Do you like observing nature? Then make your observations count! The City Nature Challenge is a friendly worldwide competition among cities to see whose residents can spot and identify the most wildlife. Join the CNC April 26-29 and become a community scientist! After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the meeting.
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 [...]
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 [...]
It's a day of feathers and flora. Discover a birding haven at Veterans Oasis Park on expert-led walks by the lake, recharge basins, desert and riparian habitat to learn about resident birds, their songs and tips for identification. Sun protection, closed-toe footwear, and ample drinking water are highly recommended, binoculars provided by the CNC.
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 [...]
Join Ranger Kevin for a strenuous morning hike within the beautiful scenery of Estrella Mountain Park. Click program title for more details. Are you looking to do a challenging hike, but don’t want to go alone? Join Ranger Kevin for a 6.5-mile hike on the scenic Rainbow Valley and Toothaker trails. We’ll keep an eye [...]
Our volunteer work day schedule this season continues to address IFNM needs and fencing issues related to wildlife connectivity through the Avra Valley, Altar Valley, Tucson Mountains and Tortolitas to the Catalinas. We began the fencing work several years ago in support of the Avra Valley Wildlife Connectivity Working Group. On Desert Fence Busters fence [...]
The nonprofit Arizona Sailing Foundation is the only school in Arizona teaching kids to sail. This class is intended for children 8 to 12 years old with no prior sailing experience. Kids Introduction to Sailing builds the skills and confidence needed to successfully rig, launch, sail, and put away an Optimist “Opti” sailboat. Students will [...]
The Conservancy has a mission to help sustain the McDowell Sonoran Preserve. This walk provides a geological and ecological overview of what lives in the McDowell Sonoran Preserve, and how the flora and fauna survive and thrive. Pets are not permitted at our activities due to safety concerns. If you would like to request an accommodation [...]
Join a walking tour of the Spanish Presidio of Santa Cruz de Terrenate with FSPR docent Jeff Hustad. This fort was operational during the late 1770s, the centerpiece for a planned Spanish occupation of the San Pedro River Valley that failed. This is a three -mile round trip walk over trails and uneven ground. The [...]
Watch and interact with fossil preparators as they prepare paleontological specimens found throughout Petrified Forest National Park. Open to the public every Thursday, everyone is invited to observe this fascinating and painstaking process, ask questions, and learn more about the fossils found here. All ages are welcome. Located on the northeast side of the Painted [...]
Hike a majority of the parks trails as you learn about the deserts many inhabitants as you travel through riparian to Sonoran Desert landscapes. Click on program title for more details. You will get to hike Palm lake, river ramble, mesquite meander and Lykes Lookout as we work our way through the park. The [...]
The Legacy Tour will introduce visitors to the rich 100-year history of Boyce Thompson Arboretum and further appreciation of this land and its legacy. Tour participants will receive a BTA Centennial commemorative pin as a gift at the end of the tour. This tour will follow the Main Trail and is on unpaved trails in [...]
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 (7:00am) to sign a waiver and secure a spot. The 2-2.5 hours walk is behind locked gates and you must [...]
This is one of the classic paths in the Preserve and a side trip to Balanced Rock. Experienced hikers suggested. Pets are not permitted at our activities due to safety concerns. If you would like to request an accommodation for your service animal, please contact our office at least two weeks before the event you plan [...]
A quiet morning walk to talk about the desert with Ranger Shaun. Click program title for more details. Come along with Ranger Shaun for a morning hike down Metate trail and back along part of Spur Cross trail. We’ll talk about the desert, water, and look for critters along the way. These trails are rated [...]
Join a ranger on a ~1 mile, mostly paved, walk through some of the most biodiverse terrain in central Arizona. A combination of plant communities and habitats surrounding the world’s largest travertine bridge supports a wide variety of bird species that call the park home and we will be searching for. Meets between the Waterfall [...]
Join local guides for a tour of the Romero site and walk through 1000-years of indigenous Hohokam history in 90-minutes! Learn about the area’s ranching history and how the Hohokam made a living in the desert. Note: This trail has stairs and crosses a seasonal stream; be prepared to walk in ankle-deep water. No restrooms [...]
Take a gentle 2.5 mile walk with an interpretive guide through the Sonoita Creek riparian area Birding Trail. Visitors will learn about the park's history and ecology of this unique and fragile natural area.
EDUCATOR WEBINAR: Citizen Science - The Digital Classroom Gets Outside About the Event Did you know that April is Citizen Science Month? Have you wanted to engage your students in real-world science? Join educators from the Arizona Game and Fish Department as we explore iNaturalist and other digital citizen science tools. Through iNaturalist, educators and [...]
Bird walk at the San Pedro House led by docents from the Friends of the San Pedro River and other local organizations.
Get up close and personal with Bob the Gopher Snake and Elvis the King Snake. Learn fun facts about these fascinating reptiles along with proper handling. Drop in the first Wednesday and Friday of the month to Meet the Snakes.
Free event, open to the public (weather permitting). Starts outside the Visitor Center, then walks the Peninsula Trail (paved), and the Delta Trail (unpaved). Be prepared to talk about 1.5 miles outdoors. Remember to wear sturdy shoes, dress in layers, and bring water. Directions: From Lake Havasu City: Travel approximately 17 miles south on Hwy [...]
Watch and interact with fossil preparators as they prepare paleontological specimens found throughout Petrified Forest National Park. Open to the public every Thursday, everyone is invited to observe this fascinating and painstaking process, ask questions, and learn more about the fossils found here. All ages are welcome. Located on the northeast side of the Painted [...]
Watch and interact with fossil preparators as they prepare paleontological specimens found throughout Petrified Forest National Park. Open to the public every Thursday, everyone is invited to observe this fascinating and painstaking process, ask questions, and learn more about the fossils found here. All ages are welcome. Located on the northeast side of the Painted [...]
Get up close and personal with Bob the Gopher Snake and Elvis the King Snake. Learn fun facts about these fascinating reptiles along with proper handling. Drop in the first Wednesday and Friday of the month to Meet the Snakes.
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 [...]
April 6th is Arizona Public Lands Day! Come join us and the Arizona Trail Association for a community hike in the South Mountain Preserve. Come explore the Pima Wash Trail to West Loop in Phoenix, Arizona, and enjoy the wonderful weather, blooming wildflowers, and practice species identification through INaturalist, a free mobile app that naturalists, [...]
Ready to hit the trail? We're teaming up with our friends over at Arizona Wildlife Federation for an Arizona Public Lands Day hike at South Mountain Preserve on Saturday, April 6! If you like learning about Arizona's native flora and fauna — and you're excited to see some of the wildflowers that are blooming right [...]
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 [...]
Want to add your event? Go to Build A Nature Walk.
