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Estrella Mtn. Reg. Park Bird Program in the Nature Center Classroom

Estrella Mountain Regional Park 14805 W. Vineyard Ave. Goodyear, AZ 85338, Arizona

Bird Program talk and Power Point Presentation with Joe Ford in the Estrella Park Nature Center Classroom following the Bird Hikes. Topics cover bird images, habits, maps, details and bird life. Program will start approximately 10:00 AM  (after the bird hike).

Usery Mountain Regional Park Open House & Community Resource Fair

Usery Mountain Regional Park, 3939 N Usery Pass Rd, Mesa, AZ 85207, USA

Come one, come all to the Usery Mountain Regional Park Open House! If you have questions about the trails, campgrounds, archery range, park history, or maybe even park programs, then this event is for you. Stop by anytime between 10:30am - 2:30pm to visit with our staff and volunteers who will be happy to answer [...]

Guided Bird Hike (Registration Required, Limit 10 Participants)

Usery Mountain Regional Park, 3939 N Usery Pass Rd, Mesa, AZ 85207, USA

Join Ranger Eric for a guided hike to learn about the resident and migratory birds of the Sonoran Desert. Along the way, we will talk about how to identify birds by sight and sound, as well as talk about their biogeography and ecological roles. We will hike 2.1 miles roundtrip on a loop of the [...]

San Tan Montain Regional Park Open House

San Tan Mountain Regional Park 6533 W. Phillips Road Queen Creek, AZ 85142, Arizona

Join us for San Tan Mountain Regional Park’s Open House! Stop by anytime between 10:00am – 2:00pm at our Main Trailhead where staff, volunteers and local affiliates will be available. Some of our affiliates include MD Ranch, San Tan Shredders, San Tan Runners, Master Gardner’s and Rural Metro Fire Department. In addition, Ranger Nikki will [...]

Desert 101 Hike (Registration Required, Limit 20 Participants)

Spur Cross Ranch Conservation, 44000 N Spur Cross Rd, Cave Creek, AZ 85331, USA

The walk with cover a 2-mile section of the Dragonfly Trail with Ranger Derik. Some of the topics covered during the hike will be native plants and animals found in the park as well as the history of the native peoples that called the park home. The trail is rocky and uneven in spots and [...]

Intro to Backpacking (Registration Required, Limit 25 Participants)

Cave Creek Regional Park, 37019 N Lava Ln, Cave Creek, AZ 85331, USA

Bring a lunch and get ready to learn all about backpacking! Ranger Derik will have a PowerPoint on the basics of backpacking and camping covering topics of gear, clothing, trip planning, picking a route, best food for trips, training, tips and tricks. After the presentation a full gear list of a single overnight trip will [...]

Desert 101 Hike: Ford Canyon Trail (Registration Required, Limit 15 Participants)

White Tanks Regional Park 20304 West White Tank Mountain Road, Waddell, AZ, United States

Enjoy a moderate to extremely difficult hike up ~3.3 miles of Ford Canyon Trail to the old dam site while learning about the Sonoran Desert ecosystem and the White Tank Mountains. We may see early wildflowers in places, depending on how much winter precipitation falls and how cold it is then. We will meet at [...]

Hunter/Gatherers Education Hike

Lost Dog Wash Trailhead 12601 N. 124th Street, Scottsdale, United States

Join our expert archaeologist as we explore the challenges of the Archaic hunter and gatherer to survive and thrive in the Sonoran Desert of 2,000 years ago. See important desert flora and fauna, hunting sites and their importance to the survival of an Archaic band. Skill level: Moderate Distance: ~3 miles Time: ~2.5 hours Pets [...]

Free

Ecosystem Hike Lyke’s Lookout (Registration Required, Limit 10 Participants)

Hassayampa River Preserve 49614 U.S. Hwy. 60 89 Wickenburg, AZ 85390, Arizona

Hike the scenic riparian forest of the Hassayampa River Preserve before scaling Lyke’s Lookout for a stunning view! This is a 1.15-mile, moderate difficulty hike featuring a steep 90-foot ascent at the end. Please dress appropriately with closed toed shoes and layers as temperatures can fluctuate near the river and in the sun at the mountain [...]

