Take a dive into the natural history and modern biology of an iconic species, Ursus americanus, the black bear. These bears are opportunistic feeders and have complex and interesting lives. Spend an evening learning about this incredible critter and enjoying the opportunity to see them live and in person. Instructed by wildlife biologists Jeff Meyers [...]
Open to beginners age 8-16 who want to learn to hunt small game, quail and rabbits with experienced mentors. Meals provided Friday through Sunday.
Mentored waterfowl hunt for youth hunters ages 11-17
Join Friends of the Tonto NF in removing invasive fountain and buffel grasses.
Join one of our local bird enthusiasts for a guided bird walk through the Rio Salado Habitat Restoration Area! These walks are for everyone: experts, novices, and people who have never gone birding in their entire life. Bring water, and wear sunscreen and shoes for walking. Loaner binoculars and field guides are available for those [...]
Stop by anytime between 8:30 and 11:00 A.M. to learn about the mutualistic relationship between this species of silky flycatcher and hemiparasite. During the winter months, the Sonoran Desert is home to the phainopepla, a species of silky flycatcher birds that feasts on the red berries of the desert mistletoe. Mistletoe is a hemiparasite which [...]
Spiders, scorpions, bees, and wasps are just the beginning – there are more species of arthropods in the world than any other group of animals. Join us to discover the fascinating and diverse world of arthropods and their role in the ecology of the Sonoran Desert. Skill level: Easy Pets are not permitted at our [...]
This hike will provide an overview of the geology of the area and a discussion about how geology – topography, rock type, soil, etc. – affects local ecology. Skill level: Easy Distance: ~1.7 miles Time: ~2 hours Pets are not permitted at our activities due to safety concerns. If you would like to request an accommodation [...]
Net downhill courses along the foothills of the Santa Catalina mountains run since 1969. The full Marathon, 50K & Marathon Relay start above the town of Oracle and run down to Catalina. The Half Marathon starts on Biosphere Road at the half way point of the Marathon and runs down to Catalina. Join us for beautiful winter [...]
The Sierra Vista Environmental Operations Park (EOP) is open to public bird watching tours on Sunday mornings year round. Group size is limited to 15 people, first-come, first- served. Arrive before the starting time to sign a waiver and secure a spot. The 2-2.5 hours walk is behind locked gates and you must stay with [...]
Join us on an easy walk with a City of Scottsdale Natural Resources Coordinator as various desert topics are discussed. The material will depend on what we see in this wonderful environment. Skill level: Easy Time: ~2 hours Pets are not permitted at our activities due to safety concerns. If you would like to request an [...]
Dr. Todd Driggers Saving the Wild birds from the Fire Raved Australia. He works at the Avian and Exotic Animal Clinic in Mesa but donated his time in Australia when the wildfires were at its worst a few years ago. How this can assist us in Arizona to save birds. In Person at the Gilbert [...]
Bird walk at the San Pedro House led by docents from the Friends of the San Pedro River and other local organizations.
What is the difference between poison and venom? Come learn more at Ranger Steve’s discovery station and display of LIVE venomous animals. Click on program title for more details. Join Ranger Steve at the Estrella Mountain Nature Center for an interactive display of venomous animals and a discussion of their vital role in our ecosystem, [...]
Shred the day away. Cooler nights on the trails will remind you how good it is to shed your schedules and responsibilities. You'll spend an evening with less conversation and more grinning with your friends. First time joining us? WELCOME! No rider is left behind. Riders must have some trail experience. Moderate fitness. Trails are [...]
Help count birds at McDowell Mountain Regional Park or around the Salt and Verde River confluence for the Dec. 14 Salt-Verde Christmas Bird Count! Click on event title for more details. Would you like to go birding with others and help count birds for citizen science for a day in the Fort McDowell/Fountain Hills area? Then [...]
