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November and December
In-person Nature Programs
| | We welcome all ages, abilities, backgrounds, and identities to join our programs. Please let us know if there are accessibility need you would like us to be aware of. We do our best to make accommodation that would allow everyone to participate fully. Interested in a program but aren’t certain it’s a good match? We invite you to reach out with any questions. | | |
Signs of the Season Phenology Walks
Join us for a stroll along the ADA Accessible trails of Feliz Paseos to discover the seasonal rhythm of the desert.
Phenology is nature’s calendar – the timing of annual life-cycle events that are influenced by climate and weather, like blooming, migration, and nesting. We’ll stroll along level, paved paths to 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.
Historic Canoa Ranch
5375 S I-19 Frontage Rd, Green Valley 85622
Tuesday, November 3 and December 1 • 9:00 – 10:00 a.m.
Feliz Paseos Trails Park
1600 N Camino De Oeste, Tucson 85745
Sunday, November 8, 22, December 6 and 20 • 8:00 – 9:00 a.m.
Cost: Free.
Registration Requested: www.DiscoverNature.pima.gov
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Birding Agua Caliente Park
In southern Arizona the natural world begins to think about spring in March. This walk at Agua Caliente Park offers opportunities to view our desert denizens alongside some pond-loving riparian birds
Dates: Wednesday, November 4 and 18 AND December 2 and 16
Time: 8:00 a.m. – 9:30 a.m.
Location: Agua Caliente Park, 12325 E Roger Rd, Tucson 85749
Cost: Free*
Registration Requested: www.DiscoverNature.pima.gov
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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Birding Canoa Ranch
Canoa Ranch is a great place to do some birding. On this walk, we explore the pond, cienega, and surrounding desert of this hotspot. We expect to see an interesting mix
of migrant and resident birds.
Dates: Wednesday, November 4 and December 9
Time: 8:30 a.m. – 10:30 a.m.
Location: Historic Canoa Ranch, 5375 S I-19 Frontage Rd, Green Valley 85622
Cost: $5
Registration Requested: www.DiscoverNature.pima.gov
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Desert Ecology Hikes
Join a naturalist for a guided hike in Tucson Mountain Park.
Join a Pima County Conservation Lands and Resources naturalist to explore the natural history 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 2-3 mile hike, with some elevation change. Trekking poles are recommended and confidence on varied terrain is necessary. Bring a snack and plenty of water.
Cost: $5
Registration Requested: www.DiscoverNature.pima.gov
Camino de Oeste Trailhead
415 N Camino de Oeste, Tucson 85745
Friday, November 6 • 8:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m.
Painted Hills Trailhead
3590 W Anklam Rd, Tucson 85745
Friday, December 4 • 8:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m.
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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 and Times:
Friday, November 6 • 9:00 a.m. – 10:30 a.m.
Friday, December 4 • 9:30 a.m. – 11:00 a.m.
Location: Historic Canoa Ranch, 5375 S I-19 Frontage Rd, Green Valley 85622
Cost: Free
Registration Requested: www.DiscoverNature.pima.gov
Drop-ins welcome when space permits.
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Winter Nature Journaling: A Celebration of Change
Nature journaling is a great way to
rev up your sensory muscles, discover something new about your local ecosystem, develop a relationship with place, and boost your mental health.
Join us for one or all three workshops. Together we will connect with nature, stretch our creative muscles, and document the beautiful flora and fauna of our Sonoran Desert home. Journaling supplies provided.
Isabella Lee Natural Preserve
1701 N Bonanza Ave, Tucson, AZ 85749
Friday, November 6 • 9:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m.
El Rio Preserve
10191 N Coachline Blvd, Marana 85743
Friday, November 20 • 9:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m.
*Registration: www.maranaaz.gov/recreation
Feliz Paseos Trails Park
1600 N Camino De Oeste, Tucson, 85745
Friday, December 4 • 9:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m.
Agua Caliente Park
12325 E Roger Rd, Tucson 85749
Friday, December 18 • 9:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m.
Cost: $5
Registration Requested: www.DiscoverNature.pima.gov
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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 November and December (except Nov 14)
9:00 – 10:30 a.m.
