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January and February
In-person Nature Programs
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New to our registration site? Follow these easy steps.
Create Your Account:
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Visit www.explore.pima.gov
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Click on the Create Account button in the upper right
- Add your email address and password
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Click Continue
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Set up your profile by completing the First Name, Last Name, and Date of Birth fields
- Click Get Started
Explore Programs:
- Click on the Environmental Education tile
- Explore our offering or navigate to a specific event
- our programs are grouped by activity type; you may need to scroll through other categories to find what you are looking for
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Use the Keyword search feature to narrow down the selections
Register for Programs:
- Select the program
- Click Register (or view details if you want to know more)
- Choose who will be participating – you may need to add more household member if registering for others (you can select more than one participant to register in the same transaction)
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Click Add to cart
- Click Continue to checkout
- Confirm account details
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For programs with a fee, you will be asked to Add new payment method – for free programs, you can proceed directly to place order
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Click Place order
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If you need assistance, contact the Environmental Education Team:
Phone: 520-724-5375
Email: EEducation@pima.gov
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Gardens of Canoa Ranch
Enjoy a guided tour of the gardens of Historic Canoa Ranch with Raydine Taber from the Green Valley Gardeners. Designed for ages 12 and up.
Dates: Friday, January 2 and February 6
Time: 9:30 a.m. – 11:00 a.m.
Location: Historic Canoa Ranch, 5375 S. I-19 Frontage Rd., Green Valley 85622
Cost: Free. Online registration recommended. Drop-ins welcome when space permits.
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Tour of Historic Canoa Ranch
Join a walking tour of the Canoa Ranch headquarters. Visit the historic buildings and corrals and enjoy the special exhibits of the people of Canoa.
Dates and Times:
Every Saturday in January and February | 10:00 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.
Every Friday January and February | 1:00 p.m. – 2:30 p.m.
Location: Historic Canoa Ranch, 5375 S. I-19 Frontage Rd., Green Valley 85622
Cost: Free. Online registration recommended. Drop-ins welcome when space permits.
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Birding for EveryBODY: Agua Caliente Park
This outing is intentionally designed to be accessible and inclusive
Join Marcia OBara for a leisurely birding experience designed for nature lovers with accessibility challenges; wheelchairs, walkers, or other assistive devices are welcome. The pace is slow, distance short, and terrain even. Explore birding hotspot Historic Canoa Ranch where we hope to see waterfowl, raptors, sparrows, and a lot more. Each registered participant is welcome to bring a support person.
This program is offered in partnership with the Tucson Bird Alliance
Dates:
Monday, January 5
Friday, January 23 and February 13
Time: 8:00 a.m. – 10:00 a.m.
Location: Agua Caliente Park, 12325 E. Roger Rd., Tucson 85749
Cost: Free.
Registration: Online registration at: https://tucsonbirds.org/field-trips/
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Birding Canoa Ranch
Fall migration continues for some birds, like raptors, waterfowl, and shorebirds, which we hope to see. We will also be on the lookout for sparrows, shrikes, and many other birds.
Dates:
Tuesday, January 6
Wednesday, February 4
Time: 8:00 a.m. – 10:00 a.m.
Where: Historic Canoa Ranch, 5375 S. I-19 Frontage Rd., Green Valley 85622
Cost: $5 fee. Online registration required.
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Birding Agua Caliente Park
Explore the ponds, mesquite bosque, and surrounding desert of Agua Caliente Park in search of its rich bird life. We expect to see woodpeckers, flycatchers, warblers, vireos, and more.
Dates: Wednesday, January 7, 21, February 4, and 18
Time: 8:00 a.m. – 9:30 a.m.
Location: Agua Caliente Park, 12325 E. Roger Rd., Tucson 85749
Cost: Free*. Online registration recommended. Drop-ins welcome when space permits.
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*Now free thanks to the generous support from the
Friends of Agua Caliente
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Smartphone
Photography Walk
Normally we’d suggest you put your cellphone away and focus on the wonders around you, but those cellphones can be a tool to help you engage in the moment AND relive those memories for years to come. Join us for a workshop on the move as we explore El Rio Preserve and get some tips on photographing the great outdoors.
