Join Ranger Eric for a guided bird walk to look and listen for resident and migrant species of the Sonoran Desert. 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. We will walk 0.5-1 mile along the Tortoise Trail [...]
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 [...]
There have been over 200 bird species seen at this water recharge facility, making this site one of the best birding spots in the east valley. This site has many rare birds. These free walks are sponsored by Desert Rivers Audubon, The Riparian Preserve of Gilbert, and Liberty Wildlife. We provide loaner binoculars, and expert [...]
Join Ranger Eric for a guided hike to learn about the animals, plants, and ecology of the Sonoran Desert. We will hike 4.5 miles roundtrip on a loop including portions of Pemberton, Stoneman Wash, and Granite Trails. Most trails are moderate grade with rocky or uneven ground, but the portion in Stoneman Wash is more [...]
Tour this historic townsite with docents from the Friends of the San Pedro River. The tour of the townsite is on gravel walkways that are level. The walk to the cemetery and return is about 1 mile total. Reaching the cemetery requires walking up a short slope with poor footing and loose rock. You are [...]
Enjoy an evening of stargazing with astronomy enthusiast Ranger Steve! We’ll be viewing a selection of objects through a small telescope. Possibilities include plants, galaxies, nebulae, and star clusters! We’ll also look at constellations with a laser pointer. Bring your questions! Family friendly program. Restrooms are available nearby, but please bring your own water/beverages. Please [...]
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 [...]
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 11am-1pm!
Hike along sections of the Chainfruit and Lost Sheep Trails for 2 miles with Ranger Shaun. Along the way you will learn about the many plants and animals that call the Sonoran Desert home. It’s winter in the desert so make sure you have proper clothing and shoes. We won’t be going far, but you [...]
This introduction to the Sonoran Desert is perfect for residents and visitors alike. Join Ranger Kevin for a 3.5-mile hike on the Overton and Go John trails. Trails are rated moderate, so expect stretches of loose rock, uneven terrain and elevation change. We’ll be talking about what makes our desert quite possibly the most biodiverse [...]
This is a great program for residents and visitors alike! Join Ranger Kevin for a roughly 1.8-mile round-trip hike to the Clay Mine, site of a fortune made not of gold, but of snake oil. Program features a tour of the mine itself. Please wear sturdy, closed-toe shoes and bring water. Hats and sunscreen are [...]
Meet for a bird walk at Gilbert Riparian Preserve, at the west end of the parking lot at 6:00 a.m.; social time at Coffee Rush starts at 7:30 a.m..
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 [...]
Learn some unique history of Willow Springs on this moderate, 7.5-mile round trip hike. Hike will start at area 7 at 8:00 am. We will head up the Mesquite Canyon trail and then on to the Willow Springs via the Willow Canyon Trail. Bring plenty of water and a lunch if you would like. Please leave your [...]
Are you looking to do a difficult, challenging hike, but don’t want to go by yourself? Join Ranger Kevin for a 6.5-mile hike on the extremely difficult, but incredibly scenic, Spur Cross, Tortuga, and Elephant Mountain trails. We’ll keep an eye out for morning critters as we go. If you’re doing the 100 in 100 [...]
“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 [...]
Learn about birds of Sonoran Desert and migrant water birds on this walk with Ranger Eric. We will first meet at the Wild Burro Day Use Area, then caravan a short distance up Desert Tortoise Rd. or Two Cow Rd. where we can scan the lake for water birds with a scope and binoculars. We [...]
Join Ranger Eric on a 1.8-mile one-way hike up the Yavapai Point Trail where we will be able to take in stunning views of the Sonoran Desert and Lake Pleasant, as well as talk about the local flora and fauna. The hike is rated as moderate, with some rocky and uneven surfaces. Please dress in [...]
Ranger Shaun has come out to talk about big cuddly....spiders. Come learn about some of our native tarantulas! See these charming animals up close and learn why they really aren’t scary at all! NO Registration Required! Just crawl on over!
Come to the Nature Center and meet Ranger Kevin from 2:00pm to 3:30pm. The theme is Rattlesnakes, so bring your curiosity and your questions! Most of them are busy sleeping (brumating) right now, so this is a perfect opportunity to talk about them behind their very long (and scaly!) backs. We’ll have a table full [...]
Youth learn to hunt jackrabbits, predators, quail with dogs and javelina for tag holders. All meals provided. Q&A w/ biologists, glassing & tracking, hunting how to's, safety, ethics, and campfire with s'mores! Mentors will accompany youth and a parent/guardian. Use Hunt Number 5044 to apply for applicable tags
Make it your New Year’s resolution to get connected with nature! 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 [...]
About the Event Youth learn to hunt jackrabbits, predators, quail with dogs and javelina for tag holders. All meals provided. Q&A w/ biologists, glassing & tracking, hunting how to's, safety, ethics, and campfire with s'mores! Mentors will accompany youth and a parent/guardian. Use Hunt Number 5044 to apply for applicable tags Location: North Barkerville Road [...]
Registration is required for each person in the party attending the event due to capacity and resources. Into the Wild Outdoors is having their 5th annual youth javelina camp. Come enjoy learning from experienced mentors, learn habitat, learn how to glass, enjoy food, and fun. There will be glassing competition, archery fun shoot for prizes, [...]
Into the Wild Outdoors is having their 5th annual youth javelina camp. Come enjoy learning from experienced mentors, learn habitat, learn how to glass, enjoy food, and fun. There will be glassing competition, archery fun shoot for prizes, and of course javelina hunting at its best. Units for this hunt are 28,29,30A, 30B, 31, & [...]
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