingocize® twice per week, with each session running about an hour and consisting of exercises (range of motion, balance, muscle strengthening, and endurance exercises) and/or health education questions. Registration required. This program is...

Unleash your creativity in this hands-on workshop where anything can become a piano key or game button. Using Makey Makey, kids transform everyday objects into working musical instruments and custom video game controllers. Perfect for curious minds ready to code, design, and play in their inventive way. Homeschool CREATE students will use a MakeyMakey to...

Knowing what to do in the first few minutes of an emergency can help to save a life! Lifesaver training provides you with critical skills to use in an emergency to help until we arrive. Training includes: -Hands-Only CPR - The American Heart Association now recommends hands-only CPR using only chest compressions for adults experiencing cardiac arrest. Hands-only...

Every week we will create awesome projects using all sorts of different apps. Learn vector graphics, raster graphics, pixel graphics, animation, and how to take your own work to the next level.  It’s time to learn how to unlock your creativity at App Artist. This program is limited to the first 8 participants.

Come join us at Cholla library for a STEAM activity! Each week kids complete a project with a Science, Technolgy, Engineering, Art or Math twist.

Who’s it for? Children three to five years old and their favorite grownup(s) What will you do? You and your child will get a head start on preschool and kindergarten skills! Share books and activities that build these skills in class and are easily practiced at home. What will we learn? Learn preschool and kindergarten basics like letters,...

The end of summer in Mesa does not mean a drastic reduction in daytime temperatures but there are precautions you can take before you go for a ride. This class will teach some tips and tricks to avoid the discomfort and dangers that come with bicycling in hot weather conditions as well as guidance on...

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...

Visit Agua Caliente Park, a birding hotspot in Pima County. Explore the ponds, mesquite bosque, and surrounding desert of Agua Caliente Park in search of its rich bird life. DIRECTIONS: Agua Caliente Park, 12325 E. Roger Road 85749 From Tucson - Take Tanque Verde Road east past Houghton Road to Soldiers Trail Road. Turn left...

Plateau Perspectives: Nature Through Art celebrates the profound and evolving relationship between art, ecology, and the unique landscape of the Colorado Plateau. Set amid the natural beauty of the Arboretum at Flagstaff, this exhibition invites artists to explore and amplify the stories of native plants and ecological processes that define this extraordinary region. The exhibition centers...

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...

This 90-minute tour provides a unique opportunity to learn how innovative engineering and optical technology melds with manufacturing techniques to produce the largest and most advanced giant (8.4 meters / 27 ft)  telescope mirrors in the world on the University of Arizona campus. Visitors will see the unparalleled technology and revolutionary processes in making the...

The lab is open! Bring your projects, get excited, and make things!

Listen along as we read a nature-themed story!

Keep your mind in motion and feet on the ground. Designed for active adults who know the importance of staying mentally sharp and physically stable, this innovative class cleverly combines specific activities designed to improve your memory, reasoning, conceptualization, language and problem solving skills. You'll learn age-appropriate exercises to strengthen the core and reduce risk...

Who’s it for? Children three to five years old and their favorite grownups What will you do? You and your child will get a head start on kindergarten! Share books and activities that build kindergarten skills in class and are easily practiced at home. What will we learn? Learn kindergarten basics like letters, numbers, shapes, and colors. You...

Part of our Discovery KIDchen series, this playful STEM activity lets kids explore the science of sound in a hands-on way! Using silverware, string, and paper cup “speakers,” we’ll dive into this “Silverware Sound Experiment” to discover how sound waves travel and what makes them louder or softer. Feel the vibrations, tune into the tones,...

Customers will be able to get help with basic iPhone/iPad questions such as basic apps, using our digital media, moving files, etc. Registration not required.

Pre-requisite: A working knowledge of how to use a computer mouse and keyboard. If you are new to the computer then Computer Basics is the place to start.  This week we will learn the basics of the Internet - different browsers that can be used, the different parts of a website, and how to navigate...

Come join us at Cesar Chavez Library for a Tween STEAM activity! This activity is targeted for children ages 8-12.

Come drop into our Brick Building Sessions where you can use your imaginations to design, create, and show off exciting and unique Brick builds based on various concepts.

The intense heat of summer is perfect for growing cover crops in home gardens. Cover cropping keeps soil covered and working — not baking and losing vitality. The nutrients that cover crops contribute will add fertility for fall and winter gardens. Keep your garden going this summer with heat-loving cover crops. Instructed by Emily Heller....

