In-person Nature Programs for May and June

May and June

In-person Nature Programs

Click here to register for our programs

Note: Active Net charges a fee of $2.50 per transaction,

plus 3 percent of the cost of the entire transaction.

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.

Know a nature lover who may need a more slow-paced, less rugged experience? Our Birding for EveryBODY, Nature for EveryBODY, and Desert Haven Nature Walk just might fit the bill!

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:

[email protected]

Nature Stories

COMING SOON: Keep an eye out for scheduled events

Who: Babies, Preschoolers, and their Caregivers

What: Gather with us to listen to a story or two then explore the great outdoors to discover the stories that nature has to tell.

Join Pima County Naturalists for different nature-themed stories each week!

Where: Brandi Fenton Park | Agua Caliente Park

When: TBD - stay tuned!

Why: Because nature does the body (and mind) good! Research shows that spending time in nature increases creativity, helps develop critical-thinking and problem-solving skills, promotes physical fitness, and boosts immunity. And… Because it’s FUN!

How: It's as easy as 1-2-3!

Bring a blanket and your sense of adventure!
Storytime will take place in the shade, but please wear sunscreen and a hat and bring plenty of water.
Nothing to prepare | Just show up ready to explore and get dirty

FREE! Registration encouraged but not required

HOT OFF THE PRESSES: April Nature Stories programs scheduled!

Friday, April 21 | 10am – 11am

Brandi Fenton Memorial Park | 3482 E River Road, Tucson, AZ 85718

(Meet at Ramada 3 near the playground)

Friday, April 28 | 10am – 11am

Brandi Fenton Memorial Park | 3482 E River Road, Tucson, AZ 85718

(Meet by the Butterfly Sculpture)

Birding El Rio Preserve

[registration opening soon]

Join Pima County Natural Resources, Parks and Recreation birding expert Jeff Babson to spot spring migrants on their way to northern breeding grounds as well as those breeding right here in Southern Arizona. Remember to wear comfortable shoes and bring plenty of water; wearing a hat and sunscreen are also recommended.

Date: Tuesday, May 2

Time: 7:00 a.m. – 9:00 a.m.

Where: El Rio Preserve, 10191 N. Coachline Blvd. Tucson 85743

Cost: $5.00 (Resident) | $6.50 (Non-Resident)*

Registration: Online registration at www.maranaaz.gov/recreation

*Coupon is no longer available for members free registration.

Birding Agua Caliente Park

Explore the ponds, mesquite bosque, and surrounding desert of Agua Caliente park in search of its rich bird life. Spring migration is under way, so who knows what we will see! Lucy’s Warbler, Bell’s Vireo, and Northern Beardless-Tyrannulet are among the possibilities. Designed for ages 12 and up.

Dates: Wednesdays, May 3, May 17, June 7, and June 21

Time: 7:30 a.m. – 9:00 a.m.

Where: Agua Caliente Park, 12325 E. Roger Road 85749

Cost: $5 activity fee. Online registration required.

Birding For EveryBODY:

Canoa Ranch

Explore the birding hotspot of 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. Designed for ages 12 and up. This program is offered in partnership with the Tucson Audubon Society.

Date: Thursday, May 4

Time: 6:00 a.m. – 7:30 a.m.

Where: Historic Canoa Ranch, 5375 S. I-19 Frontage Rd, Green Valley 85622

Cost: Free. Online registration opens on the second Saturday of the previous month; visit https://tucsonaudubon.org/field-trips/

Click to Register for Birding for EveryBODY

Maeveen Behan Nature Trek

Join a Pima County Naturalist for a guided nature trek at Maeveen Behan Desert Sanctuary to explore a patch of Sonoran Desert habitat within urban NW Tucson. Trails are smooth, largely level with some areas with gentle grades. Please remember to wear comfortable shoes and bring plenty of water; wearing a hat and sunscreen recommended. Designed for ages 12 and up.

Date: Thursday, May 4

Time: 8:00 a.m. – 10:00 a.m.

