Location: Brown’s Ranch Trailhead – 30301 N. Alma School Rd. Scottsdale, AZ 85262 Skill level: Easy Time: ~2 hours The Preserve is located in one of the most biodiverse areas of the Sonoran Desert. Learn about the plant life that thrives in this area. Note: If you have the iNaturalist application on your phone, it [...]

Join docent Coni for a 2 to 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 all with wonderful views! Wear sturdy shoes and hat and bring at least 2 liters of water, a [...]

Meet for a bird walk at Gilbert Riparian Preserve, at the west end of the parking lot at 6:00 a.m.; social time at Coffee Rush starts at 7:30 a.m.. 

Challenge yourself on this approximately 8.3-mile hike on the magnificent Mesquite, Ford Canyon, and Willow Canyon trails. We’ll keep an eye out for morning critters as we go. Trail conditions are rated moderate to difficult, so expect a considerable amount of loose rock, uneven terrain, and elevation change. This is not a hike for inexperienced [...]

Come hike some of the original trails in the Preserve with great views of Scottsdale and the desert. Experienced hikers suggested. Location: Lost Dog Wash Trailhead – 12601 N 124th St, Scottsdale, AZ 85259 Skill level: Difficult Distance: ~5.5 miles Time: ~3 hours Pets are not permitted at our activities due to safety concerns. If you [...]

Spend about 2 hours on an easy walk with a City of Scottsdale Natural Resources Coordinator as various desert topics are discussed. The material will depend on what we see in this wonderful environment. Location: Granite Mountain Trailhead – 31402 N 136th St, Scottsdale, AZ 85262 Bathrooms are available at the trailhead. Bring water for [...]

Join Ranger Kevin for a trail walk along the Hassayampa River that includes an introduction to birding. We’ll cover birding basics, from tools and equipment to bird identification tips and strategies. Trails are rated easy, although some thick sand is possible in some stretches. Don’t worry if you don’t have binoculars; the Ranger will have [...]

Join us as we explore the stunning Jewel of the Creek Preserve. This desert oasis, filled with towering cottonwood and willow trees along Cave Creek, holds one of the last remaining perennial streams in Maricopa County. The unusual year-round presence of water supports a myriad of unique plant and animal species. Our hike will take [...]

Bring a lunch and an open mind and learn from ranger Derik how to start hiking in our desert parks. Topics covered in the program will include how to choose a trail, how to prepare for a hike, how much water to bring, desert safety, what gear to bring, what clothing to wear, and much [...]

Come to the Nature Center and meet Ranger Kevin from 11:30am to 1:00pm. Bring your burning desert questions! Try to stump the Ranger! Impress your friends and enemies alike with your new-found knowledge! We’ll also have a table full of interesting objects like bones, feathers, snake sheds, cactus boots and much more for you to [...]

Join Ranger Steve at the 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! MEETING LOCATION: Nature Center No registration required, [...]

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 [...]

Enjoy an evening of stargazing with astronomy enthusiast Ranger Steve! We’ll be viewing a selection of objects through a small telescope. Possibilities include plants, 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. Please [...]

“Over the Hump” Mountain Bike Ride:  Interrupt your work week with a good ole fashioned trail ride.  Trails are flowy with some moderate climbs and downhill descents, a few technical areas: advanced-beginner to Intermediate skill level. First trail spin at night? Our rides are No Drop.  Bring mountain or gravel bike, helmet, lights (at least [...]

We will hike 4 miles on sections of the San Tan, Moonlight, and Gold Mine trails together the route is rated as moderate. The trails are rocky, sandy, and uneven make sure to wear proper footwear and bling plenty of water. Bathrooms and a water fountain are available at the nature center. MEETING LOCATION: Moonlight [...]

Free event, open to the public (weather permitting). Starts outside the Visitor Center, then walks the Peninsula Trail (paved), and the Delta Trail (unpaved). Be prepared to talk about 1.5 miles outdoors. Remember to wear sturdy shoes, dress in layers, and bring water. Directions:  From Lake Havasu City: Travel approximately 17 miles south on Hwy [...]

Ranger Derik will be available to answer questions about the native plants and animals that are found in San Tan Mountains Regional Park, as well as any other questions you have about the Sonoran Desert. A table will be set up displaying a collection of items that have been collected from around Maricopa County including [...]

Invasive species are among the biggest threats to our park’s ecosystem health. They outcompete native plants, decrease biodiversity, and increase wildfire occurrences and magnitude. Desert Defenders is a citizen science program focused on removing invasive species in parks. The Invasive plant species have severely impacted our park’s natural ecosystems and contributed to our most recent [...]

Come to the Nature Center and meet Ranger Kevin from 12:00pm to 1:30pm. Bring your burning desert questions! Try to stump the Ranger! Impress your friends and enemies alike with your new-found knowledge! We’ll also have a table full of interesting objects like bones, feathers, snake sheds, cactus boots and much more for you to [...]

