The Insomniac Night Trail Run Series consists of six night runs throughout the Maricopa County Regional Parks from April through September. It's our way of escaping the summer heat while continuing to race and experience both familiar and unfamiliar trails in a different light. Distances range from 5 kilometers to 75 kilometers. Save 20-25% on registration when [...]
Bird Programs with Joe Ford in the Estrella Park Nature Center following the Bird Hikes. Program will start approximately 8:45 AM after the Bird Hike. Bird Program talk and Power Point Presentation with Joe Ford in the Estrella Park Nature Center following the Bird Hikes. Topics cover bird images, habits, maps, details and bird life. Program [...]
This is a call to the #SteepSquad and all those who embrace the #SteepLife: Aravaipa’s next virtual challenge of the year is here, and the name of the game is VERT. Raised By Rams is a 10-day mission to rack up as much vertical gain as possible. Inspired by our founder Jamil Coury’s love of climbing and [...]
Join Ranger Eric for a guided bird walk to look and listen for resident and migrant species within the diverse desert riparian habitat of the Hassayampa River Preserve. Along the way, we will discuss eBird and citizen science, how to identify birds by sight and sound, and about the behavioral and ecological traits that make them [...]
Join Ranger Steve for a Sunday “lunch and learn” presentation in the Discovery Center classroom. This week’s topic will be the North American Monsoon. What is it? What causes it? What impact does it have on the Sonoran Desert? Find these answers and more! MEETING LOCATION: Discovery Center Limit 12 participants. To register, please email [...]
July 31: Hotspots: Birding Woodland Lake Show Low Public Library, 6:00-7:30, Monday *
Held at White Mountain Nature Center 425 Woodland Road Pinetop-Lakeside (free and open to the public)
Arizona is home to the largest contiguous stand of Ponderosa pine in the world! Come learn interesting biological and cultural facets of Ponderosa pine ecosystems from a retired Forester. ! Suggested donation for adults $10. Kids and members FREE
Night Shredders 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. [...]
On this hike you will get to see a variety of cactus species and learn about their many adaptations to survive in the harsh Sonoran Desert climate. We will hike the 3.3-mile Tortuga Trail starting from the covered picnic table just past the contact station. The trail is rocky, steep and uneven in many places [...]
Night Shredders 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. [...]
We will hike 2 miles along the Pipeline Canyon Trail and stop periodically to take pictures of the plants, animals and landscapes found in the Sonoran Desert. The trail is rated as moderate with gradual elevation gain in sometimes rocky trail. We will be starting early in the morning, but it is encouraged that you [...]
Watch for birds on a 2-mile hike with Ranger Nikki on easy trails near the Nature Center and see if you can spot their homes camouflaged among the cholla cacti and trees. You can also learn about ways to help with bird identification using books and apps. (This hike is followed by a separate indoor [...]
Ranger Nikki will present a slideshow of common birds seen at Usery and in local suburban backyards. See some sample field guides and learn about birding apps that use visual and even sound cues to suggest identifications. (There is a separate hike prior to this indoor class to search for birds and their homes along [...]
Talk with Ranger Shaun about some of the venomous creatures of the Sonoran Desert and maybe even see a few! Dispel some common myths, learn how to identify venomous creatures, as well as frequently encountered, non-venomous mimic species! Who knows what you might discover? MEETING LOCATION: Nature Center No registration required. Stop by any time [...]
Did you know that the Cave Creek area is rich in volcanic geology? Stop by the Nature Center from 12pm to 2pm to learn about the unique geological processes that shaped the Sonoran Desert and see some beautiful rock specimens up close. MEETING LOCATION: Nature Center No registration required. Stop by any time between 12:00 [...]
Join Ranger Kevin for a roughly 2-mile hike along the Plant Research Trail and the south bank of the Gila River. We’ll explore the riparian habitat for interesting plants and animals while we discuss the importance of rivers like the Gila to the health and diversity of desert life. The trail is mostly easy, but [...]
Learn about a variety of cacti in the park: saguaros, barrels, cholla, prickly pear and more. Join Ranger Nikki as you follow the longer Black Rock Loop for just over one mile on easy to moderate terrain. Wear closed-toe shoes and bring a hat, sunscreen and plenty of water. Restrooms and water are available at [...]
Join Ranger Eric for a guided bird walk to look and listen for resident and migrant species within the diverse desert riparian habitat of the Hassayampa River Preserve. Along the way, we will discuss eBird and citizen science, how to identify birds by sight and sound, and about the behavioral and ecological traits that make them [...]
Learn about desert mammals with Ranger Nikki during this informal drop-in session. See pelts and skulls that hint at adaptations that allow these animals to survive and thrive in our extreme desert environment. Stop by any time between 9:30 and 10:30am. Be sure to bring your water with you. Restrooms and water are available at [...]
Come learn about cacti of the Sonoran Desert and Phoenix area! Ranger Eric will host this discovery station table at the Visitor Center. Nearby there are live examples of a variety of cacti to see on the trail next to the center. MEETING LOCATION: Visitor Center No registration required. Just drop in anytime between 10am [...]
This Homeschool Happenings event will focus on many kinds of animals like snakes, tarantulas, bats and Kangaroo rats that live in the Sonoran Desert. Come along on this learning adventure as we explore the reasons they spend their summer days sleeping, and their summer nights working (or is it lurking?). MEETING LOCATION: Classroom inside the [...]
Stop by the lobby of the Cave Creek Nature Center from 12pm-2pm to chat with Ranger Steve about the venomous animals that inhabit the Sonoran Desert! Come with your curiosity and questions and learn some of the popular myths and misinformation that are often associated with animals like rattlesnakes and Gila Monsters. You might even [...]
We will hike Wind Cave Trail with 800ft of elevation and at a distance of 3 miles, it is rated as difficult. The trail is steep and rocky so you are encouraged bring proper footwear and trekking poles are great to have. Please bring plenty of water and a flashlight with fresh batteries. MEETING LOCATION: [...]
Join Ranger Steve for an exciting ~2.5-mile easy night hike on the Slate Trail to look for nocturnal Sonoran Desert wildlife! Species seen on previous hikes include snakes, lizards, packrats, coyotes, bobcats, owls, spiders, and more! Please wear sturdy closed-toe shoes or boots. Make sure to bring plenty of water, as summer heat does continue [...]
Estrella Park Bird Walk, Second Sat. of Each Month. Discover area birds, ID and habits in the Sonoran Desert. Meet at the Estrella Mountain Regional Park Nature Center. Program/Presentation in Nature Center to follow bird hike. Explore the Birds of Estrella Mountain Regional Park on a bird walk. The event(s) will take place on the [...]
Join Ranger Eric to look for and learn about the nocturnal animals on this guided hike. Wildlife we may see includes scorpions, spiders, insects, owls, nightjars, reptiles, and mammals! We will hike 1-2 miles roundtrip depending on heat and participant interest on the Rock Peak Wash Trail. The hike will be on easy, but sandy [...]
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 [...]
This is a hands-on class. There will be a "classroom" session followed by putting theory into practice--actually paddling a kayak on the water. This course is designed to equip paddlers with basic skills to get from point A to point B successfully, understand the legal responsibilities that come with getting on the water, and what [...]
Healthy ecosystems are important to maintain. Enjoy a hike with a Forest Service employee, Christopher Hansen, and learn how the Lakeside District is working to improve forest and aquatic health while protecting our homes from wildfire. Suggested donation for adults of $10 Kids and Members FREE
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