Join Ranger Eric for a guided, hike along the Cottonwood Trail to look for reptiles of the Sonoran Desert. Along the way, we will discuss identification tips, their ecological roles, and safety around venomous animals. We will hike 2.4 miles roundtrip on mostly easy terrain, but with occasionally rocky or uneven surfaces. Restrooms are available [...]
Stop by the Nature Center to see a display of desert cacti specimens and learn about efforts to catalog plant species in the County Parks using the iNaturalist citizen science app. Meeting Location: Nature Center. No registration required, just drop on in!
Come to the Trailhead Staging Area and meet Ranger Kevin from 5:00pm to 6:30pm. The theme is Sonoran Desert Artifacts, so bring your curiosity and your questions! A table full of interesting objects will be on hand for you to inspect. No registration required, just drop on in! MEETING LOCATION: Trailhead Staging Area.
Join Ranger Steve on the Discovery Center lower patio to learn about the venomous animals that inhabit the Lake Pleasant area. 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 bring [...]
Starting from the nature center we will head up the Overton Trail for 3.1 miles. This trail is considered moderately challenging and will gain 500 ft of elevation. The trail will take you past towering saguaro cacti and offers sweeping views of the Phoenix Valley and the neighboring Tonto National Forest. The trails can be [...]
Join Ranger Kevin for a 3.1-mile hike on the Blevins Trail. Trail is rated easy, with only minimal elevation change. We’ll enjoy the beauty of a quiet outdoor evening, walking through a desert landscape silvered by the moon and stars (weather permitting, of course). We won’t be setting any speed records here; this hike is [...]
Join Ranger Nikki for a 3-mile hike on the easy terrain of North Trail to learn about a variety of plant life, including brittlebush and bursage shrubs, cacti and legume trees. Restrooms are available the nearby picnic area and water is available at the Nature Center. MEETING LOCATION: North Trail Trailhead (approximately 4 miles from [...]
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. Today is eBird Global Big Day, a 24-hour citizen science event dedicated to getting birders into the field across the world to count birds of all species! [...]
What makes a cactus a cactus? How can plants survive scorching temperatures? Can you eat Cactus? Get the answers to these questions on Ranger Evan’s Crazy for Cacti walk. We will be hiking approximately 3 miles, with some significant elevation changes. Please bring plenty of water and wear closed-toe shoes, no pets please. Restrooms will [...]
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 [...]
Join Ranger Nikki for a talk about our desert’s majestic saguaro cacti. Learn about their 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 outdoors to a covered ramada and the start of a nearby [...]
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, burros, deer, owls, scorpions, insects, and other cool creepy crawlies! Please bring your own flashlights and blacklights if you have them. [...]
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 [...]
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. [...]
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 [...]
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