Be Outdoors Arizona

Attend WET Workshop for Wetland Educators
2026-04-22 15:30 - 17:30 (America/Phoenix) | Nina Mason Pulliam Rio Salado Audubon Center, 3131 S. Central Avenue, Phoenix, AZ 85040, 2801 S Central Ave, United States
The Arizona Wet Project is hosting a Wonders of Wetland workshop to teach educators. Wildlife educators will learn how to teach others about wetlands and complex river ecosystems.

Celebrate at 35th Anniversary Earth Day Fundraising Dinner
2026-04-22 17:00 - 20:00 | Sanderson Lincoln Pavilion, 101 Easy St, Carefree, 85377
On Earth Day, attend a fundraising dinner to celebrate 35 years of conservation by the Desert Foothills Land Trust. With other conservationists, have dinner, listen to live music, attend presentations and raise funds for conservation.

Becoming an Outdoors Woman Workshop - Arizona Wildlife Federation (AWF)
2026-04-24 17:00 - 2026-04-26 23:30 | Arizona Game and Fish Department Headquarters, 5000 W Carefree Hwy, Phoenix, AZ 85086, USA, United States
Discover the joy of the outdoors at the Arizona Wildlife Federation’s 3-day Becoming an Outdoors-Woman (BOW) Workshop, designed for women ages 18 and up. Whether you’re brand new to outdoor skills or looking to build confidence and sharpen what you already know, this hands-on, inclusive experience is all about learning, exploring, making lifelong friends, and having fun.
Participants can choose from a wide variety of engaging classes, including:

Gun safety & shooting

Fishing & camping skills

Archery & plant identification

Dutch-oven cooking

Rappelling

Field dressing & game processing

…and much more!

🌟 No experience required—just bring your curiosity and sense of adventure.📧 Questions? Contact trica@azwildlife.org

Tour Presidio of Santa Cruz de Terrenate
2026-04-25 09:00 - 12:00 | Presidio Santa Cruz de Terrenate Trailhead,
Tour the Presidio of Santa Cruz de Terrenate, a fort that was briefly occupied by Spanish settlers in the San Pedro River Valley. Enjoy the three-mile walk on even trails and rocky, uneven hills. Call (520) 508-4445 or email fspr@sanpedroriver.org for assistance.

Celebrate the San Pedro!
2026-04-25 09:00 - 14:00 | San Pedro House, Sierra Vista, AZ, United States
The Friends of the San Pedro River spring festival explores the cultural and natural history of the Upper San Pedro River Valley. It will feature great activities for adults and kids, a series of talks, and informational displays. The event this year will emphasize cultural history -you will be able to throw an atlatl, make an adobe brick, learn about the Clovis mammoth hunters and other native cultures, hear the latest on the restoration of Camp Naco, find out about the Amerind Foundation, and more. We will delve into the natural history of the area as well, with speakers and displays on the plants and animals that live here.
You will have the chance to interact with and ask experts your questions about nature and history. We will have art projects for you and your kids to participate in. This festival is timed to welcome the return of the birds as they migrate north from the tropics, and the day will start with a bird species count at locations around the San Pedro Riparian National Conservation Area that birders of all levels are invited to join – stick around to learn the results of the team competition!
Celebrate the San Pedro! is free and open to all. It will be held in the gardens around the San Pedro House, eight miles east of Sierra Vista on Highway 90 – you can search for it and get directions in Google maps. Call(520) 508-4445 or email us at FSPR@sanpedroriver.org for moreinformation.

Attend Nature Walk and Activities at Rio Salado
2026-04-25 10:00 - 11:00 | Nina Mason Pulliam Rio Salado Audubon Center, 3131 S. Central Avenue, Phoenix, AZ 85040, 2801 S Central Ave, United States
Adults, children and families are encouraged to take an easy, scenic walk through the Rio Salado area. After the walk, enjoy outdoor games and arts and crafts activities. Email riosalado@audubon.org or call 602-468-6470 for more information.