Stop by and chat with Ranger Shaun about Rattlesnakes! What do they do? Why do they do it? What’s up with that rattle? Come find out! Click program title for more details. Join Ranger Shaun for an informal Q&A about rattlesnakes! See some snake artifacts like skins, rattles, and fangs. Learn about how they behave, [...]
A wash can be a pretty interesting place, especially when you go with a Ranger! Join Ranger Shaun and learn about what washes are, how they’re formed, and why their important to their ecosystems as we walk parts of Pemberton and Granite trail before dropping into Stoneman’s Wash for the majority our return trip. Along [...]
Join Ranger Steve for an evening under the Sonoran Desert stars! Click program title for more details. Join Ranger Steve for an evening of stargazing and astronomy education! We’ll be viewing a selection of objects through a small telescope. Possibilities include planets, galaxies, nebulae, and star clusters! We’ll also look at constellations with a laser [...]
Join Ranger Steve for an evening under the Sonoran Desert stars! Click program title for more details. Join Ranger Steve for an evening of stargazing and astronomy education! We’ll be viewing a selection of objects through a small telescope. Possibilities include planets, galaxies, nebulae, and star clusters! We’ll also look at constellations with a laser [...]
The Desert looks different in the dark. Come along with Ranger Shaun and see how much. Click program title for more details. Ranger Shaun is returning to this morning’s trail for another hike. Come join him, or even better RE-join him! See how different the desert can be in the dark as we look along [...]
The Desert Solstice Track Invitational is an elite level event for record setting and as an ideal qualifier for the national 24 Hour team. This event is by invitation or qualification only. For the 24 Hour/100 Mile, entry is limited to 25 runners total. Qualification Standards and Entry Fees Runners meeting one of the listed qualifying [...]
Help count birds at the Hassayampa River Preserve or surrounding Wickenburg area for the Dec. 16 Hassayampa River Christmas Bird Count! Click on event title for more details. Would you like to go birding with others and help count birds for citizen science for a day near the northwest Valley? Then sign up for the Dec. [...]
Join one of our local bird enthusiasts for a guided bird walk through the Rio Salado Habitat Restoration Area! These walks are for everyone: experts, novices, and people who have never gone birding in their entire life. Bring water, and wear sunscreen and shoes for walking. Loaner binoculars and field guides are available for those [...]
Interpretive walk led by docents of the Friends of the San Pedro River. The San Pedro House, a 1930’s-era converted ranch house operating as a gift and bookstore, leads guided interpretive walks/hikes along the river and throughout the adjacent area, presents educational programs to schools and community groups, and assists the BLM in a variety [...]
There have been over 200 bird species seen at this water recharge facility, making this site one of the best birding spots in the east valley. This site has many rare birds. These free walks are sponsored by Desert Rivers Audubon, The Riparian Preserve of Gilbert, and Liberty Wildlife. We provide loaner binoculars, and expert [...]
Join Ranger Nikki on an easy to moderate hike to learn about desert vegetation and enjoy a view of the Lake from Yavapai Point. Click program title for more details. Join Ranger Nikki for a moderate hike to learn cacti, legume trees and desert shrubs and observe a variety of birds, lizards and mammals. [...]
A ranch that was only rediscovered in 1990! The ranch was founded in 1873 by Newman Haynes "Old Man" Clanton. Over the years, it hosted a slew of ranch hands some more well known than others, like Ike Clanton, Johnny Ringo, Curly Bill Brocius, Pete Spence and Frank and Tom McLaury. Join a docent from [...]
The fly casting class is open to all members, whether you are have never cast a fly rod or would like to improve your casting skills. There will be FFI certified fly casting instructors there to work with you. If you do not have a fly rod or reel AFC will provide fly rods and [...]
The Desert looks different in the dark. Come along with Ranger Shaun and see how much. Click program title for more details. Ranger Shaun is returning to this morning’s trail for another hike. Come join him, or even better RE-join him! See how different the desert can be in the dark as we look along [...]
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