No complicated photography jargon, no expensive equipment – just your phone, a bit of walking, and plenty of guidance and inspiration.
Dates: Wednesday, January 7 and February 4
Time: 8:30 a.m. – 10:00 a.m.
Location: El Rio Preserve, 10191 N. Coachline Blvd., Tucson 85743
Cost: $5.00 (Resident) | $6.25 (Non-Resident)
Registration: Online registration at www.maranaaz.gov/recreation
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El Rio Preserve
Nature Stroll
Join a Pima County Naturalist for a guided nature trek through the desert and riparian habitats of El Rio Preserve. Wander along level, well-maintained trails as we explore the unique plants and animals of the pond and surrounding Sonoran Desert. Remember to wear comfortable shoes and bring plenty of water; a hat and sunscreen are also recommended.
Dates: Thursday, January 8, 22, February 12, and 26
Time: 8:00 a.m. – 9:30 a.m.
Location: El Rio Preserve, 10191 N. Coachline Blvd., Marana 85743
Cost: $5.00 (Resident) | $6.25 (Non-Resident)
Registration: Online registration at www.maranaaz.gov/recreation
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Anza Trail Hike Historic Canoa Ranch
Explore a 2-to-3-mile section of the Anza Trail during an easy, level interpretive hike. Learn about the cultural and natural history of the Santa Cruz Valley. Travel on the Juan Bautista de Anza National Historic Trail to the area of La Canoa where the expedition to found San Francisco camped after leaving Tubac Presidio in October of 1775.
Dates: Friday, January 9 and February 13
Time: 8:30 a.m.- 11:00 a.m.
Location: Historic Canoa Ranch, 5375 S. I-19 Frontage Rd., Green Valley 85622
Cost: Free. Online registration required.
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Stargazing Tucson Canoa Ranch
Join us to explore the wonder and unfold the mysteries of the cosmos. Tucson Amateur Astronomy Association volunteers provide an introduction to the night sky and set up telescopes for celestial viewing.
Weather permitting – notice of cancellation emailed by 4:30 p.m. on event day.
Date: Friday, January 9
Time: 6:30 p.m. – 8:30 p.m.
Location: Historic Canoa Ranch, 5375 S. I-19 Frontage Rd., Green Valley 85622
Cost: Free. Online registration required.
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Signs of the Season Phenology Walk
Phenology is nature’s calendar – the timing of annual life-cycle events that are influenced by climate and weather, like blooming, migration, and nesting. Join us for a stroll along the Santa Cruz River as we gather data on seasonal changes in native plants to learn more about phenology, its importance, and how you can help contribute to our understanding of the natural world.
Dates: Sunday, January 11, 25, February 8, and 22
Time: 8:00 a.m. – 9:00 a.m.
Location: Group meets in front of Pima County Wheeler Taft Abbett Sr. Branch Library, 7800 N. Schisler Dr., Tucson 85743
Cost: Free. Online registration required.
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Birding Cienega Creek
September and October are transitional months as summer breeders start to head to their wintering grounds and northern breeders start to arrive from the north. Cienega Creek Preserve is a great place to enjoy the spectacle of migration. Sections of the trail are steep and rocky. Please carry water and wear sturdy hiking shoes.
Dates: Monday, January 12 and Tuesday, February 10
Time: 8:00 a.m. – 10:00 a.m.
Location: Gabe Zimmerman Davidson Canyon Trailhead at Cienega Creek Natural Preserve, 16000 E. Marsh Station Rd., Vail 85641
Cost: $5 fee. Online registration required.
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Birding for EveryBODY:
Canoa Ranch
This outing is intentionally designed to be accessible and inclusive
Join Marcia OBara for a leisurely birding experience designed for nature lovers with accessibility challenges; wheelchairs, walkers, or other assistive devices are welcome. The pace is slow, distance short, and terrain even. Explore birding hotspot Historic Canoa Ranch where we hope to see waterfowl, raptors, sparrows, and a lot more. Each registered participant is welcome to bring a support person.
