Did you know that over 50 species of dragonflies and damselflies can be found at the Preserve? Join Rangers Eric, Shaun, and Evan for a guided walk along the river and lake trails to explore the fascinating world of dragonflies and damselflies. We will also see other aquatic and riparian wildlife along the way! Please bring [...]
Join Ranger Derik on a moderate 2.5-mile hike to learn about creatures that come out after dark in the desert. Bring plenty of water and wear closed toe shoes, a hat and sunscreen and of course a flashlight. Restrooms are available in the park and water is available at the Nature Center, where we start [...]
Join Ranger Kevin for an approximately 2-mile hike on the Mesquite Trail. Trail is rated moderate, with elevation change as well as stretched loose rock and/or uneven terrain. We will be on the lookout for a variety of Sonoran Desert wildlife, from birds and insects to reptiles and mammals. Please wear sturdy, closed-toe shoes, and [...]
Bird walk at the San Pedro House led by docents from the Friends of the San Pedro River and other local organizations.
Night Shredders Shred the day away. Cooler nights on the trails will remind you how good it is to shed your schedules and responsibilities. You'll spend an evening with less conversation and more grinning with your friends. First time joining us? WELCOME! No rider is left behind. Riders must have some trail experience. Moderate fitness. [...]
We will hike for 2 miles along the Pipeline Canyon Trail which is rated as moderate. The trail is rocky sandy and uneven, so it is encouraged that you wear supportive close-toed shoes. Make sure to bring water on the hike as well as a flashlight; blacklights will be provided. The trailhead has a bathroom [...]
See a variety of cacti and riparian plants near the wash as you hike with Ranger Nikki on easy to moderate trails. The route will be about 2 miles and use NoSo and portions of Blevins and Crismon Wash Trails. Wear closed-toe shoes and bring water, a hat and sunscreen. Restrooms and water are available [...]
Learn about the saguaro life cycle from tiny seed to fallen skeleton and all of 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 a hat, sunscreen and plenty of water. Restrooms and water [...]
Join Ranger Steve in the lobby of the Estrella Mountain Nature Center for an interactive display of venomous animals and a discussion of their vital role in our ecosystem, “busting” myths about their behaviors, and have all your questions answered! Get hands on and hold items like snake skins, rattles, and even skeletons! No registration [...]
Learn how to safely hike in the desert and stay safe on the lake. A station will be set up at the Discovery Center with information and handouts on how to have fun and stay save in our county parks. A ranger will be available to give advice, answer questions and recommend hikes at the [...]
Join Ranger Nikki on an easy to moderate terrain hike to learn about adaptations and survival strategies of many of the plants and animals in our Sonoran Desert. The 2-mile route follows the easy terrain of Merkle Trail and ventures onto moderate Blevins and a short portion of sand in Crismon Wash. Wear closed-toe shoes [...]
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 [...]
The Bowhunter Happening is a family friendly non-competitive 3D archery shoot held annually at Mormon Lake, AZ on the third weekend of each July. The BHH has held this yearly event since the early 1970’s. Our event draws archers from all over Arizona and the Southwest. Six different 3D courses are set up on the ridge [...]
Our vision is to promote traditional archery, its heritage, and values in Arizona. We want to honor the vision set forth by some of the early traditional archery pioneers: Glenn St. Charles, Fred Bear, Aldo Leopold, Saxton Pope, and William "Chief" Compton. Our hope is to create a community of traditional archers who follow and [...]
Join Ranger Nikki for a fun bat chat to bust some popular myths and set the record straight on an important member of our desert ecosystem. Learn where bats live, what they eat, why you shouldn’t be afraid of them and more! Bring your water to this indoor presentation. Restrooms and water are available at [...]
Please join SDMB July 14-16th, 2023 at Upper Arcadia Group Campground (6700ft) for a weekend of Trail Work, Bike Riding, Hiking and Camping. Our focus will most likely be working on middle to to upper Ladybug brushing, opening up corners and re-benching tread. If you like rock work there will be opportunities, but it will [...]