History Walk to Presidio Santa Cruz de Terrenate
2026-04-25 11:00 - 12:00 | Presidio Santa Cruz de Terrenate Trailhead,
Join a walking tour of the Spanish Presidio of Santa Cruz de Terrenate. 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, uneven ground, and rocky slopes. The return is gradually uphill. Please realistically assess your ability to do this walk. There is no shade, and it will be hot on sunny days. Wear a hat, sun protection, appropriate clothing, and sturdy shoes. Bring water and snacks. The walk is free; reservations are not required. Participants must sign a liability waiver before he walk starts. Meet at the Presidio Santa Cruz de Terrenate Trailhead, located 1.7miles north of Highway 82 on the east side of In Balance Ranch Road. In Balance Ranch Road (N. Kellar Road on Google Maps) is a north turn off of Highway 82,8.3 miles east of Whetstone, about 1 mile west of the San Pedro River. There is a large parking area at the Trailhead where the group will meet. “Presidio Santa Cruz Terrenate Trailhead” is searchable in Google Maps. For more information, call (520)508-4445 or email fspr@sanpedroriver.org. Hosted by the Friends of the San Pedro River.

Homeschool Fishing Day – Program
2026-04-27 09:30 - 12:30 | Yavapai Lakes/Urban Forest, 8800 E. Lakeshore Drive, Prescott Valley, 86304, United States
9:30 – 9:45 AM | Check-In + Safety Brief

Sign-in + group assignments
Quick license check for 10+ fishing. Fish Stickers Issued.
Safety overview:

EAP, FA Kit & Safety Personnel Identified
Casting awareness
Hook safety
Buddy system

9:45 – 11:00 AM | Mentored Fishing Session

Quick demo (5 min max): casting + baiting
Active fishing with instructor support
Focus on:

Hands-on learning
Landing and handling fish
Stringer or basket methods for keeping catch.
One-on-one mentoring where needed

11:00 – 11:30 AM | Clean & Prep

Organize fishing gear
AZGFD WM Presentation
Clean fish (if keeping catch)

Basic gutting demo
Sanitation + safe handling

Handwashing + reset at ramada

11:30 AM – 12:00 PM | Cooking Session

Simple trout/ cat/ pan fish cook (foil wrap/ grill/ fillet)
Teach:

Fire/cooking safety
Basic outdoor cooking skills

Tasting

12:00 – 12:20 PM | Wrap-Up

Certificates / recognition
Final cleanup

Questions? call Bryan Pennington at 928-522-3269

Volunteer to Help Displaced Burrowing Owls
2026-05-02 09:00 - 12:00 | Wild At Heart Raptor Center, 31840 N 45th St, Cave Creek, 85331
This event involves trapping and relocating burrowing owls to safer, less crowded areas where they will live in peace. Tools and guided instructions are provided to volunteers.

Volunteer for Habitat Restoration at Rio Salado
2026-05-09 08:00 - 11:00 | Nina Mason Pulliam Rio Salado Audubon Center, 3131 S. Central Avenue, Phoenix, AZ 85040, 2801 S Central Ave, United States
Volunteer to improve habitat restoration this weekend. Remove invasive plants, maintain the trail, collect seeds, install plants and pick up trash.

Panel & Social | Riparian Restoration and Wildlife Corridors - Arizona Wildlife Federation
2026-05-14 14:00 - 16:00 | Tombstone Brewing Company, 107 E Toughnut Street, Tombstone, 85638
Are you interested in riparian restoration and wildlife corridors? Don’t miss this fantastic opportunity to discuss the Upper San Pedro watershed.
Join the Arizona Wildlife Federation for a Panel Discussion and Happy Hour with experts on nature-based solutions (NBS) that support natural water resources.
We invite you to join us for our Conservation Cantina: Panel + Happy Hour at Tombstone Brewing Company in Sierra Vista.
Our lineup of experts include:

Arizona Wildlife Federation
Borderlands Restoration Network
National Wildlife Federation
Wildlands Network
Southern Arizona Quail Forever

They will share insights and answer your questions. From wildlife connectivity to critical riparian habitat restoration, this is a chance to hear directly from the people who know the work.
Grab a drink, pull up a chair, and be part of the conversation shaping the future of wildlife and water in the Upper San Pedro watershed!
No Registration Required – Open Public Event

Outdoor Mindset Local Meetup
2026-05-31 09:00 - 11:00 | Miller Canyon, Hereford, 85615
What: Join us for our inaugural meetup in this area!

This is a gentle 2.8-mile out-and-back hike with lots of shaded areas that takes about 1-1.5 hours round trip.

If the group wants, we can continue on from there onto the Upper Miller Trail up to the Palmerlee ruins, or we can turn around and call it a day.

How to find us: We will meet at the Lower Miller parking area and take the Lower Miller Canyon Trail #172 to the upper parking area.

We will determine the day before if the event needs to be canceled or postponed due to weather. If we have to cancel, please check your email and/or text!

