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Conservation Lands and Resources
https://www.pima.gov/CLR
520.724.5000
Environmental Education Program
https://bit.ly/CLR-EE
520.724.5375
eeducation@pima.gov
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November and December
In-person Nature Programs
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Our brand new registration site is up and ready to go. We hope you find the site easier to navigate. You will need to create a new account on your first visit, but after that registration should be a breeze. | |
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If you need assistance, contact:
Parks and Recreation Front Desk at 520-724-5000
Environmental Education Team at 520-724-5375
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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, November 1 and December 6
Time: 9:30 a.m. – 10:30 a.m.
Where: Historic Canoa Ranch, 5375 S. I-19 Frontage Road, Green Valley 85622
Cost: Free.
Registration Suggested. Drop-ins welcome when space permits.
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Birding 101: 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: Saturday, November 2 and December 7
Time: 8:00 a.m. – 9:30 a.m.
Where: Agua Caliente Park, 12325 E. Roger Road 85749
Cost: Free. Online registration required.
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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: Every Saturday in November and December
Time: 10:00 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.
Where: Historic Canoa Ranch, 5375 S. I-19 Frontage Road, Green Valley 85622
Cost: Free.
Registration Suggested. Drop-ins welcome when space permits.
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Stargazing
Tucson Mountain 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. Free, family-friendly fun. Registration required. Weather permitting.
Date: Saturday, November 2 and December 21
Time: 6:30 p.m. – 8:30 p.m.
Location: Juan Santa Cruz Picnic Area, 2000 N Kinney Road 85743
Cost: Free.
Registration Required: https://bit.ly/ticketsEE
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Desert Ecology Hike – Robles Pass
Join a Pima County Conservation Lands and Resources naturalist to explore Robles Pass at the southern end 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, November 4
Time: 8:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
Location: Robles Pass Trailhead, 2680 W Irvington Road 85746
Cost: $5 fee. Online registration required.
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Mindful Morning Nature Walk
Spending time in nature can have healing and restorative power, relaxing both the mind and body. Slowing down to consciously engage our senses while out walking not only calms and grounds us, but also deepens our connection to the natural world. Join a Conservation Lands Resources naturalist for a peaceful morning stroll through the park with time to stop and reflect. This walk will include elements of guided mindfulness meditation along with learning about the natural world around us.
Date: Wednesday, November 6 and December 4
Time: 8:00 a.m. – 9:00 a.m.
Where: Meet at Wheeler Taft Abbett Sr Library, 7800 N. Schisler Drive 85743
Cost: Free.
Registration: Please call (520-594-5200) or stop by the library to reserve a spot.
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Nature Stories – Wildlife Detectives
Have you ever seen wildlife in your yard? Through hands-on activities learn common desert wildlife, observation skills, and the amazing superpowers some desert creatures have. Free. Contact library to register.
Miller Golf Links Library
9640 E Golf Links Rd, Tucson, AZ 85730
Thursday, November 7 |10:30 a.m. – 11:30 p.m.
Santa Rosa Library
1075 S 10th Avenue 85701
Friday, November 8 |10:00 a.m. – 11:00 p.m.
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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, November 8, and 15, December 13 and 20
Times: 9:30 a.m. – 10:30 a.m.
Location: Historic Canoa Ranch, 5375 S. I-19 Frontage Road, Green Valley 85622
Cost: Free.
Registration Suggested. Drop-ins welcome when space permits.
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Sonoran Desert Stroll –
Feliz Paseos
Explore the paved and natural surface, Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) accessible trails of Feliz Paseos Park on the eastern edge of the Tucson Mountains. This casual nature walk for all abilities is especially good for introducing the mysteries of the Sonoran Desert. Distances will vary based on interest and ability.
Date: Friday, November 8 and December 6
Time: 8:00 a.m. – 9:00 a.m.
Location: Feliz Paseos Trails Park Trailhead, 1600 N Camino De Oeste, Tucson, AZ 85745
Cost: Free.
Registration Suggested. Drop-ins welcome when space permits.
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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. Free, family-friendly fun. Registration required. Weather permitting.
Date: Friday, November 8
Time: 6:30 p.m. – 8:30 p.m.
Location: Agua Caliente Park, 12325 E. Roger Road 85749
Cost: Free.
Registration Required: https://bit.ly/ticketsEE
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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, November 10 and 24, December 8 and 22
Time: 8:00 a.m. – 9:00 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.
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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.
Dates and Times:
Tuesday, November 12 |8:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
Wednesday, December 11 | 8:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.
Location: Wild Burro Trailhead,14810 N Secret Springs Dr, Marana 85658
Cost: $5.00 (Resident) | $6.50 (Non-Resident) Online registration required; visit www.maranaaz.gov/recreation
For more information: www.pima.gov/nrpr, eeducation@pima.gov or 520-724-5375
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El Rio Preserve
Nature Trek
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: Thursday, November 14 and December 12
Time: 8:00 a.m. – 9:30 a.m.
Where: El Rio Preserve, 10191 N. Coachline Blvd. 85743
Cost: $5.00 (Resident) | $6.50 (Non-Resident)
Registration: Online registration at www.maranaaz.gov/recreation
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Anza Trail Nature Hike at
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, November 15 and December 20
Time: 8:30 a.m. – 11:00 a.m.
Where: Historic Canoa Ranch, 5375 S. I-19 Frontage Rd, Green Valley 85622
Cost: $5 activity fee. Online registration required.
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Nature in Our Neighborhood
Naturaleza del Barrio – Cottonwood Lane
Enjoy a family-friendly morning exploring nature. Drop in any time between 9:30-11:30 a.m. for kid’s activities, guided nature walks, iNaturalist orientation and special guests. Learn about this special ecosystem in the city. All ages and abilities encouraged. Se habla español.