Every Friday in November and December (except Dec 25)
1:00 p.m. – 2:30 p.m.
Location: Historic Canoa Ranch, 5375 S I-19 Frontage Rd, Green Valley 85622
Cost: Free
Registration Requested: www.DiscoverNature.pima.gov
Drop-ins welcome when space permits.
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El Rio Preserve
Nature Strolls
Join a Pima County Naturalist for a guided nature stroll 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: Sunday, November 12, December 10 and 24
Time: 9:00 a.m. – 10:30 a.m.
Location: El Rio Preserve, 10191 N Coachline Blvd, Marana 85743
Cost: $5.00 (Marana Resident) • $6.25 (Non-Resident)
Registration Required: www.maranaaz.gov/recreation
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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 connect with others. Join naturalist Jeff Babson for a casual birding experience to familiarize yourself with birding basics. Loaner binoculars available. All ages encouraged.
Cost: Free.
Registration Requested: www.DiscoverNature.pima.gov
Agua Caliente Park
12325 E. Roger Rd, Tucson 85749
Thursday, November 12 and December 8 • 4:30 p.m. – 6:00 p.m.
Historic Canoa Ranch
5375 S I-19 Frontage Rd, Green Valley 85622
Tuesday, November 24 • 8:30a.m. - 10:30a.m.
Wednesday, December 16 • 8:30 a.m. – 10:30 a.m.
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Tour of Barrio Viejo
Join us for a casual walking tour of Barrio Viejo.
Discover the art, history, and architecture 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 stroll from the El Tiradito shrine to Lee Ho's former grocery store will highlight local history from the Spanish Entrada to territorial status and the arrival of the railroad. We'll also discuss the impacts of urban renewal and gentrification.
Date: Friday, November 13 and December 18
Time: 8:00 a.m. – 10:00 a.m.
Location: Meet at Bar Crisol, 196 W. Simpson St, Tucson 85701
Cost: Free.
Registration Required: www.DiscoverNature.pima.gov
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Meet your guides:
Mely Bohlman is a bilingual (ENG/SPAN) Environmental Education Program Specialist for Pima County Conservation Lands and Resources.
Franklin Lane is a volunteer and former High School teacher and hiking guide. He is a member of the Pima County Master Naturalists and a passionate Southwest, amateur historian. He currently also serves as a docent at the Presidio San Augustin del Tucson.
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Birding for EveryBODY
This outing is intentionally designed to be accessible and inclusive.
Join Kimberly Aikins 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 Bird Alliance.
Programs are FREE
Registration Required: https://tucsonbirds.org/field-trips/
Historic Canoa Ranch
5375 S. I-19 Frontage Rd, Green Valley 85622
Saturday, November 14 and December 12 • 8:00 – 10:00 a.m.
Agua Caliente Park
12325 E Roger Rd, Tucson 85749
Sunday, November 22 and December 13 • 8:00 – 10:00 a.m.
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Desert Myth Busters
Can I drink from a cactus? Is a Gila monster bite fatal? Are those killer bees? These are just some of the frequently heard questions around the Sonoran Desert. We’re here to help set the record straight and uncover the truth about misunderstood desert creatures.
Date: Saturday, November 14
Time: 10:30 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.
Location: Valencia Library, 202 W Valencia Rd, Tucson 85706
Cost: Free.
Registration: Check with the library to reserve a spot.
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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. 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.
Spend time being still beside the water's edge. Along the way, we’ll keep our eyes out for water-loving plants and animals that have returned.
Dates: Sunday, November 15 and 29, December 13 and 27
Times: 9:00 a.m. – 10:00 a.m.
Location: Group meets in front of Wheeler Taft Abbett Sr. Library,
7800 N Schisler Dr, Tucson 85743
Cost: $5
Registration Requested: www.DiscoverNature.pima.gov
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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. Hikers under 16 must be accompanied by an adult.