This program is offered in partnership with the Tucson Bird Alliance
Dates:
Wednesday, January 14
Monday, January 26 and February 9
Time: 8:00 a.m. – 10:00 a.m.
Location: Historic Canoa Ranch, 5375 S. I-19 Frontage Rd., Green Valley 85622
Cost: Free.
Registration: Online registration at: https://tucsonbirds.org/field-trips/
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Los Morteros: A Cultural Crossroads
Los Morteros represents thousands of years of human history set among a picturesque natural environment. On this walking tour, we will explore aspects of American history, Spanish Colonial history, and Native American history, all interlaced with the natural history of the Santa Cruz River and two National Historic Trails.
Dates: Wednesday, January 14 and February 11
Time: 8:30 a.m. – 10:30 a.m.
Location: Meets at El Rio Preserve, 10191 N. Coachline Blvd., Marana 85743
Cost: $5.00 (Resident) | $6.25 (Non-Resident)
Registration: Online registration at www.maranaaz.gov/recreation
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Tour of Barrio Viejo
Join us for a historical walking tour of Barrio Viejo. Discover the history, architecture, and art of one of Tucson's oldest neighborhoods. Barrio Viejo is home to one of the largest 19th century adobe communities in the Southwest. This 0.9-mile walking tour from the El Tiradito shrine to Lee Ho's former grocery store will highlight the transition of the Barrio from Territorial status to the arrival of the railroad, urban renewal and now gentrification.
Dates: Thursday, January 15 and February 19
Time: 8:00 a.m. – 10:00 a.m.
Location: Meets at Bar Crisol, 196 W. Simpson St., Tucson 85701
Cost: Free. Online registration required.
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Tortolita Preserve Nature Trek
Tortolita Preserve offers magnificent vistas and showcases the distinct plant and animal communities of the Sonoran Desert. Join a Pima County Conservation Lands and Resources naturalist for a morning of guided exploration, wandering among the stately saguaros as we watch for birds and other wildlife that make their homes in this beautiful patch of native desert vegetation.
Dates: Thursday, January 15
Time: 8:30 a.m. – 11:00 a.m.
Location: Tortolita Preserve Trailhead, 6250 West Moore Rd., Marana 85658
Cost: $5.00 (Resident) | $6.25 (Non-Resident)
Registration: Online registration at www.maranaaz.gov/recreation
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Anza Tour at Historic Canoa Ranch
Join a walking tour discussing the 1775- 1776 Anza Expedition which camped at La Canoa. Learn about Colonel Juan Bautista de Anza and the group of Spanish colonial settlers who, in 1775, made their first stop at Canoa Ranch as they began an epic 1200-mile journey from Sonora, New Spain to colonize the port of what is now San Francisco.
Dates: Friday, January 16 and February 20
Time: 9:30 a.m.- 10:30 a.m.
Location: Historic Canoa Ranch, 5375 S. I-19 Frontage Rd., Green Valley 85622
Cost: Free. Online registration recommended. Drop-ins welcome when space permits.
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Birding 101: Birding for all Ages and Abilities
Canoa Ranch
Are you new to birding? Need help getting started? Birding is a great way to get outside to explore nature, learn more about wildlife and wildlife behavior, hone your observation skills, reduce stress, and connect with others. Join a Pima County naturalist for a casual birding experience to familiarize yourself with birding basics. Loaner binoculars available. All ages encouraged.
Dates and Times:
Tuesday, January 20 | 8:00 a.m. – 10:00 a.m.
Wednesday, February 18 | 8:00 a.m. – 10:00 a.m.
Location: Historic Canoa Ranch, 5375 S. I-19 Frontage Rd., Green Valley 85622
Cost: Free. Online registration required.
