The Sierra Vista  Environmental  Operations Park (EOP) is open to public bird watching  tours on Sunday mornings year round. Group size is limited to 15 people, first-come, first- served. Arrive before the starting time to sign a waiver and secure a spot. The 2-2.5 hours walk is behind locked gates and you must stay with [...]

Field Trip to Higley Ponds - Monday December 18th  7:30AM with our President Theona &/or Lois Higley Ponds is located on NEC off Higley Road and Ocotillo.  The parking area is at the 1/2 mile north of Ocotillo.  The ponds are frequented by a wide variety of shorebirds, hawks, hummingbirds, roadrunners, flycatchers, Abert’s Towhee and [...]

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 [...]

Come learn about cacti of the Sonoran Desert and Phoenix area! Ranger Eric will host this discovery station table at the White Tank Nature Center. Nearby there are live examples of a variety of cacti to see on the trail next to the center. No registration required. Just drop in anytime between 11am-1pm! MEETING LOCATION: [...]

Join Ranger Nikki to learn about plants that grow along the upper park trails and those that grow along lower areas along the creek. The route uses Spur Cross, Tortuga and Dragonfly trails and a short portion of roadway to return to the parking lot for a total of 4 miles. The terrain ranges from [...]

Join Ranger Eric to look for and learn about the resident and migratory birds of the Sonoran Desert on this easy to moderate hike. Along the way, we will discuss basic bird identification, ecology of the Sonoran Desert, and how birds are adapted to this arid environment. We will meet at the Area 2 Bajada [...]

Join Ranger Kevin as we learn how to make - or strengthen - our connection with nature through the practice of Silent Walking and Sit Spots. This is a beginner’s level class, so anyone who is interested in cultivating the skills needed to appreciate the natural world in greater depth is welcome. We will learn [...]

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 [...]

Join Friends of the Tonto NF in removing fountain and buffel grasses at Massacre Grounds Trailhead  

Join Ranger Steve for an evening of stargazing and astronomy education! We’ll be viewing a selection of objects through a small telescope. Possibilities include planets, galaxies, nebulae, and star clusters! We’ll also look at constellations with a laser pointer. Bring your questions! Family friendly program. Restrooms are available nearby, but please bring your own water/beverages. [...]