Let's talk Arduino! Or microcontroller in general. Bring your project, ideas, or questions.     HeatSync Labs is a makerspace with tools and equipment which create a community of collaboration and learning-by-doing. Arizona's first Maker Space! Hacking Arizona Since 2009

Explore the park after dark with Ranger Derik and hunt for scorpions and other creatures that rule the night! The hike will be on easy, flat and rolling sandy trail. Hikers should bring water, wear close toed shoes and bring a flashlight with full charge or new batteries. If you have a blacklight feel free...

Join Ranger Nikki for a morning workout and enjoy the sights and sounds of our desert.  Join Ranger Nikki on a 3.5-mile moderately paced hike to enjoy birds, mammals and reptiles as the day warms up. The route follows Goldmine, San Tan, and Moonlight Trails, which vary from smooth and level to uneven with small...

This casual meet-up is perfect for those who enjoy going outside, sketching, observing, and meeting fellow nature enthusiasts. Join the Southern Arizona Nature Journal Club to learn about Nature Journaling, and immerse yourself in the natural world. The group meets at our park’s entrance at 7 am and explores a different aspect of the park each week....

Join Ranger Kevin for an educational morning hike amongst the plants and animals of the Sonoran Desert.   We’ll head out into the desert for an easy morning hike and a fun, interesting talk. We’ll focus on the survival strategies of various plants and animals, all the while watching out for wildlife like rabbits, quail, hawks,...

Plateau Perspectives: Nature Through Art celebrates the profound and evolving relationship between art, ecology, and the unique landscape of the Colorado Plateau. Set amid the natural beauty of the Arboretum at Flagstaff, this exhibition invites artists to explore and amplify the stories of native plants and ecological processes that define this extraordinary region. The exhibition centers...

Curious about how to stay safe hiking in the desert safely? If the answer is yes, then come out to the nature center and learn the tricks of the trade with Ranger Derik!  This intro to hiking class will cover topics including what to pack, how to pick a trail, when to go, water, safety tips, and...

Develop water harvesting skills with this free in-person class from Watershed Management Group. Our instructors will teach you about passive rainwater harvesting, active rainwater harvesting, and how to qualify and apply for Tucson Water's Rainwater Harvesting Incentives Rebate Program. Learn how to save municipal water while supporting a productive oasis or even to drink rainwater. The course...

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...

Looking for scientific adventures? Homeschool Days offer hands-on exploration while enhancing early-education curriculum through STEM programming led by Nature Center staff. Lessons are designed to encourage curiosity and spark a lifelong love of science. Days also provide students and their families the opportunity to share ideas and expand on their network of like-minded learners. Age...

Looking for scientific adventures? Homeschool Days offer hands-on exploration while enhancing early-education curriculum through STEM programming led by Nature Center staff. Lessons are designed to encourage curiosity and spark a lifelong love of science. Days also provide students and their families the opportunity to share ideas and expand on their network of like-minded learners.  ...

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!

Celebrate the summer monsoon season with Thunderstorm Thursdays at Children’s Museum Oro Valley—a weekly storytime and craft session designed to spark curiosity and creativity in little learners! Kids will dive into desert weather through hands-on fun, from lightning-inspired art to rainy-day tales. Each visit to CMOV this summer counts toward the Kids Cactus Club, CMOV’s summer-long reward program!...

Listen along as we read a nature-themed story!

Explore the wonders of the Colorado Plateau—right at your fingertips! Join us today at the Museum of Northern Arizona from 10 a.m. to noon and explore our Fossils Touch Table. Our friendly museum guide is ready to share fascinating stories about the region’s natural wonders. FREE with Museum admission.

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...

Ever wanted to explore the wilderness and get out there but not sure how to start? Bring your lunch or snack along and learn how to navigate with Ranger Derik.  Ranger Derik will give a short, indoor 30-minute talk on how to use maps and compasses as well as how to operate modern GPS hiking...

Looking for scientific adventures? Homeschool Days offer hands-on exploration while enhancing early-education curriculum through STEM programming led by Nature Center staff. Lessons are designed to encourage curiosity and spark a lifelong love of science. Days also provide students and their families the opportunity to share ideas and expand their network of like-minded learners.   Ages...

Come by and visit Ranger Kevin to learn about some of the animals native to the Sonoran Desert.   Have a picture of a critter, but don’t know what it is? Want to know what you might have seen scurrying across the trail? Drop in on this Discovery Station with Ranger Kevin. There will be objects...