Where: Maeveen Behan Desert Sanctuary, 9101 N Thornydale Rd, Tucson, AZ 85742

Cost: $5 activity fee. Online registration required.

Full Moon Wander

Join a Pima County naturalist to send off the sun and welcome the full moon. Nature reveals another side in the night hours; there is always something to discover! Dress for the weather, wear comfortable walking shoes, and bring water and a flashlight.

Designed for ages 12 and up.

Date: Thursday, May 4

Time: 6:30 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.

Where: Historic Canoa Ranch, 5375 S. I-19 Frontage Road, Green Valley 85622

Cost: $5 activity fee. Online registration required.

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:

Fridays, May 5 |9:00 a.m. – 10:00 a.m.

Fridays, June 2 |8:30 a.m. – 9:30 a.m.

Where: Historic Canoa Ranch, 5375 S. I-19 Frontage Rd, Green Valley 85622

Cost: $5 activity fee. Online registration required.

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: Every Saturday in May and June

Time: 9:00 a.m. – 10:30 a.m.

Where: Historic Canoa Ranch, 5375 S. I-19 Frontage Rd, Green Valley 85622

Cost: $5 activity fee. Online registration required.

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: Every Sunday in May and June

Time: 7:00 a.m. - 8:00 a.m.

Where: Group meets in front of Pima County Wheeler Taft Abbett Sr. Branch Library, 7800 N. Schisler Drive 85743

Cost: Free. Online registration required

Cienega Creek Nature Hike

Join us for a naturalist-guided hike in Cienega Creek Natural Preserve. We’ll be walking down into the county preserve and following the course of the creek, watching for wildlife and wildflowers. Parts of the terrain are rocky and sandy, and depending on recent rainfall, we might make a few shallow-water crossings. Hiking poles may be helpful, and there may be the possibility of wet feet.

Date: Wednesday, May 10

Time: 7:30 a.m. – 9:30 a.m.

Where: Gabe Zimmerman Davidson Canyon Trailhead at Cienega Creek Natural Preserve, 16000 E. Marsh Station Road 85641

Cost: $5 activity fee. Online registration required.

Birding For EveryBODY:

Agua Caliente Park

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 Agua Caliente Park where we hope to see waterfowl, woodpeckers, sparrows, finches and more. Each registered participant is welcome to bring a support person. This program is offered in partnership with the Tucson Audubon Society.

Date: Thursday, May 11

Time: 6:00 a.m. – 7:30 a.m

Where: Pima County Agua Caliente Park, 12325 E. Roger Road 85749

Cost: Free. Online registration opens on the second Saturday of the previous month; visit https://tucsonaudubon.org/field-trips/

Click to Register for Birding for EveryBODY

Loops and Lizards

We all enjoy strolls along the Loop in the early morning hours as the sun warms the pavement under our feet. Guess what? So do the lizards! Join a naturalist on a morning stroll along the Julian Wash Greenway, a great spot to watch the lizards rise from their slumber and warm up on the rocks and pavement before going about their day. You may even catch a glimpse of their breakfast! Wear sunscreen and good walking shoes.

Dates: Thursday, May 11, Thursday, June 1, and Saturday, June 17

Time: 8:00 a.m. - 10:00 a.m.

Where: Roy Schoonover trailhead. Los Reales and S Kolb Rd.

Cost: $5 activity fee. Children free with paid adult. Online registration required.

Anza Tour at Historic Canoa Ranch

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. A 5-mile segment of the Juan Bautista de Anza National Historic Trail extends through Historic Canoa Ranch.

Date: Friday, May 12

Time: 9:00 a.m. – 10:00 a.m.

Where: Historic Canoa Ranch, 5375 S. I-19 Frontage Rd, Green Valley 85622

Cost: $5 activity fee. Online registration required.