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Birding 101: Birding for all Ages and Abilities
Agua Caliente Park
Are you new to birding? Need help getting started? Birding is a great way to get outside to explore nature, learn more about wildlife and wildlife behavior, hone your observation skills, reduce stress, and connect with others. Join a Pima County naturalist for a casual birding experience to familiarize yourself with birding basics. Loaner binoculars
Dates and Times:
Thursday, January 22 | 4:00 p.m. – 5:30 p.m.
Tuesday, February 24 | 4:00 p.m. – 5:30 p.m.
Location: Agua Caliente Park, 12325 E. Roger Rd., Tucson 85749
Cost: Free. Online registration required.
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Sonoran Desert Ethnobotany Hike – Wild Burro Canyon
Curious about how humans have used desert plants for things like food, shelter and medicine? Explore the ethnobotanical history of Tortolita Mountain Park with a Pima County Conservation Lands and Resources naturalist. This will be a 3-4 mile hike, with some elevation change. Trekking poles are recommended and confidence on varied terrain is necessary. Bring a snack and plenty of water.
Date: Friday, January 23
Time: 8:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
Location: Wild Burro Trailhead, 14810 N Secret Springs Dr., Marana 85658
Cost: $5.00 (Resident) | $6.25 (Non-Resident) Online registration required; visit www.maranaaz.gov/recreation.
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Living River Ramble
Phenology is nature’s calendar – the timing of annual life-cycle events that are influenced by climate and weather, like blooming, migration, and nesting. Join us for a stroll along the Santa Cruz River as we gather data on seasonal changes in native plants to learn more about phenology, its importance, and how you can help contribute to our understanding of the natural world.
Dates: Sunday, January 25 and February 22
Time: 9:30 a.m. – 10:30 a.m.
Location: Group meets in front of Pima County Wheeler Taft Abbett Sr. Branch Library, 7800 N. Schisler Dr., Tucson 85743
Cost: Free. Online registration required.
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Desert Ecology Hike – Camino de Oeste
Join a Pima County Conservation Lands and Resources naturalist to explore the natural history of the Twin Hills area in Tucson Mountain Park. Hike among Saguaros to get a closer look at the interesting and diverse flora and fauna that helps make the Sonoran Desert so unique. This will be a 3-4 mile hike, with some elevation change. Trekking poles are recommended and confidence on varied terrain is necessary. Bring a snack and plenty of water.
Date: Thursday, January 29
Time: 8:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m.
Location: Camino de Oeste Trailhead, 415 N Camino De Oeste, Tucson 85745
Cost: $5 fee. Online registration required.
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Canyon Country – Pima
As one of Arizona’s most recognizable and infamous landscape features, canyons play an important biological role and can reveal hidden geologic secrets.
Join a Pima County Conservation Lands and Resources naturalist to explore the natural history of Pima Canyon. This will be a 3-4 mile hike, with some elevation change. Trekking poles are recommended and confidence on varied terrain is necessary. Bring a snack and plenty of water.
Date: Friday, January 30
Time: 8:00 a.m. – 11:00 am
Location: Iris Dewhirst Pima Canyon Trailhead, 1598 E Magee Rd., Tucson 85718
Cost: $5 fee. Online registration required.
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Birding for EveryBODY:
Feliz Paseos
This outing is intentionally designed to be accessible and inclusive
Join Marcia OBara for a leisurely birding experience designed for nature lovers with accessibility challenges; wheelchairs, walkers, or other assistive devices are welcome. The pace is slow, distance short, and terrain even. Explore birding hotspot Historic Canoa Ranch where we hope to see waterfowl, raptors, sparrows, and a lot more. Each registered participant is welcome to bring a support person.
This program is offered in partnership with the Tucson Bird Alliance
Dates: Wednesday, February 4
Time: 8:00 a.m. – 10:00 a.m.
Location: 1600 N Camino De Oeste, Tucson 85745
Cost: Free.
Registration: Online registration at: https://tucsonbirds.org/field-trips/
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Stargazing
Agua Caliente Park
Join us to explore the wonder and unfold the mysteries of the cosmos. Tucson Amateur Astronomy Association volunteers provide an introduction to the night sky and set up telescopes for celestial viewing.