Where: Miller Canyon Lower Parking

What to Bring: Bring water (none on site), sunscreen, snacks, and a lunch if you want to enjoy a picnic after we hike or at the ruins. Dogs are welcome on the trails, but must remain on leash. There are vault toilets at the parking area.

Sycamore Falls & Sunflower Flat Wildlife Area Guided Hike
2026-05-31 09:00 - 23:00 | Date Creek – Sunflower Flat, 13565 Date Creek Rd. Congress,, AZ 85332
Join this guided exploration of Sycamore Falls and the nearby Sunflower Flat Wildlife Area near Williams, Arizona. Explore how seasonal water sources support wildlife and shape northern Arizona’s high-country landscapes while visiting Sycamore Falls, a seasonal waterfall set among dramatic basalt cliffs along Sycamore Creek.
Interested attendees will then drive less than 10 minutes to the Sunflower Flat Wildlife Area to explore wetland and grassland habitat managed for migratory birds and native wildlife. Along the way, we’ll discuss wildlife habitat management, wetlands, and the importance of public lands, with opportunities to spot species like elk, mule deer, waterfowl, and raptors depending on seasonal conditions.

Join Meeting for The Rio Nature Network
2026-06-05 12:00 - 14:00 | Nina Mason Pulliam Rio Salado Audubon Center, 3131 S. Central Avenue, Phoenix, AZ 85040, 2801 S Central Ave, United States
Join the quarterly meeting to discuss the networking partners and organizations that are connected at The Rio Nature Network. Work with others in many communities to protect biodiversity.

National Trails Day-Coronado NF-Santa Rita Foothills-Bike Ride
2026-06-06 07:30 - 14:00 | Apache Springs Passage 5, a, United States
Please join the ATA on June 6 on Passage 5 near Sonoita for National Trails Day. We will do a group mountain bike ride on the newly-completed Santa Rita Foothills Singletrack and enjoy the Trail.

National Trails Day-Coronado NF-Santa Rita Foothills-Hike
2026-06-06 07:30 - 14:00 | Arizona Trail Passage 5, 31.79277,-110.74700, AZ, United States
Please join the ATA on June 6 on Passage 5 near Sonoita for National Trails Day. We will do a hike on the newly-completed Santa Rita Foothills Singletrack and enjoy the Trail.

JAKES Day (Juniors Acquiring Knowledge, Ethics & Sportsmanship) - National Wild Turkey Federation
2026-06-06 08:00 - 14:00 | Parker Canyon Lake, Southern AZ
Dive into water safety and kayaking, introductory fly fishing, and learning how to clean and fry catfish. Lunch will be provided to participants and families. Water will be available at each station. This is for 45 children between the ages of 10-17. Please bring your own hat, chair, and sunscreen. Parking is $8.00 for the US Forest Service, cash or credit card. Pre-registration is required, and deadline is 22 May. If you sign up and cannot attend, please let us know so that we can open up a slot to other participants.
To Register:

Go to: www.nwtfhuagoulds.org
Look for Chapter Events, then JAKES
Select 2026 JAKES event.

Please note: you will have to set up an account first, then go through the event registration.

National Trails Day-Tonto NF-Anderson Mesa Drain Brigade
2026-06-06 08:00 - 15:00 | Passage 30, Anderson Mesa, Flagstaff
Join us for National Trails Day on June 6th for a rewarding day of trail work on Passage 30 along Anderson Mesa near Flagstaff.

2026 National Trails Day-Tonto NF-Highline Hike
2026-06-06 10:00 - 13:00 | Passage 26-Highline
Please join the ATA on June 6 on Passage 26 (Highline) near Pine, AZ for National Trails Day. This is a family-friendly hike along the Highline/AZT, and everyone is invited to That Brewery after the hike to enjoy food and drinks.

Veteran Volunteer Work Weekend: Operation High Ground
2026-06-11 - 2026-06-14 | Kaibab National Forest, Arizona, USA
Operation High Ground
(AZT VETS Program – Veteran Volunteer Work Weekend)
North Kaibab, AZ | Operation Freedom March (OFM) Event
Closing out the spring/summer season, Operation High Ground brings the VETS Program to the North Kaibab Plateau for a Veteran Volunteer Work Weekend focused on rehabilitation and restoration projects within the Dragon Bravo Fire burn scar.
From June 11–14, 2026, this final Operation Freedom March event invites veterans, families, and supporters to serve together while improving high-elevation sections of the Arizona National Scenic Trail on the North Kaibab Ranger District near the North Rim of Grand Canyon National Park.
📅 Event Schedule
Thursday – Sunday, June 11-14

