Join Ranger Nikki for a talk about our desert’s majestic saguaro cacti. Learn about their life cycle from tiny seed to fallen skeleton and all the beneficial things it provides in between. This program will take place inside the Nature Center and venture outside a short distance for firsthand observations. Wear closed-toe shoes and bring [...]
Learn about the Preserve’s historic stand of California fan palms, how these tropical trees can grow in the desert Southwest, and their importance to both wildlife and native cultures. Did you know that these palms were sourced from a native population in Arizona? Find out more! We will be hosting this table inside the air-conditioned [...]
Join us in the pines of Flagstaff for our only night race in Northern Arizona at the Blackout Night Runs. This race takes place on the eve of the annual camping extravaganza at the Big Pine Trail Runs. Do both and earn a "double down" medal! This race is part of the 2023 Insomniac Night Trail [...]
Join Ranger Kevin for an approximately 1.8-mile, out-and-back hike on the Grey Fox Trail. Trail is rated easy, with little elevation change, and little loose rock/uneven terrain. We’ll be searching for the three species of scorpion that inhabit this part of the Sonoran Desert. Afterwards, we’ll take some time to take in the night sky, [...]
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 [...]
Want to get a good work out and learn a lot? If the answer is yes, then this program is perfect for you. Join Ranger Evan for a splendid 3.0-mile hike through the desert on Wind Cave trail! On this difficult level hike, we will be discussing the unique ecology of the Sonoran Desert, adaptations [...]
Join Ranger Eric for a guided hike along the Rock Peak Wash Trail to look for reptiles of the Sonoran Desert. Along the way, we will discuss identification tips, their ecological roles, and safety around venomous animals. We will hike 2-3 miles roundtrip on easy, but sandy terrain of a desert wash. Please wear protective [...]
Join Ranger Nikki on an easy hike to learn about a variety of cacti: saguaros, barrels, cholla, prickly pear and more. The route is approximately 2 miles long and follows Rainbow Valley, Baseline, Toothaker, and a portion of Butterfield to make a loop using the Arena parking lot. Wear closed-toe shoes and bring a hat, [...]
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
Join Ranger Nikki for a talk about our desert’s majestic saguaro cacti. Learn about their life cycle from tiny seed to fallen skeleton and all the beneficial things it provides in between. This program will take place inside the Nature Center and venture outside a short distance for firsthand observations. Wear closed-toe shoes and bring [...]
Come learn about cacti of the Sonoran Desert and Phoenix area! Ranger Evan 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 trail next to the center. No registration required. MEETING LOCATION: Nature Center No registration required. Just drop [...]
Join us for this in person hike with pack goats from Lazy Ranch Pack Goats as part of the nation wide DU Dash! Event Info Balancing Rock Trail (5.7 miles) in the Granite Mountain Wilderness 10:30am - Meet at the Cayuse Equestrian Trailhead & Picnic Area 11am - Start Hike 12pm - Stop halfway for [...]
Author Wynne Brown will take attendees on a visual journey of the life and work of Sara Plummer Lemmon, for whom Arizona’s Mount Lemmon is named. Wynne Brown is a freelance writer/editor/graphic designer based in Tucson on the Arizona lands of the Tohono O’odham Nation and the Pascua Yaqui Tribe. In 2022 her book, The [...]
The fourth Annual AZTU-GCC Fish Camp for three one-week sessions starting June 4, 2023. The camp is limited to 12 campers per session, ages 13-18, and is open to both boys and girls. Although the camp is run in conjunction with GCC’s scout camp, the program is open to all. This limited size camp allows [...]
Join Ranger Nikki on a 5.5-mile easy to moderate hike at to look and listen for birds, mammals and reptiles as the sun rises and the day warms up. The route follows San Tan and Hedgehog Trails. 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 [...]
Basic SAFETY, handling, familiarization; breathing, aiming, posture & trigger squeeze technique, getting you on point to face threats. 1 hour of classroom time and safety briefing, followed by 1 hour of Range time; for only $150! Extra time is optional for $50 for the 3rd hour and only $25 for a 4th! If you're on [...]