Join Ranger Steve at the 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! MEETING LOCATION: Nature Center No registration required, [...]

Learn the basics of watercolor painting then borrow our supplies to create your own artwork. This event is free, but supplies are limited and registration is required. To register, call 928-667-4144, Ext. 112.

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 Ranger Kevin for a 3-mile hike on the Yavapai trail. Trail is rated moderate, with some stretches of loose rock, uneven terrain and elevation change. Our goal is to watch the sun rise over the lake from the trail, and then head up to the peak for one of the best views of the [...]

Invasive species are among the biggest threats to our park’s ecosystem health. They outcompete native plants, decrease biodiversity, and increase wildfire occurrences and magnitude. Desert Defenders is a citizen science program focused on removing invasive species in parks. The Invasive plant species have severely impacted our park’s natural ecosystems and contributed to our most recent [...]

Invasive species are among the biggest threats to our park’s ecosystem health. They outcompete native plants, decrease biodiversity, and increase wildfire occurrences and magnitude. Desert Defenders is a citizen science program focused on removing invasive species in parks. The Invasive plant species have severely impacted our park’s natural ecosystems and contributed to our most recent [...]

About the Event Learn trap shooting, archery, BB gun range, wildlife biology, falconry, fly fishing, live bird dog hunt demonstration and more. Gear, instruction and free breakfast & lunch provided. Camp is located at the Empire Ranch Airstrip Group Campsite (31.790403, -110.631404). From Tucson take I-10 east to Highway 83. Take Highway 83 south to [...]

Chandler Family Birdwalks Veterans Oasis Park Chandler 8am - noon Monthly on the first Saturday of the month, November through April. Come out with the kids to walk around the water recharge ponds at the City of Chandler's Veterans Oasis Park, This bird-walk is sponsored by Desert Rivers Audubon and The City of Chandler. We [...]

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 [...]

MTB Fundamental Skills and Trail Session: From new riders just starting out to podium winners and everyone in between, our mission is to LEVEL UP your skills and confidence on the bike. Our ICP Certified Instructors will help you tackle more trail obstacles, walk less, and have more fun! Meet us at the SE corner [...]

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  

Did you know that over 300 species of birds have been found at the Hassayampa River Preserve? Enjoy an easy-paced walk with seasoned birder and bird bander Anne Leight to spot and identify the many resident and migratory birds of the Preserve. Some binoculars are available to borrow. MEETING LOCATION: Visitor Center. Limit 10 participants. To register, please call [...]

Hike 5 miles along sections of the Rainbow valley, Dysart and Toothaker trails through rolling hills and sandy washes. This trail is rated as moderate and can be steep and rocky in some sections. We will be out for several hours so make sure you have plenty of water, sunscreen, and a snack. It is [...]

Coffee, Casting, Camaraderie & Trash Pick-up What to bring: rod, waders, net* and flies (Green Weenie's, small black zebra midges, pheasant tails, green, black and yellow woolly worms and woolly buggers). Meet at the Blue Point Bridge.

This walk is hosted by Friends of the San Pedro River. All walks are free and open to the public. No reservations required. Well-behaved dogs on leashes are welcome. The San Pedro River is one of the last free flowing rivers in the Southwest and home to one of the largest cottonwood-willow riparian forests remaining [...]

LEARN TO KAYAK!!! With a new fleet of kayaks on the way to start new programming we have an opportunity to get creative with our programming with the resources we currently possess. Participants will learn the basic of water safety and how to operate a kayak on the water.

This Science Saturday, immerse yourself in the wonders of the past by visiting Willow Bend for this free, family-friendly event to celebrate archaeology month! Through engaging demonstrations, interactive games, and hands-on activities, learn all about archaeology! Excavate artifacts, build your own pottery, learn from experts and more! Science Saturday is an event held on the first [...]

Got questions about the Sonoran Desert or the things that live there? Ask Ranger Kevin! Come to the Nature Center and meet Ranger Kevin from 10:00am to 12:00pm. Bring your burning desert questions! Try to stump the Ranger! Impress your friends and enemies alike with your new-found knowledge! We’ll also have a table full of [...]

The Legacy Tour will introduce visitors to the rich 100-year history of Boyce Thompson Arboretum and further appreciation of this land and its legacy. Tour participants will receive a BTA Centennial commemorative pin as a gift at the end of the tour. This tour will follow the Main Trail and is on unpaved trails in [...]

Logan Simpson archaeologists Byl Bryce and Gavin Wisner will lead a 2-hour hands-on workshop that will take you back in time to learn the ancient skills of stone tool making. Gavin and Byl will demonstrate the many stages of reduction, starting with the raw materials and finishing with a usable tool, which will help you to understand [...]

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 [...]

Enjoy an evening of stargazing with astronomy enthusiast Ranger Steve! We’ll be viewing a selection of objects through a small telescope. Possibilities include plants, 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. Please [...]