Camp-based volunteer weekend
Daily trail maintenance and improvement
Community meals and closing circle

⛏️ Details

Meals: Most meals provided at no cost
Registration: Pre-registration required; limited capacity
Who’s Invited: Veterans, military families, and supporters (OFM)
Trail Work: Moderate to strenuous physical labor; all experience levels welcome—training provided

⚠️ Health & Safety
The ATA will continue to follow health protocols as recommended by public health officials. Please avoid attending if you are feeling unwell or have recently been exposed to a contagious illness. Monitor your health and notify Chappy if your condition changes before or after the event.
📩 Registration & Contact

For more information or to sign up, contact:
📧 chappy@aztrail.org
📱 Call or text: (970) 779-5740

National Trappers Association Western Expo - Arizona Trappers Association
2026-06-12 17:00 - 23:00 | 5000 W Carefree Hwy, Phoenix, AZ 85086, USA, 2798 E Carefree Hwy, United States
Join the National Trappers Association Western Expo for hands-on demos, expert-led seminars, and networking with skilled trappers. Explore wildlife management techniques, gear vendors, and conservation discussions while enjoying competitions, food, and community among professionals and outdoor enthusiasts. To register, contact Jim, 928-642-2614, arizonatrappers@gmail.com.

Butterfly Metamorphosis 5C
2026-06-13 07:30 - 14:00 | Passage 11c-Pusch Ridge Wilderness Bypass
Please join the ATA June 13 on Passage 11C near Tucson for a trail work event. This project is rated moderate. Our project will focus on brushing and treadwork.

Join Kids' Nature Hike
2026-06-13 09:00 - 11:00 | White Mountain Nature Center, 20304 W White Tank Mountain Rd, Waddell, AZ, 85355, United States
Join a kids’ nature hike with Karli Hueston at the White Mountain Nature Center!.

Trail Skills Institute - Trail Structures & Rock Work
2026-06-13 09:00 - 2026-06-14 17:00 | Walnut Canyon
Join us for our 6-part hands-on Trail Skills Institute series. Our Trail Structures & Rock Work course will be held in the Walnut Canyon region on Passage 31 of the AZT near Flagstaff. Note that TSI Courses require a registration fee (see description).

Plants for Birds Community of Practice Meeting
2026-06-17 12:00 - 13:00 | Online, AZ, United States
In this session you’ll learn about our new Plants for Birds resources and how plant sales and seed collections are helping to build community for an Audubon center.
We hope you can join us!

Green Mountain 1A
2026-06-20 06:30 - 14:00 | Passage 11c-Pusch Ridge Wilderness Bypass
Please join the ATA June 20 on Passage 11C near Tucson for a trail work event. This project is rated easy. Our project will focus on brushing and treadwork.

Antelope Hunter Clinic
2026-06-20 11:00 - 16:00 | Ben Avery Clay Target Center – OneAZ Pavilion, Skeet Street Phoenix,, Phoenix, 5060 W.
Arizona Antelope Foundation is hosting In-person clinic from 11 am to 4 pm, covers everything you need to know about antelope hunting. Extensive topics presented by seasoned experts and wildlife biologists. All antelope tag holders will receive a letter from the AAF.

Butterfly Metamorphosis 5D
2026-06-27 07:30 - 14:00 | Passage 11-Santa Catalina Mountains
Please join the ATA June 27 on Passage 11C near Tucson for a trail work event. This project is rated moderate. Our project will focus on brushing and treadwork.

Help Kids Learn About Bugs
2026-06-27 10:00 - 12:00 | Frances Short Pond, 755 N Bonito St., Flagstaff, 86001
Children and families will learn about insects and view them up close at different stations. We will head down to the pond and try to catch insects, and plant seeds for a butterfly plant and do more family-friendly activities.

Attend "How Birds Created the World" Presentation
2026-07-14 19:00 - 22:00 | Online Virtual Format
Learn about the significance of birds from many world cultures by Randi Minetor, the author of The Complete Language of Birds.
Bestselling author Randi Minetor writes for the Birdfinding and Best Easy Bird Guides series for Falcon Guides and is the author of Backyard Birding and Butterfly Gardening. Her newest book, The Complete Language of Birds, explores the science, folklore, and mythology of more than 400 bird species worldwide. She also writes for Birding Magazine, serves as a regional editor for North American Birds, and is a past president of the Rochester Birding Association in New York
Our monthly speaker series moves to Zoom only from May-August. Programs begin at 7 pm. Join the meeting here