Movie Night: Desert Dreams

Carefree Desert Gardens 101 Easy St, Carefree, AZ, United States

Desert Foothills Land Trust presents "Desert Dreams," a stunning documentary showcasing the beauty and biodiversity of the Sonoran Desert. This internationally award-winning film will transport you through five seasons of one of the world's most awe-inspiring landscapes. Educational, entertaining, and fun for all ages, you won't want to miss this special experience. There will also [...]

$25

Guided Bird Walk (Registration Required, Limit 10 Participants)

Estrella Mountain Regional Park 14805 W. Vineyard Ave. Goodyear, AZ 85338, Arizona

Join Ranger Eric to look for and learn about resident and migratory birds of the Sonoran Desert on this easy 1-1.5 mile walk (roundtrip). Along the way, we will learn how to identify birds by sight and sound. We will also discuss citizen science, including the eBird app. Today is also part of the Great Backyard Bird Count [...]

Edible Plants Hike (Registration Required, Limit 20 Participants)

McDowell Mountain Regional Park, 16300 McDowell Mountain Park Dr., Fountain Hills, AZ 85268 AZ, United States

Participants will hike for 3 miles through rolling hills and sandy washes on the North Loop trail. The trail is rated as easy and only has a few spots that could be described as rocky. Ranger Derik will talk about the native edible plants as well as medicinal plants that are found along the trail. [...]

Ride Beginner Next Step

Pima Dynamite Trailhead 28777 N. Pima Road, Scottsdale, United States

This will be an opportunity for beginner riders to review the skills learned in the Mountain Bike Skills Clinic and be exposed to new adventures. If you have not attended one of the clinics, you should have solid basic skills on single-track to benefit from this class. We will practice setting up for single-track short [...]

Free

Wildflower Hike (Registration Required, Limit 15 Participants)

Estrella Mountain Regional Park 14805 W. Vineyard Ave. Goodyear, AZ 85338, Arizona

Join Ranger Eric for a guided hike to learn about the animals, plants, and ecology of the Sonoran Desert. Wildflowers may be out, depending on how much precipitation we get this winter. We will hike a 7.4-mile loop of the Coldwater, Butterfield, Gadsden, and Flycatcher trails. The trails are easy-moderate with occasional inclines, and rocky [...]

Discovery Station: Venomous Creatures

Usery Mountain Regional Park, 3939 N Usery Pass Rd, Mesa, AZ 85207, USA

Come chat about the creatures of desert that might make you uncomfortable. Spiders, scorpions, and snakes OH MY! No need to worry, Ranger Shaun has some specimens under glass, a few animal ambassadors who’d love to meet you, and a whole collection of animal artifacts to discuss. Come learn about these animals and see if [...]

Event Series Bird Outings at Rio Saldo

Bird Outings at Rio Saldo

Nina Mason Pulliam Rio Salado Audubon Center, 3131 S. Central Avenue, Phoenix, AZ 85040 2801 S Central Ave, United States

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 [...]

Bird Walk and “Bird Weirdness II” Presentation

Cave Creek Regional Park, 37019 N Lava Ln, Cave Creek, AZ 85331, USA

Come join us for a quiet walk along our easy to moderate scenic trails in search of local and migratory birds. "Bird Weirdness II" program will follow inside the Nature Center. Meet for the bird walk on the back patio of the Cave Creek Regional Park Nature Center at 8am. No dogs allowed.

Guided Bird Hike (Registration Required, Limit 10 Participants)

San Tan Mountain Regional Park 6533 W. Phillips Road Queen Creek, AZ 85142, Arizona

Join Ranger Eric for a 1.8-mile roundtrip hike in Rock Peak Wash at the south end of the park to look for resident and wintering birds. Along the way, we will learn identification tips and about their ecology in the Sonoran Desert. We will also discuss citizen science, including the eBird app. Today is also part [...]