Weather permitting – notice of cancellation emailed by 4:30 p.m. on event day.
Date: Friday, February 6
Time: 7:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m.
Location: Agua Caliente Park, 12325 E. Roger Rd., Tucson 85749
Cost: Free. Online registration required.
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Sonoran Desert Geology Hike – Wild Burro Canyon
The Sonoran Desert is full of wondrous geologic mysteries and captivating rock formations. Explore the rich geologic history of Tortolita Mountain Park with a Pima County Conservation Lands and Resources naturalist. This will be a 3-4 mile hike, with some elevation change. Trekking poles are recommended and confidence on varied terrain is necessary. Bring a snack and plenty of water.
Date: Monday, February 9
Time: 8:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
Location: Wild Burro Trailhead, 14810 N Secret Springs Dr., Marana 85658
Cost: $5.00 (Resident) | $6.25 (Non-Resident) Online registration required; visit www.maranaaz.gov/recreation.
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Canyon Country –
Finger Rock
As one of Arizona’s most recognizable and infamous landscape features, canyons play an important biological role and can reveal hidden geologic secrets.
Join a Pima County Conservation Lands and Resources naturalist to explore the natural history of Finger Rock Canyon. This will be a 3-4 mile hike, with some elevation change. Trekking poles are recommended and confidence on varied terrain is necessary. Bring a snack and plenty of water.
Date: Thursday, February 12
Time: 8:00 a.m. – 11:00 p.m.
Location: Richard McKee Finger Rock Trailhead, 7119 N Alvernon Way,
Tucson 85718
Cost: $5 fee. Online registration required.
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Big Wash Nature Trek
Join a naturalist-guided walk along Big Wash in Oro Valley, on an easy- to moderate-level trail.
In addition to great views of the Santa Catalina Mountains, this area is designated an important wildlife corridor, so we’ll keep an eye out for native birds such as Gila woodpeckers and cactus wrens, and other desert wildlife Trekking poles encouraged, and sure-footedness is a must.
Date: Thursday, February 19
Time: 9:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m.
Location: Big Wash Trailhead, 1790 E. Rancho Vistoso Blvd., Oro Valley 85755
Cost: $5 fee. Online registration required.
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Desert Ecology Hike – Sweetwater Preserve
Join a Pima County Conservation Lands and Resources naturalist to explore the natural history of Sweetwater Preserve at the eastern edge of the Tucson Mountains. Hike among Saguaros to get a closer look at the interesting and diverse flora and fauna that helps make the Sonoran Desert so unique. This will be a 3-4 mile hike, with some elevation change. Trekking poles are recommended and confidence on varied terrain is necessary. Bring a snack and plenty of water.
Date: Monday, February 23
Time: 8:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m.
Location: Steve Anderson Sweetwater Preserve Trailhead, 4001 N Tortolita Rd., Tucson 85745
Cost: $5 fee. Online registration required.
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Registered for one of our programs, but no longer able to attend? Please let us know; we may have a waiting list.
Email us at:
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We have a lot of new programs, many of which are free. Please help us get the word out! Feel free to share this email with friends and family.
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Follow the instructions below to support our Environmental Education programs:
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Visit: https://pimaparklands.org
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Click on: “How You Can Help”
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Click on: “Donate”
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Select: Environmental Education Programming
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Type: The amount you wish to donate into the “Total amount of donation” field
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Select Method of Payment: (PayPal, Venmo, or Debit or Credit Card)
- Complete the form
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Click on: blue “Pay $__” button at the bottom of the form
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To donate by check, make checks payable to Pima County Parklands Foundation, write Environmental Education in the memo line and mail to:
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Pima County Parklands Foundation
P.O. BOX 35721
Tucson, AZ 85740
| | Thank you for your support! | | More Birding and Nature Outings coming in March! | | |
Pima County Conservation Lands and Resources
520.724.5375
EEducation@pima.gov
www.pima.gov/CLR
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