Come learn about cacti of the Sonoran Desert and Phoenix area! Ranger Eric will host this discovery station table at the Usery Nature Center. Nearby there are live examples of a variety of cacti to see on the trails next to the center. MEETING LOCATION: Nature Center No registration required. Just drop in anytime between [...]
Come along with Ranger Shaun for an introduction to the Sonoran Desert’s unique ecosystem. We’ll talk about some of our native plants and animals, as well as some exotics and invasives, and how they’ve adapted to live (or invade) in the desert. This is an approximately 2.1-mile hike on moderate-difficult trails. Please bring plenty of [...]
Join us for a fun mass start race and Tucson Orienteering Club's 2024 Annual General Meeting. Location: Case Natural Resource Park, 9851 E Kenyon Dr Courses: For intermediate and advanced orienteers, a Peg Race, which is a mass start course with some handicapping for intermediate and advanced orienteers. Yellow for novice and beginner orienteers. [...]
Interrupt your work week with a good ole fashioned trail ride. Trails are flowy with some moderate climbs and downhill descents, a few technical areas: advanced-beginner to Intermediate skill level. First trail spin at night? Our rides are No Drop. Bring mountain or gravel bike, helmet, lights (at least one 700 lumen), hydration and nutrition. [...]
Join Ranger Eric to look for and learn about resident and migratory birds of the Sonoran Desert on this easy 1-1.5 mile walk (roundtrip). We will meet in front of the Nature Center and check out the nearby feeders, weed, and tree patches, before going over to the tree plantings around the turf area. Please [...]
Ranger Nikki will lead you on a moderate terrain hike to learn about common desert plants such as cacti, legume trees and shrubs and search for signs of seasonal wildflower growth. The route uses Slate, a portion of Flume, Quartz and Go John Trails for approximately 4.5 miles total. The terrain varies from even surfaces [...]
Join Ranger Eric for a guided hike to learn about the animals, plants, and ecology of the Sonoran Desert. Early wildflowers may be out, depending on how much precipitation we get this winter. We will hike a 6.7-mile loop of the Quail, Rainbow Valley, Dysart, and Toothaker trails. The trails are moderate difficulty with occasional [...]
Invasive species are among the biggest threats to our park’s ecosystem health. They outcompete native plants, decrease biodiversity, and increase wildfire occurrences and magnitude. Desert Defenders is a citizen science program focused on removing invasive species in parks. The Invasive plant species have severely impacted our park’s natural ecosystems and contributed to our most recent [...]
Enjoy the Preserve trails to learn about the unique plants and animals of this lush desert riparian ecosystem, and cultural history of the Hassayampa River! We will walk on mostly flat, but occasionally uneven or sandy trails for 1-2 miles total, as we check out Palm Lake and one of the trails along the river. [...]
The areas all along Cave Creek Wash are abundant in desert flora and fauna and steeped in history. P.A. Seitts Preserve at Go John Canyon is no exception. The preserve not only holds a sensitive riparian habitat, it is also rich in archaeology, mining, and ranching history. Join us as we explore this preserve in [...]
Come along and hike Pipeline Canyon North to check the water level and see how many more weeks of winter we have left! Ranger Shaun’s going to be talking about the local ecosystem and seeing what’s moving around in the early February weather. Pipeline Canyon North is a roughly 2-mile round trip on a moderate [...]
Join Ranger Steve at the Nature Center for an interactive display of venomous animals and a discussion of their vital role in our ecosystem, “busting” myths about their behaviors, and have all your questions answered! Get hands on and hold items like snake skins, rattles, and even skeletons! MEETING LOCATION: Nature Center No registration required, [...]
Enjoy a desert sunset while trying to capture its beauty with your camera. Ranger Steve will answer all your photography questions and even offer tips on how to best use your camera. We will be running a series of exciting photography workshops in 2024, so keep an eye out for future events! Any camera counts, [...]
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 [...]
Did you know that over 300 species of birds have been found at the Hassayampa River Preserve? Enjoy an easy-paced walk with seasoned birder and bird bander Anne Leight to spot and identify the many resident and migratory birds of the Preserve. Some binoculars are available to borrow. MEETING LOCATION: Visitor Center. Limit 10 participants. To register, please call [...]