Morning in the Park|Mañana en el Parque

Enjoy a family-friendly morning at Desert Haven Park, every 2^nd Saturday of the month. Drop in any time between 10-Noon am for kid’s nature activities, nature walks, other programming and special guests. Learn about nature in your neighborhood and this special ecosystem in the city. All ages and abilities encouraged. Se habla español.

Disfrute de una mañana familiar en Desert Haven Park, cada segundo sábado del mes. Visítenos en cualquier momento entre las 10 a.m. y las 12 p. m. para actividades para niños, paseos por la naturaleza, otros programas e invitados especiales. Aprenda sobre la naturaleza en su barrio y este ecosistema especial en la ciudad. Todas las edades y habilidades son bienvenidas.

Date: Saturday, May 13

Time: 9:00 a.m.- 11:00 pm

Where: Desert Haven Natural Resource Park, 1850 E 36th St, Tucson, AZ 85713 (Entrance is off of Campbell Avenue)

Cost: Free. No registration required.

Living River Ramble

Take a guided stroll along the Chuck Huckelberry Loop to see a desert river brought back to life, then wander to the water’s edge for an intimate peek at this recently revived riparian habitat.

Learn about the ecology and history of the Santa Cruz – its ups and downs – and how this once-dry portion flows again thanks to recycled water.

Dates: Sundays, May 14 and June 11

Time: 9:00 a.m. – 10:00 a.m.

Where: Meet in front of Pima County Wheeler Taft Abbett Sr. Branch Library, 7800 N. Schisler Drive 85743

Cost: $5 activity fee. Online registration required.

Birding Cienega Creek

Enjoy Spring migration at Cienega Creek, as we bird the desert and cottonwoods of this beautiful preserve. We hope to see warblers, flycatchers, tanagers, and other birds, some that will stay to breed, others are on their way north. Sections of the trail are steep and rocky. Please carry water and wear sturdy hiking shoes.

Date: Tuesday, May 16

Time: 7:30 a.m. – 9:30 a.m.

Where: Gabe Zimmerman Davidson Canyon Trailhead at Cienega Creek Natural Preserve, 16000 E. Marsh Station Road 85641

Cost: $5 activity fee. Online registration required.

Creatures of the Night:

Agua Caliente Park

Bats, and frogs, and snakes – oh my! Join two naturalists as we seek flying, slithering, and hopping creatures that come out at night. Explore the nocturnal world using bat detectors to discover which species are flying above our heads, and flashlights to observe snakes and other herpetofaunal creatures active during summer nights. Learn about the diversity, ecology, and conservation of these interesting nocturnal animals.

Dates: Wednesday, May 17 and Thursday, June 15

Times: 7:30 p.m. – 9:30 p.m.

Where: Pima County Agua Caliente Park, 12325 E. Roger Road 85749

Cost: $5 activity fee. Online registration required.

El Rio Preserve

Nature Trek

[registration opening soon]

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 trials as we explore the unique plants and animals of the Sonoran Desert. Please remember to wear comfortable shoes and bring plenty of water; wearing a hat and sunscreen are also recommended. Designed for ages 12 and up.

Dates: Thursdays, May 18 and June 15

Time: 8:00 a.m. – 9:30 a.m.

Where: El Rio Preserve, 10191 N. Coachline Blvd. Tucson 85743

Cost: $5.00 (Resident) | $6.50 (Non-Resident)

*Coupon is no longer available for free member registration.

Registration: Online registration at www.maranaaz.gov/recreation

Stargazing

Agua Caliente Park

Tucson Amateur Astronomy Association volunteers provide an introduction to the night sky and set up telescopes for celestial viewing. Feel free to bring your lawn chair. Free, family-friendly fun. Registration required. Weather permitting.

Date: Saturday, May 20

Times: 8:00 p.m. – 10:00 p.m.

Where: Pima County Agua Caliente Park, 12325 E. Roger Road 85749

Cost: Free. Online registration required.

Click to Register for Stargazing

Birding Canoa Ranch

Visit Historic Canoa Ranch, a birding hotspot in Pima County, to see what fall migration has produced. We hope to see waterfowl, shorebirds, raptors, and a lot more. Designed for ages 12 and up.

