Join us for our second annual Wildlife Extravaganza on Tumamoc Hill! Located at the Tumamoc Historic Boathouse (base of Hill)- meet with various wildlife organizations and ask your animal questions! Tons of Giveaways Kids Activities Games and more! This event is free and open to all. Location: The Tumamoc Hill Boathouse (base of the Hill) 1675 [...]
A talk on "The Phoenix Tree," presented by Lorna Cox. Part of White Mountain Nature Center's speaker series.
A lecture on the wildlife found in Sonoran Desert backyards and how to coexist with it, part of the McDowell Sonoran Conservancy's lecture series.
Fear of rattlesnakes runs deep, but most of it is built on myth, not fact. In "Rattlesnakes, Fact and Fiction," Bryan Hughes of Rattlesnake Solutions replaces that fear with understanding, unpacking what these snakes really do for the Sonoran Desert and how we can live alongside them safely. Presented by Desert Foothills Land Trust and [...]
The Desert Laboratory on Tumamoc Hill hosts a series of talks focused on topics that relate to the science, ecology, history, and culture of the Sonoran Desert. All talks are open to the public. Wednesday, October 14th at 5:30pm Ephemeral jewels: hydrology, ecology, and trails connecting the tinajas of the Pinacate For vast portions of the [...]
Want to learn how to hunt squirrels? This camp for kids and families offers mentoring, and provides information on locating, spotting, stalking, proper shot placement, field dressing, meat preparation, cooking, and other outdoor skill activities. A centralized campfire and food will be provided. Information: www.youthoutdoorsunlimited.com About the Location: GPS Lat/Long 34.14789 N; 109.58732 W At mile [...]
Hone your skills in the Petrified Forest at one or both of these 4-hour rogaines* on October 17th and 18th!~ Pre-registration: Due to participation limits inside the national park, pre-registration and pre-payment is required. Regular registration is open until Sunday, October 4 at 11:59 PM. Late registration ends on Tuesday, October 13 at 11:59 PM. [...]
Experience one of Scottsdale's most iconic desert hikes as the Pinnacle Peak Trail winds through a landscape of towering saguaros, massive granite boulders, and sweeping views of the Sonoran Desert. Along the way, keep an eye out for native birds, reptiles, and other desert wildlife while learning about the unique plants and geology that make [...]
Welcome to the 2026-2027 edition of the Tumamoc Author Series, a collaboration between Desert Laboratory on Tumamoc Hill, the Southwest Center and the University of Arizona Press. In this third year, we continue the tradition of bringing original, diverse visions of the Southwest and engaging in lively conversations with our fellow Tumamoc pilgrims. On October 21, we start by wondering what [...]
A lecture uncovering the unsolved mysteries of the McDowell Sonoran Preserve's history and landscape, part of the McDowell Sonoran Conservancy's lecture series.
The Christian Hunters of America (CHA) offers firearm shooting, safety and target shooting practice at a safe shooting range prior to going out hunting. Then in the field, they will walk you through the ins and outs of safe, legal, ethical hunting and how to enjoy your harvest. They will tailor the mentoring / training [...]
Multiple Small Group Mentored Predator Hunts throughout the year for new or beginning hunters. Date, time and location by arrangement. Offerings include firearm shooting, safety and target shooting practice at a safe shooting range prior to going out hunting. Then in the field, we will walk you through all the ins and outs of safe, [...]
Multiple Small Group Mentored Rabbit (cottontail and jackrabbit). Hunts throughout the year for new or beginning hunters. Date, time and location by arrangement. Offerings include firearm shooting, safety and target shooting practice at a safe shooting range prior to going out hunting. Then in the field, we will walk you through all the ins and [...]
Join us to learn about Arizona's bats and the role they play in the desert ecosystem. Arizona is home to 29 different bat species, and this talk covers their biology, behavior, and habitats, along with how they help control insect populations and pollinate native plants. Whether you're already interested in bats or come in with [...]
A very difficult 10.6-mile guided hike (about 4.5 hours, 303 ft gain) through the McDowell Sonoran Preserve with the McDowell Sonoran Conservancy. Free; RSVP on the event page.
The Desert Laboratory on Tumamoc Hill hosts a series of talks focused on topics that relate to the science, ecology, history, and culture of the Sonoran Desert. All talks are open to the public. Wednesday, November 4th at 5:30pm The Remarkable Ocelot That Traversed 4 Sky Islands Join Meagan to learn about the remarkable journey of [...]
A two-hour guided educational walk on the geology of the McDowell Sonoran Preserve with the McDowell Sonoran Conservancy. Free; RSVP on the event page. No dogs.
Join Arizona author Roger Naylor for a fun evening exploring Arizona's backroads, quirky small towns, and best burger joints. A Conservancy Women event hosted by the McDowell Sonoran Conservancy.
Monthly lecture from the Phoenix Astronomical Society on galaxies, held at PVCC Building Q, Room 120A.
Join Sonoran Audubon for a morning bird crawl through community parks, starting at Veramonte Park (Litchfield Rd & Cactus Rd). Limited to 12 participants. To register, email sonoranaudubon@gmail.com.
A volunteer herbalist leads a guided walk through the Michael Moore Medicinal Garden at Mission Garden. Learn about the medicinal value of the plants, their traditional uses, and the knowledge surrounding them, and take a closer look at how plants, people, and place connect. Space is limited and advance registration ($10 per person) is required.
A leaderless, drop-in bird meet-up at the Glendale Recharge Ponds, held the first Saturday of each month November through April. Show up, bring binoculars, and bird with fellow enthusiasts.
Desert Rivers Audubon community bird walk at Veterans Oasis Park, 4050 E Chandler Heights Rd, Chandler. Free; no reservations needed.
A very difficult 6.8-mile guided hike (about 4 hours, 1,187 ft gain) with the McDowell Sonoran Conservancy. Free; RSVP on the event page.
Are you up for a challenge? Come on out either solo or with your team and compete in the games! Adventure Race 6/12-hour run/bike/paddle Navigation by foot and optionally by mountain bike and packraft Teams of 1 to 4 Individuals (Solos allowed) Inflatable and portable watercraft only Rograine 3/6/13-hour rograine Navigation on foot Solos and [...]
A two-session beginner clinic from the McDowell Sonoran Conservancy for riding dirt trails with more confidence. Session 1 covers bike setup and safety checks, turning, pedaling, shifting, braking, body positioning and trail etiquette, with about 1 mile of skills practice and a 3-5 mile ride on easy trails. Meet at the south end of the [...]
Join us for the Tumamoc Hill Youth Program! Each month will have a new theme, speaker, and art activity. All events are free! Learn about Cacti Join us for a quick, kid-friendly science presentation by University of Arizona Graduate student Laura Shriver followed by an art activity with poet Nellie Papsdorf! All materials provided. Location: The [...]
A guided walk giving an overview of the McDowell Sonoran Preserve's geology, plants and animals, led by the McDowell Sonoran Conservancy. Free; RSVP on the event page.
Join the 3rd Annual Steps Against Melanoma Walk: The Journey to a Cure Starts with a Single Step! Join us at Freestone Park in Gilbert on Sunday, November 8, for a fun, family-friendly morning supporting the fight against melanoma! Whether you're a runner, casual walker, melanoma survivor, caregiver, or simply looking for a fun way [...]
A women's beginner group ride of about 9 miles (about 3 hours, 400 ft gain) with the McDowell Sonoran Conservancy. Free; RSVP on the event page.
Want to add your event? Go to Build A Nature Walk.