Invasive species are among the biggest threats to our park’s ecosystem health. They outcompete native plants, decrease biodiversity, and increase wildfire occurrences and magnitude. Desert Defenders is a citizen science program focused on removing invasive species in parks. The Invasive plant species have severely impacted our park’s natural ecosystems and contributed to our most recent [...]
Chandler Family Birdwalks Veterans Oasis Park Chandler 8am - noon Monthly on the first Saturday of the month, November through April. Come out with the kids to walk around the water recharge ponds at the City of Chandler's Veterans Oasis Park, This bird-walk is sponsored by Desert Rivers Audubon and The City of Chandler. We [...]
Ranger Nikki will lead you on an easy to moderate terrain hike to learn about common desert plants such as cacti, legume trees and shrubs and search for signs of seasonal wildflower growth along the trails and creek. The route uses Spur Cross, Fairy Duster, Metate and Dragonfly Trails for approximately 5 miles. The trails [...]
Orienting is the sport of navigation - often held in unfamiliar terrain - using a map and compass. It's easy to learn and a fun way to exercise your body and mind as you enjoy the outdoors. It's a sport for everyone and beginners are always welcome! Participants will learn the basic of orienteering and [...]
MTB Fundamental Skills and Trail Session: From new riders just starting out to podium winners and everyone in between, our mission is to LEVEL UP your skills and confidence on the bike. Our ICP Certified Instructors will help you tackle more trail obstacles, walk less, and have more fun! Meet us at the SE corner [...]
Saturday MTB “Shift into Saturday”: Shift your gears into Saturday with a good spin around the park. Grab your mountain or gravel bike and helmet then join SanTan Shredders for this No Drop pedal fest. Bring water, snacks, and an extra tube. Arrive 10-min early for check in. See you soon! http://santanshredders.com
Join a docent from the Friends of the San Pedro River for a walk to the Clanton Ranch site. Here Old Man Clanton grazed (stolen) cattle in a large pasture along the San Pedro. This site was a key location in the Wyatt Earp vs. The Cowboys epic. The round trip to the site requires [...]
Invasive species are among the biggest threats to our park’s ecosystem health. They outcompete native plants, decrease biodiversity, and increase wildfire occurrences and magnitude. Desert Defenders is a citizen science program focused on removing invasive species in parks. The Invasive plant species have severely impacted our park’s natural ecosystems and contributed to our most recent [...]
Arizona is home to four different species of wildcats including the third largest felid in the world. Wildcats of all species are capable of taking prey much larger than themselves and seemingly impossible feats of athleticism. Feared, loathed and worshiped, wildcats have had a varied relationship with humans from the beginnings of time. From Jaguars [...]
Bird walk at the San Pedro House led by docents from the Friends of the San Pedro River and other local organizations.
Stop by the Nature Center anytime between 2:00pm and 3:00pm to visit with Ranger Nikki and learn about San Tan’s permitted animal ambassadors. Meet Wally the Chuckwalla, Cleo the Kingsnake, Cherry the Tarantula and more. Informational handouts and coloring sheets will be available to take home. Restrooms and water are available at the Nature Center. [...]
The City Of Yuma is located at the confluence of 2 rivers in the southwestern portion of Arizona. The water here is one of if not the most important thing when it comes to survival here. With water comes aquatic life that sustains an entire ecosystem of creatures and plant life that are integral to [...]
Ranger Nikki will lead you on an easy walk along the park’s Service Road to enjoy the sunset and watch silhouettes of cacti and trees appear along the way. This is an out-and-back walk that covers approximately two miles roundtrip on flat to rocky terrain. Wear closed-toe shoes and bring plenty of water. Restrooms and [...]
Come with us as we explore the streamside habitat of New River. This preserve is home to a lush riparian habitat that contains many tree species unique to the desert including cottonwoods, sycamore, walnuts, and more! We'll search for the many bird species that call this place home. This hike is approximately 1 mile in [...]
Log your final miles of the 100 Miles in 100 Days Challenge with Ranger Nikki on a trek to explore San Tan’s trails and scenic views. You are welcome to join even if you are not participating in the yearly County Parks challenge and simply want to enjoy some time outdoor and learn about desert [...]
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