Bingocize®, brought to you by the Area Agency on Aging, strategically combines the game of bingo, exercise, and health education. Come play Bingocize® twice per week, with each session running about an hour and consisting of exercises (range of motion, balance, muscle strengthening, and endurance exercises) and/or health education questions. Registration required. This program is...

Families are welcome every Thursday to design, create, and collaborate! Try out sewing, animating, programming, inventing, and more! Join us to CrEaTE! Every Thursday. Every Thursday, 4:30-6:00  

Join Ranger Olivia for a hike to see and learn about the stunning saguaros during sunset.  Ranger Olivia leads this picturesque hike to watch the sun set while also learning about saguaros along the way. We will see the sunset, saguaros, and maybe some evening critters as well. You may bring your blacklight and regular...

Come along with Ranger Shaun for a relaxing morning walk and talk.  Join Ranger Shaun for a stroll among the trees in the relative cool of the morning. We’ll watch for birds, look for reptiles and mammals, and just generally enjoy the sights and sounds of the Preserve as the day warms up. Here in...

The coolest place in Midtown just got cooler! On Fridays through September 26, admission to the Gardens is just $5 (free to Members, as always). Enjoy a summer stroll under the canopy of 100-year-old shade trees, the lush green tones of over 20 specialty garden spaces, and a delicious $5 Friday Root Beer Float at...

Tasting History is an interactive, drop-in, family friendly program. Learn more about Tucson through the people and plants that shape our home. This July, we are celebrating grapes! We grow 9 different varieties within Mission Garden. Missionaries of the Spanish colonial empire introduced “Mission Grapes” into Arizona in the late 1690s. In Middle Eastern cuisine...

Plateau Perspectives: Nature Through Art celebrates the profound and evolving relationship between art, ecology, and the unique landscape of the Colorado Plateau. Set amid the natural beauty of the Arboretum at Flagstaff, this exhibition invites artists to explore and amplify the stories of native plants and ecological processes that define this extraordinary region. The exhibition centers...

The 2025 Arizona Mushroom Society Annual Foray is planned for the August 8-10, 2025  in Alpine, Arizona in the White Mountains of eastern Arizona. This year has more activities for everyone including a Saturday evening Keynote Presentation by Dr. Gordon Walker. A workshop on mushroom dyeing by Elissa Callen and medicinal mushrooms with Christopher Hobbs. We will also be offering...

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...

This 90-minute tour provides a unique opportunity to learn how innovative engineering and optical technology melds with manufacturing techniques to produce the largest and most advanced giant (8.4 meters / 27 ft)  telescope mirrors in the world on the University of Arizona campus. Visitors will see the unparalleled technology and revolutionary processes in making the...

Two groups this morning: Group 1: This is an opportunity to participate in a foray that includes a 1-2 mile hike over mountainous terrain. This group will be meeting on the west side of the White Mountains about a 40 minute drive from Pinetop, AZ. Your foray leader will be Mike Dechter. More detailed information...

Listen along as we read a nature-themed story!

Join us weekly to play, socialize and explore STEM! Enjoy a hands-on experiment or craft, and free play throughout the center. Open to 2-5 year-olds w/ adult Every Friday, 10:00-11:00  

Looking for scientific adventures? Homeschool Days offer hands-on exploration while enhancing early-education curriculum through STEM programming led by Nature Center staff. Lessons are designed to encourage curiosity and spark a lifelong love of science. Days also provide students and their families the opportunity to share ideas and expand their network of like-minded learners. Age at...

Executive Flight is an immersive, three-day flight experience designed for adult participants who are eager to explore flight training. This hands-on program provides an introduction to aviation across three main components: live flight training (eight hours) in stunning north central Arizona, aviation knowledge sessions on essential topics (Weather, Air Traffic Management, Safety Analysis, Night Operations...

Enjoy a captivating experience at the heart of our mountaintop observatory with our guided daytime tours! Discover the rich history of our unique site, from its origins as a Cold War early warning radar station to its current role as a leading astronomical research facility. Our knowledgeable guides will lead you on a 90-minute walking...

Ranger Jacque gives a beginner’s glimpse into the birding world with an indoor presentation on birding, followed by a review of Sonoran desert birds.   From hobbyists to extreme birdathon competitors, birding is a popular past time all over the world thanks to its relative ease and affordability. Yet for those newly interested, it can seem...

