Join Ranger Eric for a 3.7-mile hike along a loop of Littleleaf, Gold Mine, San Tan, and Moonlight trails while we learn about the plants, animals, and ecology of the Sonoran Desert. Early spring wildflowers may be in bloom, depending on how much winter precipitation the area gets. Please dress in layers, wear sturdy footwear [...]
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 how to identify birds by sight and sound, and about the behavioral and ecological traits that make them unique. Some binoculars [...]
Would you like to learn more about birdwatching and community science? Join Ranger Eric for a "Big Sit" style bird count in the garden in front of the Visitor Center as we learn about birds and learn about community science, using eBird. Today is also part of the Great Backyard Bird Count sponsored by Cornell, [...]
Come hike the Wild Burro trail and learn about the desert, we might even see a burro! This is a roughly 2-mile hike along a medium difficulty trail. Please bring water and wear layers as the trail may changes temperature rapidly. No pets please. Restrooms and water are available at the meeting point. MEETING LOCATION: [...]
Skill level: Easy Time: ~2 hours Everything in the desert is connected and always changing. We’ll explore how the environment – the mountains, the rocks, the climate, the washes, and more – affects the plants and animals that live here, how living things in turn change the environment, and how climate change and increasing development [...]
Are you looking to do a long hike, but can’t find anyone to go with you? Join Ranger Kevin for a 8.4-mile hike on the scenic Pemberton, Granite, Bluff, and Tonto Tank trails. We’ll keep an eye out for wildlife and springtime wildflowers as we go. Trail conditions are rated easy-moderate, so expect some stretches [...]
Come to the Nature Center and meet Ranger Kevin from 2:00pm to 3:30pm. Bring your burning desert questions! Try to stump the Ranger! Impress your friends and enemies alike with your new-found knowledge! We’ll also have a table full of interesting objects like bones, feathers, snake sheds, cactus boots and much more for you to [...]
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 [...]
Bird walk at the San Pedro House led by docents from the Friends of the San Pedro River and other local organizations.
Join us and hike on one of the classic paths in the Preserve and a side trip to Balanced Rock. Experienced hikers suggested. Skill level: Difficult Distance: ~6.8 miles Time: ~3.5 hours Pets are not permitted at our activities due to safety concerns. If you would like to request an accommodation for your service animal, please [...]
Join Ranger Derik for an after-hours 1-1.5 miles trail walk to look for and learn about the nocturnal critters of the Preserve! Wildlife seen on past walks have included bats, ringtails, foxes, skunks, javelinas, deer, owls, scorpions, insects, and other cool creepy crawlies! Please bring your own flashlights and blacklights if you have them, but [...]
“Over the Hump” Mountain Bike Ride: 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 [...]
Enjoy a 2.6-mile hike on the Cottonwood Trail with Ranger Kevin as we look for all kinds of wildlife along the way. Some animals we may see include mule deer, javelina, squirrels, rabbits, birds and perhaps a reptile or two. Trail is rated easy, with very little loose rock, uneven terrain and elevation change. Please [...]
The Arizona Chapter of SCI invites you to join us at the Buenos Aires National Wildlife Refuge Group Campsite for the General Javelina Hunt in Units 36A, 36B, 36C. Come out and enjoy the comradery and campfire at the Group Campsite that has 38 designated campsites for trailer and tent camping. The hunt numbers to [...]
Join us as we take in the sights from the summit of Lone Mountain. This property is privately owned and protected by a conservation easement. It is not open to the public, so this is a unique opportunity to visit this beautiful preserve! This 2 mile hike is moderately difficult with several hundred feet of [...]
Join Ranger Kevin as we learn how to make - or strengthen - our connection with nature through the practice of Silent Walking and Sit Spots. This is a beginner’s level class, so anyone who is interested in cultivating the skills needed to appreciate the natural world in greater depth is welcome. We will learn [...]
Stop by the Nature Center and chat about venomous animals. What does venomous mean? What is it? Where does it come from? What does it do? Can I have some? Answer these questions and more with Ranger Shaun! MEETING LOCATION: Nature Center No registration required.
Welcome to the sport of Flying! If you have ever wanted to learn how to get into one of the most challenging, yet rewarding methods of fishing, then this class is for you! Participant will learn the basics of equipment, rigging lines and flys, and the most challenging part... casting your fly! All equipment will [...]
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 [...]
We will hike the 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 it is encouraged you bring proper footwear and if balance is an issue trekking poles are great to have. Please bring plenty of water and [...]
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 [...]
A discovery table will be set up in the Nature Center and will have several snake species on display for you to see and if you are brave to hold. Also on display will be many natural artifacts including snake skins, snake sheds, rattles, and a gila monster skeleton. MEETING LOCATION: Nature Center No registration [...]
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. Please bring plenty of water. Wear sunscreen, a hat, and closed toed shoes. [...]
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 experienced birder Joe Ford for a morning bird walk followed by a special presentation! Please leave pets at home. MEETING LOCATION: South Patio of the Nature Center Program to follow in the Nature Center “Most Dangerous Birds in the World”. If you would like to attend the Lecture only, please let the Nature Center [...]
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 [...]
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 back! Join Rangers Kevin and Derik for a day of hiking from Spur Cross Ranch Conservation Area to Cave Creek Regional Park. Trail is approximately 11 miles in length, and utilizes the Spur Cross, Maricopa, and Go John trails. Trail conditions are rated moderate to difficult, so expect a considerable amount of loose rock, [...]
It’s back! Join Rangers Derik and Kevin for a day of hiking from Cave Creek Regional Park to Spur Cross Ranch Conservation Area. Trail is approximately 11 miles in length, and utilizes the Go John, Maricopa, and Spur Cross trails. Trail conditions are rated moderate to difficult, so expect a considerable amount of loose rock, [...]
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