Join Ranger Nikki on a 2-mile walk on easy terrain to being among saguaros and other cacti during a beautiful desert sunset. The route is an out-and-back walk on the park’s maintained Service Road. Wear closed-toe shoes and bring water. Restrooms and water are available at the Nature Center. Please bring $7 exact cash for the [...]
Join Ranger Evan for a fun and informative live display of venomous animals! Bring your questions and curiosity as you learn things such as the difference between venom and poison, common myths about venomous animals, and even meet a few of our animal ambassadors! MEETING LOCATION: Nature Center No registration required. Just drop in anytime [...]
Join Ranger Steve for an easy-moderate after-dark trail walk on the North Pipeline Trail to search for nocturnal wildlife! There’s no predetermined distance we’ll travel; due to the heat, we will take it slow and focus on finding wildlife. A good plan would be to assume a 1–2-mile hike with the potential for less. On [...]
Learn about the adaptations and life cycles of plants and animals of our Sonoran Desert on an easy hike with Ranger Nikki. The approximate 2-mile route includes Lost Sheep, Chainfruit and Desert Hawk Trails along with the nature trail path and driveway inside the nearby Buckhorn campground. Wear closed-toe shoes and bring a hat, sunscreen [...]
Learn about our desert’s variable summer weather patterns that can range from dry, intense heat to humidity and thunderstorms that can happen during “Monsoon Season”, which officially runs June 15 – September 30. This indoor class takes place inside the Nature Center classroom. Restrooms and water are available inside the Nature Center. Meeting location: Nature [...]
Interested in learning more about cacti? Then come on by to chat with Ranger Evan about his favorite topic! Come learn about cacti of the Sonoran Desert and Phoenix area! Ranger Evan will host this discovery station table at the Cave Creek Nature Center. Nearby there are live examples of a variety of cacti to [...]
Join Rangers Eric and Steve to look for and learn about the nocturnal critters of the Sonoran Desert! Hiking will be easy to moderate on sandy or uneven terrain, and will be about 1-2 miles roundtrip, depending on heat and participant interest. Wildlife may include scorpions, spiders, insects, owls, nightjars, reptiles, and mammals. Please bring [...]
Quick view itinerary: Thursday - Arrive Long Beach in evening Friday - Sailing day, 9 am depart to Catalina, Isthmus Cove Saturday - Activity day on land or sea Sunday - Sailing day, 9 am depart to Long Beach More information and the entire 2023 schedule here Contact AYC Cruising Captain Joe Motil for more [...]
Fri, June 16 – Leave the Phoenix area about 5am and explore various Prescott sites, including the Highlands Center, Watson Woods Riparian Preserve and at least one lake. In addition to year-round higher elevation birds like acorn woodpeckers and nuthatches, we hope to see some neo-tropic visitors such as tanagers, vireos, warblers, confusing flycatchers and grosbeaks. [...]
Join Ranger Steve in the lobby of the Lake Pleasant Discovery Center for a drop-in informational session about the venomous creatures that inhabit the Sonoran Desert! Learn about popular myths surrounding rattlesnakes, Gila Monsters, and even meet a few of our wildlife ambassadors! MEETING LOCATION: Discovery Center Lobby No registration required. Just drop in anytime [...]
Come to the Visitor Center and meet Ranger Kevin from 2:00pm to 3:30pm. The theme is Sonoran Desert Artifacts, so bring your curiosity and your questions! A table full of interesting objects will be on hand for you to inspect. No registration required, just drop on in! MEETING LOCATION: Visitor Center. No registration required. Just [...]
Join Ranger Evan for an exciting evening hike along the Spur Cross and Metate Trails. We’ll be on the lookout for all kinds of evening-active critters, from skunks to scorpions, spiders, snakes, fox, coyote, deer, owls and more! The trail is rated easy-moderate with some rocky, uneven surfaces and some elevation change. Please bring water [...]
The hike will cover 3.6 miles on both the Gila and Baseline trails. This hike is rated as moderate due to the several inclines over the course of the hike. Plan to walk on rocky and sandy trail it is encouraged that you water supportive shoes and if inclines or declines are an issue for [...]
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