Join us in MACH2 for STEM Stories! Library staff will share a STEM-themed story and songs, followed by a STEM activity perfect for ages 3-5.

Gift the gift of blood at the American Red Cross Blood Drive! Appointment times can be found by going to www.redcrossblood.org and selecting the "Donating Blood" option.

Enjoy a captivating experience at the heart of our mountaintop observatory with our guided daytime tours! Discover the rich history of our unique site, from its origins as a Cold War early warning radar station to its current role as a leading astronomical research facility. Our knowledgeable guides will lead you on a 90-minute walking...

Thee groups this afternoon! Group 1: This is an opportunity to participate in a foray that includes a 1-2 mile hike over mountainous terrain. You will be meeting near Big Lake. Your foray leaders will be TBD. Your foray leaders will include Brent Ewasiuk and Jason Sartor. More detailed information on the exact meet-up location...

Play Minecraft at the library! Grades 3 - 5  

This class is inspired by the “Escape Room” concept, but no one gets locked in a room. Instead, we are trying to use our clues to break into our boxes with all kinds of different, crazy locks! “Unlock” the secrets to ancient civilizations and lost cities! Learn about faraway and ancient lands and use that...

Print your imagination into the palm of your hand! Learn all about 3D printing, how it works, and learn the software skills you’ll need to create your own unique designs! Take home several mini-prints and watch your final project print on our 6 classroom 3D printers! Nerds love to repeat this class, so we are...

Take a rare behind-the-scenes tour of the Easton Collection Center at the Museum of Northern Arizona. Explore cultural artifacts, natural specimens, and breathtaking art, all housed in a marvel of environmentally friendly and culturally informed architecture. You’ll enjoy: Up-close encounters with pottery, jewelry, artifacts, paintings, and more. Insights and stories from expert guides who bring...

Looking for advanced academic support in math or English? The K–12 Afterschool Tutoring Program is held every Friday after school to help students build confidence and improve their skills. Whether it's homework help or test prep, we’re here to support your child’s growth! Led by experienced high school mentors, Olivia and Jaden, this program is...

Hummingbird banding sessions at Casa de San Pedro Bed & Breakfast are open to members of SABO and guests of the B&B at no charge, though donations are appreciated.  Only two (2) parking spaces are available for visitors who are not guests of Casa de San Pedro B&B, and registration is required. Casa de San...

Beat the heat and explore the outdoors with Reid Park Zoo’s Summer Safari Nights on Friday and Saturday evenings! Come to Summer Safari Nights, presented by TMC Health and enjoy the Zoo in the cooler evening hours! Each week will feature keeper chats, animal encounters, artifact stations, giraffe feedings, carousel rides, crafts and games. Face painting and...

Got a burning question about the Sonoran Desert? Looking for your next trail recommendation? Want to know more about our amazing park system? Ask Ranger Kevin!   Come meet Ranger Kevin from 6:00pm to 7:00pm. Bring your burning desert questions! Try to stump the Ranger! Impress your friends and enemies alike with your new-found knowledge! We’ll...

Join us or a rare opportunity to enjoy sunset and moonrise from a trail overlook and return by the light of the moon while learning about the natural world and Sedona area. The program lasts 2.5 hrs and covers a distance between 2.5 miles. A $20 registration fee per person is required for this after...

Discover what makes southern Arizona, particularly Tucson, so important to the field of Astronomy. Are you looking for a summer science adventure? Come learn more about astronomy and how you can play a role as a citizen scientist. This educational experience is open to all ages and backgrounds, no experience required - just a sense...

Bring your finds, share stories, taste fungi delights prepared by Jess Starwood, shop vendors, and join in informal ID & collection! We plan to kick-off the Annual Foray Friday evening with a Fungi Social at 6:30 pm for you to get to know your fellow fungi enthusiasts, buy some goods from a variety of vendors,...

Come explore the park after dark with Ranger Derik and search for nocturnal creatures that call the park home.  The hike will be 3 miles in length on the Quail, Rainbow Valley, and Saddle trails gaining 300ft of elevation. Hikers should bring plenty of water, sunscreen, a flashlight with a full charge or new batteries....

Join Ranger Kevin for an evening hike under the stars. Come watch the full moon rise over the Mazatzal mountains. We’ll climb the short (.5 mile) Hilltop trail for a perfect view of the rising moon (weather permitting). Once we’ve had our fill of that, we’ll head out onto the Pemberton trail for a roughly...