Dates: Tuesdays, May 23 and June 6

Time: 6:00 a.m. – 8:00 a.m.

Where: Historic Canoa Ranch, 5375 S. I-19 Frontage Road, Green Valley 85622

Cost: $5 fee. Online registration required

Loops and Lizards

We all enjoy strolls along the Loop in the early morning hours as the sun warms the pavement under our feet. Guess what? So do the lizards! Join a naturalist on a morning stroll at Paseo de las Iglesias, a great spot to watch the lizards rise from their slumber and warm up on the rocks and pavement before going about their day. You may even catch a glimpse of their breakfast! Wear sunscreen and good walking shoes.

Date: Thursday, May 25, and Saturday, June 10

Time: 8:00 a.m. – 10:00 a.m.

Where: Paseo de las Iglesias. 1011 Silverlake Rd. Tucson, AZ 85713

Cost: $5 fee. Children free with paid adult. Online registration required.

Creatures of the Night:

Canoa Ranch

Dates: Thursday, May 25 and Monday, June 27

Time: 7:30 p.m. – 9:30 p.m.

Where: Historic Canoa Ranch, 5375 S. I-19 Frontage Road, Green Valley 85622

Cost: $5 fee. Online registration required

Fledgling Birders: Birding for all Ages and Abilities

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 connecting with others. Join naturalist Jeff Babson for a casual birding experience to familiarize yourself with birding basics. Loaner binoculars available. All ages encouraged.

Dates: Saturdays, May 27 and June 24

Time: 7:30 a.m. – 9:00 a.m.

Where: Agua Caliente Park, 12325 E. Roger Road Tucson, AZ 85749

Cost: Free. Online registration required.

Full Moon Wander

Designed for ages 12 and up.

Date: Saturday, June 3

Time: 7:00 p.m. – 8:30 p.m.

Where: Feliz Paseos Park, 1600 North Camino de Oeste 85745

Cost: $5 activity fee. Online registration required.

Birding El Rio Preserve

[registration opening soon]

Join Pima County Natural Resources, Parks and Recreation birding expert Jeff Babson for this not-quite-yet summer trek in search of Yellow Warbler, Summer Tanager, Bell’s Vireo, and more. Remember to wear comfortable shoes and bring plenty of water; wearing a hat and sunscreen are also recommended.

Date: Tuesdays, June 6

Time: 7:00 a.m. – 9:00 a.m.

Where: El Rio Preserve, 10191 N. Coachline Blvd. Tucson 85743

Cost: $5.00 (Resident) | $6.50 (Non-Resident)*

Registration: Online registration at www.maranaaz.gov/recreation

*Coupon is no longer available for free members registration.

Dragons and Damsels of Agua Caliente Park

Agua Caliente Park is an excellent habitat for dragonflies and damselflies. On this walk, we explore the ponds in search of damsels and dragons, learn how to identify them, and discover the secrets of their amazing lives. All ages encouraged.

Date: Thursday, June 8

Time: 7:30 a.m. – 9:30 a.m.

Where: Pima County Agua Caliente Park, 12325 E. Roger Road 85749

Cost: $5 fee. Children free with paid adult. Online registration required

Butterflies and Dragonflies

of Cienega Creek

Retreat to the cool cottonwoods and willows of Cienega Creek as we explore the streamside butterflies, dragonflies, and damselflies.

Sections of the trail are steep and rocky. Please carry water and wear sturdy hiking shoes. All ages encouraged.

Date: Tuesday, June 13

Time: 7:30 a.m. – 9:30 a.m.

Where: Gabe Zimmerman Davidson Canyon Trailhead at Cienega Creek Natural Preserve, 16000 E. Marsh Station Road 85641

Cost: $5 activity fee. Online registration required.

To help keep our library, community center, and school programs free, please consider donating to the Pima County Parklands Foundation. To learn more, visit the website at pimaparklands.org.