Join Ranger Nikki on a 4.5-mile hike on easy to moderate terrain to search for saguaro blossoms and other flowering cacti such as cholla and barrel. The route will follow San Tan, Hedgehog, San Tan and Moonlight Trails. Wear closed-toe shoes and bring a hat, sunscreen and plenty of water. Restrooms and water are available [...]

Join Ranger Eric for an easy-paced, guided walk along the Preserve trails to learn about the plants, animals, ecology, and history of the Hassayampa River Preserve. Please wear sun protection and carry ample water. Binoculars are available to borrow at the Visitor Center. We will hike about 1 mile on mostly flat, but occasionally sandy [...]

Join Ranger Eric to learn about the Preserve’s historic stand of California fan palms, how these tropical trees are able to grow in the desert Southwest, and their importance to both wildlife and indigenous cultures. Did you know that these palms were sourced from a native population in Arizona? Find out more! We will be [...]

Join Ranger Steve for an evening of Stargazing above the shoreline of Lake Pleasant. A selection of celestial objects will be viewed through the telescope, along with a discussion of various topics in astronomy (bring your questions!) and various objects of interest will be pointed out with a green laser. MEETING LOCATION: Discovery Center Parking [...]

Learn about the resident and migrant birds of desert riparian areas on this guided walk with Ranger Eric. Click on program title for more details. 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 [...]

Lake Pleasant is creating a Monday clean-up crew.  If you are available on any Monday, please join us as we pick up litter along the shoreline. Date- Every Monday from 4/10/23-10/30/23 Time – April 7:00am-9:00am May-Oct 6:00am-8:00am Location – Park at Castle Hot Springs dirt lot near the entry station. Meet with Park Assistant Doug [...]

Join docent Coni for a 2-3 mile hike through the conservation area. We will hike in riparian areas with seasonal water in Cave Creek. Learn about cochineal, agave, mesquite, prickly pear, and we may see wildlife, petroglyphs, wildflowers, and maybe taste some wolfberries….and yes – all with wonderful views! Wear sturdy shoes and hat and bring [...]

Join Ranger Evan on one of the toughest trails in the park and learn about the desert along the way. We will meet at the Go John Trailhead to start this hike. The Go John Trail is nearly 5.8 miles, so make sure you bring plenty of water and pack a snack for this one. [...]

About the Event Doors open at 6 p.m. and the seminar starts at 7 p.m. Seating is limited. Raffles, door prizes, refreshments, etc. Food donation for raffle. Location: TBD (Ben Avery used as placeholder) Hosted by: Christian Hunters of America, Phoenix Varmint Callers, Inc. Info: David, (602) 309-3430, davidmyrick@christianhuntersofamerica.org

Come learn what plants call the Pemberton trail home! This hike will be approximately 3 miles and is an out and back trail. Meet at the Trailhead Staging Area (at the picnic tables by the hilltop trail); bathrooms are available near the parking lot. NO pets please. Limit 20 participants. To register, please call the [...]

Join Ranger Steve in the San Tan Nature Center to discuss the differences between venom and poison, common myths about snakes and other venomous animals, and how they are beneficial to the ecosystem. We’ll also have some ambassador animals on hand, so bring your questions and your curiosity! MEETING LOCATION: Nature Center No Registration Required.

Join Ranger Steve for an evening of Stargazing in San Tan Mountain Regional Park. A selection of celestial objects will be viewed through the telescope, along with a discussion of various topics in astronomy (bring your questions!) and various objects of interest will be pointed out with a green laser. MEETING LOCATION: Nature Center Parking [...]

Join Ranger Nikki on a 3-mile hike on easy terrain to learn about a variety of desert plants, including shrubs, cacti and legume trees. The route will follow NoSo, Levee and Blevins Trails. Wear closed-toe shoes and bring a hat, sunscreen and plenty of water. Water is available at the Nature Center and restrooms area [...]

Maricopa County Parks-Desert Defenders-Native Seed Harvest Maricopa County Parks is hosting several native seed harvest events in April and May at several of our parks. The native seed harvested will be planted in habitat enhancement projects, invasive species removal areas, and parks impacted by wildfires. Collecting and planting local seed genotypes will help maintain the [...]

What makes a cactus a cactus? How can plants survive scorching temperatures? Can you eat Cactus? Get the answers to these questions on Ranger Evans Crazy for Cacti walk. We will hike approximately 2-3 miles, please bring sturdy footwear and lots of water. MEETING LOCATION: Nature Center To register, please call the Cave Creek Nature [...]

Ranger Nikki will lead a talk on coyotes that live in our desert and sometimes visit our neighborhoods. Learn about their life cycle, diet, habitat and more. This talk takes place in the Nature Center classroom. Water and restrooms are available at the Nature Center. MEETING LOCATION: Nature Center No registration required.

Join Ranger Steve for an evening trail walk to look for and learn about the nocturnal critters of the Sonoran Desert! Wildlife seen on past walks have included snakes, bats, ringtails, foxes, skunks, javelinas, deer, owls, scorpions, insects, and other cool creepy crawlies! Please bring your own flashlights and blacklights if you have them. Please [...]

Join Ranger Nikki on a 6-mile hike to learn about San Tan Park and local history, including prehistoric residents, mining and “Mountain Man” Mansel Carter. The route follows the Goldmine to Dynamite loop starting at the Nature Center. The ascent and descent of Goldmine Mountain are rated difficult and the remainder of the trails are [...]

Drop by to meet Ranger Steve in the White Tank Nature Center to learn about the venomous animals that inhabit the Park. We’ll discuss the differences between venom and poison, common myths about snakes and other venomous animals, and how they are beneficial to the ecosystem. We’ll also have some ambassador animals on hand, so [...]

Join Ranger Steve for an evening trail walk to look for and learn about the nocturnal critters of the Sonoran Desert! Wildlife seen on past walks have included snakes, bats, ringtails, foxes, skunks, javelinas, deer, owls, scorpions, insects, and other cool creepy crawlies! Please bring your own flashlights and blacklights if you have them. Please [...]

Come on a strenuous 4.5-mile hike through the White Tank Mountains on the search for great views and the unique elephant trees that dot the hillsides. The trail is considered difficult and during our hike will gain 900ft of elevation. The hike will take several hours, so please bring plenty of water (at least 3 [...]

Join Ranger Nikki on a 3.5-mile hike on easy terrain to explore our fascinating Sonoran Desert in search of flowering saguaros and other cactus blooms such as cholla and barrels. The route includes Lost Sheep, Moon Rock and Chain Fruit Trails. Wear closed-toe shoes and bring water, a hat and sunscreen. Water and restrooms are [...]

Come join us for a quiet walk along our easy to moderate scenic trails in search of local and migratory birds. "Vultures" 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 7:00am. No dogs allowed. Registration is required for this program. Attendance is [...]

May 20 Saturday, 7 am Cave Creek Regional Park, Program to Follow, “Vultures” or “Flowers that fire the imagination “

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 [...]

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

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 [...]

Escape the desert heat in the White Tank Nature Center and learn about and touch native Sonoran Desert snake species. The table will also have snake skins, sheds, photos and coloring pages for the kids. No registration required, just drop on in! MEETING LOCATION: Nature Center by the library

Join Ranger Steve for an evening trail walk to look for and learn about the nocturnal critters of the Sonoran Desert! Wildlife seen on past walks have included snakes, bats, ringtails, foxes, skunks, javelinas, deer, owls, scorpions, insects, and other cool creepy crawlies! Please bring your own flashlights and blacklights if you have them. Please [...]