Beat the summer heat and enjoy a guided group hike under the stars on this fun night hike through scenic desert trails. Tired of skipping hikes because of the summer heat? You don’t have to put your boots away just yet—experience the desert in a whole new light (or lack of it) on this guided...

Join Ranger Olivia on a night hike to search for all things creepy and crawly.   We’ll be on the lookout for all kinds of evening-active critters, from skunks to, spiders, snakes, fox, coyote, deer, owls and of course scorpions! Bring flashlights; black UV lights are optional. This will be about a 2-mile loop along Spur...

Did you know Arizona actually has five seasons? The thunderstorms of Tucson’s monsoon have the power to transform the Sonoran Desert during Arizona’s fifth season: the wet summer! Monsoon Magic is a mini-nature exhibit where you’ll learn about the wildlife and meteorology of the southwest’s summer rains. Come anytime between 7-9 a.m.! Follow signs for...

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...

For the past several years, AZ BHA has hosted a mushroom hunting event near Flagstaff on National Forest land. As long as the monsoon rains come, we will be holding this year's event on Saturday, August 9th. Although this isn't hunting in the traditional sense, it is a great way to get out on our...

Come along with Ranger Shaun for a relaxing morning walk and talk.  Join Ranger Shaun for a stroll among the trees in the relative cool of the morning. We’ll watch for birds, look for reptiles and mammals, and just generally enjoy the sights and sounds of the Preserve as the day warms up. Here in...

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...

Tasting History is an interactive, drop-in, family friendly program. Learn more about Tucson through the people and plants that shape our home. This July, we are celebrating grapes! We grow 9 different varieties within Mission Garden. Missionaries of the Spanish colonial empire introduced “Mission Grapes” into Arizona in the late 1690s. In Middle Eastern cuisine...

Plateau Perspectives: Nature Through Art celebrates the profound and evolving relationship between art, ecology, and the unique landscape of the Colorado Plateau. Set amid the natural beauty of the Arboretum at Flagstaff, this exhibition invites artists to explore and amplify the stories of native plants and ecological processes that define this extraordinary region. The exhibition centers...

Learn what and how to grow in our "rainy" season as well as the basics of how to make the switch from summer to fall gardens. Along with a brain full of useful advice, you'll also go home with four monsoon-ready starts, a half-gallon of worm castings, and a half-price gallon of vermicompost tea.

Explore birds/bird life with special guest Joe Ford. The Park has a wide range of habitats. You will encounter some of the best birding in the valley! Beginner birders and longtime enthusiasts will enjoy this opportunity to spot and identify many species. Bring close toed shoes, water and a snack. An indoor Presentation follows the...

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...

Want to learn about and see hundreds of elk in one place at one time? Join us for the annual elk viewing workshop! Hosted through the Arizona Game and Fish Department (AZGFD). The event includes a 1-hour presentation held at the AZGFD Flagstaff Regional Office (3500 S Lake Mary Rd) and then we will caravan...

Presentation on medicinal mushrooms by author, mycologist, herbal clinician, and research scientist Christopher Hobbs PhD. Christopher Hobbs, PhD, is a mycologist, an herbal clinician, a botanist, and a research scientist with over 40 years of experience in herbal medicine. He has authored over 20 books and is willing to share some of his knowledge of...

Five groups this morning! Group 1: This is an opportunity to participate in a foray that includes a 1-2 mile hike over off-trail mountainous terrain. You will be meeting up on the west side of the White Mountains about 40 minutes drive from Pinetop, AZ. Your leaders for this foray are Mike Dechter and Neoh...

Learn about the 15 native cactus, trees and shrubs that produce fruit throughout the year. Learn when to harvest and how to process and eat these fruits. Enjoy samples of edible plants foraged from the desert and take home recipes. Instructed by Peggy Sue Creekmore (Sorensen). Garden admission included with class purchase.

Listen along as we read a nature-themed story!

Step through the gate and discover a hidden gem at the Museum of Northern Arizona—the Moore Medicinal Garden. Tucked between MNA’s administration and anthropology buildings on the east side of Highway 180 (across from the Museum building), this quiet, fenced-in space offers a unique opportunity to explore the traditional and contemporary uses of native plants...

Join Certified Arborist Jonathan Manning as he discusses the best plants and techniques for container gardening in the valley.