Family Bird Walk at Gilbert Water Ranch

Riparian Preserve at Water Ranch, 2757 E Guadalupe Rd, Gilbert, AZ 85234, USA

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 [...]

Morning Fitness Hike (Registration Required, Limit 15 Participants)

Cave Creek Regional Park, 37019 N Lava Ln, Cave Creek, AZ 85331, USA

Ranger Derik will lead you on moderate to difficult fitness hike on the 5.8 mile Go John Trail loop. The trail varies from even surfaces to those that are uneven and rocky. There is a 411-foot elevation difference from the lowest to the highest parts of the trail. Along the way we will talk about [...]

Saturday Mountain Biking “Shift into Saturday”

San Tan Mountain Regional Park 6533 W. Phillips Road Queen Creek, AZ 85142, Arizona

Saturday MTB “Shift into Saturday”:  Shift your gears into Saturday with a good spin around the park. Grab your mountain or gravel bike and helmet then join SanTan Shredders for this No Drop pedal fest. Bring water, snacks, and an extra tube. Arrive 10-min early for check in. See you soon! http://santanshredders.com  

Ride Geology Educational Ride

Brown's Ranch Trailhead 30301 Alma School Rd, Scottsdale, United States

When, how and why did all those different rocks get into the Preserve? How about our own earthquake fault? This is an intermediate skills and moderate cardio ride and will take us through the various geological formations of the area. Get the big picture on a bike. Location: Brown’s Ranch Trailhead – 30301 N. Alma [...]

Free

High Desert & Stagecoach Trails Hike

Brown's Ranch Trailhead 30301 Alma School Rd, Scottsdale, United States

This hike will take you into the High Desert Trail area with a stop at Cathedral Rock. Experienced hikers suggested. Location: Brown’s Ranch Trailhead – 30301 N. Alma School Rd. Scottsdale, AZ 85262 Skill level: Difficult Distance: ~7.4 miles Time: ~4 hours Pets are not permitted at our activities due to safety concerns. If you would [...]

Free

History Walk to Murray Springs

Murray Springs N Moson Rd, Sierra Vista, United States

Join docents from the Friends of the San Pedro River for a tour of the Murray Springs mammoth kill site. Vance Haynes led an expedition here in the 1970s that found the remains of megafauna that had been hunted, killed, butchered, and consumed by the Clovis Paleo-Indians 13,000 years ago. This is an easy walk [...]

Free

Desert Awareness

Coffinger Park Rec Center 175 Swilling Ave, Wickenburg, AZ, United States

Join Wickenburg Conservation Foundation to learn about the desert's wildlife, plants, geology, and hydrology as well as desert safety and Leave No Trace. This class ​is co-hosted by Wickenburg Parks and Recreation.  

Desert 101 Hike (Registration Required, Limit 15 Participants)

San Tan Mountain Regional Park 6533 W. Phillips Road Queen Creek, AZ 85142, Arizona

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 [...]

Guided Bird Walk (Registration Required, Limit 10 Participants)

Hassayampa River Preserve 49614 U.S. Hwy. 60 89 Wickenburg, AZ 85390, Arizona

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 [...]

Birding “Big Sit” (Registration Required, Limit 15 Participants)

Hassayampa River Preserve 49614 U.S. Hwy. 60 89 Wickenburg, AZ 85390, Arizona

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, [...]

Ecosystem Hike Wild Burro Trail (Registration Required, Limit 10)

Lake Pleasant Regional Park, 41835 N Castle Hot Springs Rd, Morristown, AZ 85342, USA 39401 N Lake Pleasant Rd, United States

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: [...]

Desert Connections Educational Walk

Fraesfield Trailhead 13400 East Rio Verde Drive, Scottsdale, United States

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 [...]

Free

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