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 [...]
This is a hands-on class. There will be a "classroom" session followed by putting theory into practice--actually paddling a kayak on the water. This course is designed to equip paddlers with basic skills to get from point A to point B successfully, understand the legal responsibilities that come with getting on the water, and what [...]
Wild & Edible Plants and Mushrooms of the White Mountains Join a former Arizona Parks Ranger on a short walk to Big Springs and back, and have a chance to taste some wild treats directly from nature! Suggested donation $10 for adults Kids and Members FREE
Join us for a gorgeous day of trail maintenance on the slopes of the Kachina Peaks. We'll meet near Bismark Lake and work northbound on the AZT, installing drainage features and clearing brush from the corridor. Participants should be prepared to walk between 3-5 miles with tools at elevation of close to 9,000'.
About the Event This is a classroom-based course that covers a variety of topics including boating terminology, things to know before getting on the water, how to operate your boat safely, legal requirements, and what to do in emergencies. We will be working out of a booklet so bring reading glasses if needed. You may [...]
Learn about desert mammals with Ranger Nikki during this informal drop-in session. See pelts and skulls that hint at adaptations that allow these animals to survive and thrive in our extreme desert environment. Stop by any time between 1:00 and 3:00pm. Be sure to bring your water with you. Restrooms and water are available at [...]
The discovery theme is Sonoran Desert Artifacts, so bring your curiosity and your questions for Ranger Kevin to answer! A table full of interesting objects will be on hand for you to inspect. Look for Ranger Kevin at Ramada 13 in the Picnic Loop Area anytime between 6:00pm and 7:30pm. No registration required, just drop on [...]
McDowell Mountain Summer Night Rides are back! In partnership with McDowell Mountain Cycles, we are excited to invite riders of all levels and abilities to come out and experience the trails! Rides are scheduled for the following dates: June 3, June 17, July 8, July 15, Aug 5 & Aug 19. Rides subject to cancel [...]
Join Ranger Steve for a roughly 2-mile sunset/twilight hike on the easy terrain of the Waterfall Trail. We’ll be searching for nocturnal Sonoran Desert wildlife such as snakes, scorpions, spiders, and more! Please wear hard-soled shoes or boots, bring plenty of water, and don’t forget a flashlight or UV light if you have one! Trails [...]
Join Ranger Kevin for an easy walk on the 1-Mile Loop Path. We will be looking for all three species of scorpion native to our neck of the Sonoran Desert: Striped-tail, Bark, and, of course, the Giant Desert Hairy. Who knows what else we may see? Trail is rated easy and is mostly paved. Please [...]
Join Ranger Kevin for an approximately 2-mile hike on the Rock Peak Wash Trail. The hike will be on the easy, but sandy, terrain of a desert wash. We will be on the lookout for a variety of Sonoran Desert wildlife, from birds to reptiles to mammals. Please wear sturdy, closed-toe shoes, and bring plenty [...]
Learn all about our ssssuper sssspecial friendsssss at the World Snake Day Discovery Station. Bring your questions and your curiosity. Come chat with Ranger Kevin about our native Sonoran Desert snakes while exploring a range of snake artifacts. Find out what a rattlesnake's rattle is made of and how it works. Best of all, meet some of our amazing Animal Ambassadors! Come [...]
Join Ranger Kevin for an approximately 2.7-mile hike on the Pass Mountain, Cat Peaks, Meridian and Blevins Trails. Trails are rated moderate, with some elevation change as well as stretches of loose rock and/or uneven terrain. We will be on the lookout for a variety of Sonoran Desert wildlife, from birds to reptiles to mammals. [...]
Your students will get to touch live snakes, learn about the differences between poisonous and venomous, see snake skins/sheds, learn to identify snakes and ask questions. A table will also be set up with other natural history samples collected from around the Maricopa County Park system. MEETING LOCATION: Nature Center Limit 25 participants. To register, [...]
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