Disfrute de una mañana familiar explorando la naturaleza. Visítenos en cualquier momento entre las 9:30 y las 11:30 a. m. para actividades para niños, caminatas guiadas, orientación de iNaturalist e invitados especiales. Aprenda sobre este ecosistema especial en la ciudad. Todas las edades y habilidades son bienvenidas.
Date: Saturday, November 16
Time: 9:30 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.
Where: Las Milpitas Community Farm, 2405 S Cottonwood Lane 85713
Cost: Free. Online registration required.
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Full Moon
Wander at Feliz Paseos
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.
Date: Saturday, November 16 and Sunday, December 15
Time: 6:00 p.m. – 7:30 p.m.
Location: Feliz Paseos Park 1600 N Camino De Oeste, Tucson AZ 85745
Cost: $5 activity fee. Online registration required
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Birding Cienega Creek
With fall migration approaching its conclusion, we transition into winter birds, like sparrows and raptors. There is always the chance this time of year to find some lingering migrants, too! Sections of the trail are steep and rocky. Please carry water and wear sturdy hiking shoes.
Date: Tuesday, November 19 and December 10
Time: 8:00 a.m. – 10:00 a.m.
Where: Gabe Zimmerman Davidson Canyon Trailhead at Cienega Creek Natural Preserve, 16248 E. Marsh Station Road, Vail 85641
Cost: $5 activity fee. Online registration required.
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Desert Ecology Hike
Sweetwater Preserve
Join a Pima County Conservation Lands and Resources naturalist to explore 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: Wednesday, November 20
Time: 8:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
Location: Steve Anderson Sweetwater Preserve Trailhead, 4001 N Tortolita Road 85745
Cost: $5 activity fee. 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. Trekking poles are encouraged, and sure-footedness is a must.
Date: Thursday, November 21
Time: 8:30 a.m. – 11:00 a.m.
Location: Tortolita Preserve 6250 W Moore Rd, Marana, AZ 85685
Cost: $5.00 (Resident) | $6.50 (Non-Resident) Online registration required; visit www.maranaaz.gov/recreation
For more information: www.pima.gov/nrpr, eeducation@pima.gov or 520-724-5375
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Stargazing
Historic 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. Free, family-friendly fun. Registration required. Weather permitting.
Date: Saturday, November 23
Time: 6:30 p.m. – 8:30 p.m.
Location: Historic Canoa Ranch, 5375 S. I-19 Frontage Road, Green Valley 85622
Cost: Free.
Registration Required: https://bit.ly/ticketsEE
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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.
Date: Sunday, November 24 and December 22
Time: 9:30 a.m. – 10:30 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.
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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. Each registered participant is welcome to bring a support person.
This program is offered in partnership with the Tucson Audubon Society
Date: Monday, November 25 and Saturday, December 14
Time: 8:00 a.m. – 9:30 a.m.
Where: Historic Canoa Ranch, 5375 S. I-19 Frontage Road, Green Valley 85622
Cost: Free. Online registration opens on month before program; visit https://tucsonaudubon.org/go-birding/birding-field-trips/
For more information: email lsafford@tucsonaudubon.org, eeducation@pima.gov or call 520-724-5375
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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. Each registered participant is welcome to bring a support person.
This program is offered in partnership with the Tucson Audubon Society
Date: Monday, November 25
Time: 8:00 a.m. – 9:30 a.m.
Where: Agua Caliente Park, 12325 E. Roger Road 85749
Cost: Free. Online registration opens on month before program; visit https://tucsonaudubon.org/go-birding/birding-field-trips/
For more information: email lsafford@tucsonaudubon.org, eeducation@pima.gov or call 520-724-5375
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Nature in Our Neighborhood
Naturaleza del Barrio – Pima Prickly Park
Enjoy a family-friendly morning exploring nature. Drop in any time between 9:30-11:30 a.m. for kid’s activities, guided nature walks, iNaturalist orientation and special guests. Learn about this special ecosystem in the city. All ages and abilities encouraged. Se habla español.
Disfrute de una mañana familiar explorando la naturaleza. Visítenos en cualquier momento entre las 9:30 y las 11:30 a. m. para actividades para niños, caminatas guiadas, orientación de iNaturalist e invitados especiales. Aprenda sobre este ecosistema especial en la ciudad. Todas las edades y habilidades son bienvenidas.
Date: Friday, December 13
Time: 9:30 a.m. - 11:30 a.m.
Where: Pima Prickly Park, 3500 W River Rd, Tucson, AZ 85741
Cost: Free. Online registration required.
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Desert Ecology Hike –
Brown Mountain
Join a Pima County Conservation Lands and Resources naturalist to explore the Brown Mountain area at the western edge of 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: Friday, December 20
Time: 8:00 a.m. –12:00 p.m.
Location: Brown Mountain Trailhead, 8420 W McCain Loop 85743
Cost: $5 activity fee. Online registration required.
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Family Nature Art – Clay Creations
Enjoy a family-friendly morning of art and nature! All materials provided, no experience needed, all ages welcome. Explore the colors and shapes of nature and create your own clay project to take home.
Date: Saturday, December 21
Time: 1:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m.
Location: Brandi Fenton Visitor Center 3482 E River Road 85718
Cost: Free. 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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To support Environmental Education programs, include Environmental Education in the "Write a note" section. | |
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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Parklands Foundation
3500 W. River Rd
Tucson, AZ 85741
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Thank you for your support! | |
Look for more Birding and Nature Walks coming in January! | |
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Pima County Conservation Lands and Resources
520.724.5375
eeducation@pima.gov
www.pima.gov/CLR
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