1) Step out through the doors and turn to the right, following the walkway ‘til a large signpost is in close sight.
   Here you will bear left, and then, next to you,
a mechanical pair of eyes will provide a better view.
   Peer into the distance and notice the contrast
between dry desert mountains and the river flowing past.
 
2) Go back along the walkway, left at the rock with a plaque. The gray path turns to red; now the restroom is at your back.
   Ahead and to the right, you’ll see a special little place, and perhaps a Desert Tortoise will show its carapace…
   All creatures have their own ways of conserving energy; What about us humans? How many solar panels can you see?
 
3) Bear left at the shaded bench, and follow the stone wall trail. Down the path on the right is a plant that resembles a beaver’s tail.
   You won’t find real beavers in this spot, but maybe on a canoe ride; If you paddle down the river, you’ll see where they like to hide.
   As you continue walking, be sure to open up your eyes; Can you spot the “magical” plant that attracts hummingbirds and butterflies?
 
4) Keep going on the path until you’re standing over air, then look down to the left – are any fishermen there?
   You may wonder why the Refuge allows fishing… The survival of endangered fish is that for which we are wishing.
   In waters where predators like catfish and bass thrive, it’s much harder for the river’s native fishes to survive.
 
5) Cross over the bridge and pause by the shady bench on the left. Now walk past seven lines in the pavement, then stop to take a rest.
   Here you will find two large trees – Paloverde and Mesquite. For dozens of animal species, they provide seeds and nectar to eat.
   Look closely at these two plants and think about their adaptations; How are they similar? How are they different? Share your observations!
 
6) Continue along the trail until you approach two fishing piers; Zigzag down to the left one, and get ready to use your ears.
   Have a seat on a bench, then relax and close your eyes. Listen to the noises around you – what you hear might be a surprise!
   Think about the sounds you notice, some near and some far; Which do you prefer, the lapping water or the whooshing cars?
 
7) Return to the main walkway, and take a left to go up the hill; The trail is a bit more bumpy here, so be careful you don’t take a spill!
   As you continue walking, look at the ground on the left and right; How many different types of desert plants are in sight?
   This area is dominated by a species from the Aster family. It’s called the Brittlebush; it’s silvery-blue and quite leafy!
 
8) Soon you’ll come to a spot where the trail dips down. Instead of rocks and gravel, there’s mostly mud here on the ground.
   This substance is great for catching what passers-by leave behind. Look closely for the footprints of animals or humankind. What types of tracks can you find?
 
9) Further down the path, you’ll reach the trail’s highest section. Look out across the water; What can you see in each direction?
   Heron Island straight ahead is an important roosting location, where Great Blue Herons build their nests out of sticks and vegetation.
   During nesting season, in the spring, boats are not allowed near. We want to leave the herons in peace, so they’ll continue living here!
 
10) Keep walking along the trail; now you’re almost at the end! When you reach the tip of the peninsula, you may take a seat, my friend.
    Lines of buoys mark the No Wake Zone, where boat motors cannot be used. This area is home to many species of birds, and we don’t want them to be abused!
 
11) Now think about your ecological “footprint” and you’ll see just where to stand. How can you lessen your own impact on this land?
    Walk five squares forward and look down to the right; the treasure box for this Quest is now in sight!