Want to learn about and see hundreds of elk in one place at one time? Join us for the annual elk viewing workshop! Hosted through the Arizona Game and Fish Department (AZGFD). The event includes a 1-hour presentation held at the AZGFD Flagstaff Regional Office (3500 S Lake Mary Rd) and then we will caravan...

Enjoy a captivating experience at the heart of our mountaintop observatory with our guided daytime tours! Discover the rich history of our unique site, from its origins as a Cold War early warning radar station to its current role as a leading astronomical research facility. Our knowledgeable guides will lead you on a 90-minute walking...

Discover the fascinating world of the saguaro cactus at this presentation-style program with Ranger Jacque! Join us for an hour-long presentation exploring the iconic saguaro cactus, a symbol of the Sonoran Desert. Through images and engaging discussions, we’ll highlight the distinctive features and ecological importance of these remarkable plants, which support numerous desert species. Attendees...

New to computers or want to sharpen your tech skills? Join high school student Faraz for Device Advice, a hands-on program designed to help you navigate the digital world with confidence. Each session will cover practical tips and tricks for using your device safely and effectively. Session 1 (6/7): Introduction to the Computer Session 2...

STEAM Time is a pop-up makerspace for kids and teens that provides hands-on opportunities to design, experiment, and invent as they engage in STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Art and Math) through self-guided tinkering. Join us to make, create and play!

We are all Scientists!  CMT’s educators lead hands-on experiments designed to inspire a love of science every weekend at Brain Boost. A STEM program designed for whole-family engagement, kids explore science concepts in an interactive setting based on the concept that science is fun, interesting and everywhere! Every Saturday and Sunday at Noon; Saturday Brain...

Enjoy a captivating experience at the heart of our mountaintop observatory with our guided daytime tours! Discover the rich history of our unique site, from its origins as a Cold War early warning radar station to its current role as a leading astronomical research facility. Our knowledgeable guides will lead you on a 90-minute walking...

Workshop led by Elissa Callen, which will get you direct hands on experience and detailed knowledge on the use of fungi for pigments and dye. Elissa Callen will be joining us from California where she works with native plants, invasive plants, and fungi to sustainably make natural dyes, inks, and pigments in her art practice. Elissa...

We will foster students’ engineering, competitive and creative edge as we challenge them to fulfill briefs given by a world class judge. Using everyday materials, kids will create the bridges, towers, and vehicles of tomorrow. Challenges are different each session.   Ages 8 - 14

Families are encouraged to participate in making and creating at Mesquite. Guided activities will include science, technology, engineering, arts, or mathematics concepts. Join the family STEAM event every second Saturday of the month. Let's create!

Young Naturalists is a Fall 2025 program for 6th-8th graders interested in forming a deeper connection with the Sonoran Desert. Become a certified Young Naturalist at the Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum! Gain confidence, form connections, and explore careers as you learn about the Sonoran Desert. Build skills in plant, animal, and mineral identification, nature conservation, and...

Join us for a special introductory program to learn how to code a choose-your-own-adventure story that you can share with your friends and family! Together we'll flex our storytelling muscles while building basic coding skills using a free online program called Twine. This is a beginner friendly program - no coding or writing experience needed. Basic...

Up to 10 species of hummingbirds use the green corridor of the San Pedro River as a freeway between their tropical winter retreats and their northern nesting grounds. The public is invited to get a close-up look at these tiny travelers as staff and volunteers from the Southeastern Arizona Bird Observatory capture, band, weigh, measure,...

Learn how to make your own fun projects using lights, sounds, and motion. Microcontrollers are the workhorse of modern electronics the way the microprocessor is the workhorse of a computer. Starting with several fun example projects we are going to show what is possible using an Arduino microcontroller. Then we are going to have you...

Beat the heat and explore the outdoors with Reid Park Zoo’s Summer Safari Nights on Friday and Saturday evenings! Come to Summer Safari Nights, presented by TMC Health and enjoy the Zoo in the cooler evening hours! Each week will feature keeper chats, animal encounters, artifact stations, giraffe feedings, carousel rides, crafts and games. Face painting and...

Rick Gagnon presents edible plants around the area and tips on mushroom foraging. Samples included! Members are free! Non-members are $5 per adult. Children 12 and under are free!

Howl and boogie with the Desert Museum Family Band! Join education specialists Michelle Miner and Kyleigh Sacco — plus special guests like Mr. Nature, Syndenn Sweet, and Eli Beren — in a desert style Singalong at the Warden Oasis Theater. Get your paws on our nature inspired music album! Bring your flashlight and explore, scamper in Packrat...

We are excited to host fellow mycophile Dr. Gordon Walker, Author of the recently published Dr. Fun Guy's Passport to Kingdom Fungi, and also known on social media as the joyful, toadstool tapping Fascinated by Fungi! Dr. Walker will be giving the 2025 Annual Foray Keynote Presentation where he will share his super interesting and entertaining take on...

Join Ranger Olivia on an evening stroll to watch the full moon rise over the lake. Ranger Olivia will lead you on an evening walk to enjoy a peaceful evening in the desert as the full moon rises. We will also keep an eye and ear out for any creatures that may be stirring, such...

Join Ranger Nikki on an easy/moderate hike to enjoy the full moonrise and the desert aglow.  Ranger Nikki leads this hike to enjoy the desert at night while the full moon starts its journey across the sky. We will listen for coyotes, owls and nightjars. Bring your blacklight and regular flashlight to look for other...

Zoo By Moonlight is an evening event held at Heritage Park Zoological Sanctuary from May through September. It provides a great opportunity to see the Sanctuary's nocturnal residents. Enjoy our Clouded Leopards, wolves, coyotes and much more by the light of the full moon. It's a howling good time! Don't forget to bring your flashlights, your curiosity...

Join Ranger Jacque for a beautiful evening hike under the moon and stars.   : Come watch the full moon rise over the Superstition mountains! We’ll take the Blevins trail to its easternmost point, where we’ll wait for what should be a spectacular moonrise. When we’ve had our fill of that, we’ll take Blevins west to...

Spend the night exploring Veterans Oasis Park after dark. You'll discover the sights and sounds of nocturnal wildlife, observe the full moon, and talk astronomy as you hike the park. Bring your flashlight and UV light to hunt for fluorescent arachnids. Participants will meet at Red-Tailed Hawk Pavilion.   Ages 6+ Meet at Red Tail...

Believed to be the largest travertine bridge in the world, Tonto Natural Bridge is nature’s finest architectural work. Nestled in a tiny valley surrounded by pine trees, the bridge stands 183-feet high over a 400-foot tunnel. Spend the morning exploring and hiking to the bottom of the bridge to gain a fuller appreciation of its...

Plateau Perspectives: Nature Through Art celebrates the profound and evolving relationship between art, ecology, and the unique landscape of the Colorado Plateau. Set amid the natural beauty of the Arboretum at Flagstaff, this exhibition invites artists to explore and amplify the stories of native plants and ecological processes that define this extraordinary region. The exhibition centers...

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...

Don't forget to join us for the extremely enlightening Table Talk at Sunday morning at 9am at the Alpine Community Center. This is a talk based on all of the fungi finds over the weekend where Arizona fungi researcher, Terri Clements, will be identifying and classifying the many specimens found during the foray. This is an unsurpassable opportunity...

This is an opportunity to participate in a foray that includes a 1-2 mile hike over mountainous terrain. You will be meeting a 30 minutes' drive from Pinetop. Your foray leaders will be Chris May. More detailed information on the exact meet-up location will be mailed to you on or by Wednesday, August 6th.  ...

Stop by the Nature Center to learn about San Tan’s animal ambassadors with Ranger Nikki during this drop-in session.  Ranger Nikki will introduce you to San Tan’s animal ambassadors, including snakes, tortoises, a chuckwalla and a Gila monster. Learn about their life cycles, adaptations and what you should do if you encounter their relatives on...

Listen along as we read a nature-themed story!

We are all Scientists!  CMT’s educators lead hands-on experiments designed to inspire a love of science every weekend at Brain Boost. A STEM program designed for whole-family engagement, kids explore science concepts in an interactive setting based on the concept that science is fun, interesting and everywhere! Every Saturday and Sunday at Noon; Saturday Brain...

This is an opportunity to participate in a foray that includes a 1-2 mile hike over mountainous terrain. This group will be led by Mike Dechter. You will be meeting at the Alpine Community Center. More detailed information on the exact meet-up location will be mailed to you on or by Wednesday, August 6.  ...

Explore science through this lecture series covering a wide range of topics from local experts in their field. Dinosaurs of Arizona: A Legacy of 230 Million Years A survey of known dinosaurs from Arizona, with updates on recent research findings! Gavin McCullough is Curator of Natural History at the Arizona Museum of Natural History in Mesa,...