Dates: Monday, November 16
Time: 8:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
Location: Wild Burro Trailhead, 14810 N Secret Springs Dr, Marana 85658
Cost: $5.00 (Marana Resident) • $6.25 (Non-Resident)
Ages: Hikers under 16 must be accompanied by an adult
Registration Required: www.maranaaz.gov/recreation
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Birding Cienega Creek
A leisurely bird walk through the desert and riparian habitats at Cienega Creek Preserve.
October is a transitional month as summer breeders start to head to the 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.
Date: Monday, November 16 and December 7
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
Registration Required: www.DiscoverNature.pima.gov
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Nature Therapy
Nature journaling is a great way to
rev up your sensory muscles, discover something new about your local ecosystem, develop a relationship with place, and boost your mental health.
Nature Therapy, also known as Shinrin-Yoku or "forest bathing", is a mindful practice of connecting with nature through all of our senses. By slowing down and becoming fully present we shift our focus from "getting there" to simply "being here", allowing us to deepen our connection with the natural world around us. Research suggests that nature therapy can help reduce stress and alleviate anxiety, while promoting an overall sense of well-being.
Agua Caliente Park
12325 E Roger Rd, Tucson 85749
Wednesday, November 18 • 9:00 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.
Feliz Paseos Trails Park
1600 N Camino De Oeste, Tucson 85745
Tuesday, December 15 • 9:00 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.
Cost: Free.
Registration Required: www.DiscoverNature.pima.gov
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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, November 18 and December 9
Time: 8:00 a.m. – 10:00 a.m.
Location: Meets at El Rio Preserve, 10191 N Coachline Blvd, Marana 85743
Cost: $5.00 (Resident) | $6.25 (Non-Resident)
Registration Required: www.maranaaz.gov/recreation
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Tortolita Preserve Nature Stroll
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, November 19
Time: 8:30 a.m. – 11:00 a.m.
Location: Tortolita Preserve Trailhead, 6250 W Moore Rd, Marana 85658
Cost: $5.00 (Marana Resident) • $6.25 (Non-Resident)
Registration Required: www.maranaaz.gov/recreation
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Restoration Seed Ball Making Workshop
Join us for a morning giving back to our Sonoran Desert home.
Learn about the threats invasive species pose to these iconic landscapes and the community efforts to remove them from our wild and urban spaces. Make seedballs for distribution as part of Conservation Lands and Resources restoration efforts and take home some native wildflower seedballs to help create urban habitat for pollinators and other wildlife in your community.
Date: Friday November 20
Time: 9:00 a.m. – 10:30 am
Location: Feliz Paseos Trails Park, 1600 N Camino De Oeste, Tucson, 85745
Cost: Free
Registration Requested: www.DiscoverNature.pima.gov
Drop-ins welcome when space permits.
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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.
Description: 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.
Date: Friday, November 20 and December 18
Time: 9:30 a.m.- 10:30 a.m.
Location: Historic Canoa Ranch, 5375 S I-19 Frontage Rd, Green Valley 85622
Cost: Free
Registration Requested: www.DiscoverNature.pima.gov
Drop-ins welcome when space permits.
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Stargazing
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 day of event.
Cost: Free
Registration Requested: www.DiscoverNature.pima.gov
Historic Canoa Ranch
5375 S I-19 Frontage Rd, Green Valley 85622
Friday, November 20 • 6:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.
Agua Caliente Park
12325 E Roger Rd, Tucson 85749
Saturday, December 12 • 6:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.
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Family Nature Exploration: Desert Pantry
Join us for a family-friendly morning getting to know edible desert plants and how humans’ use plants traditionally and currently.
Bring the whole family as we explore the beautiful desert trails of Feliz Paseos learning about humans’ relationship to plants! Learn through hands on exploration of seed processing, join a native plants scavenger hunt, and make desert plants craft to take home.
Date: Saturday, November 21
Time: 9:00 a.m. – 10:30 a.m.
Location: Feliz Paseos Trails Park, 1600 N Camino De Oeste, Tucson 85745
Cost: Free
Registration Requested: www.DiscoverNature.pima.gov
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Arizona Trail History Hike
Join us on the Arizona National Scenic Trail for a 2-3 mile guided hike through Colossal Cave Mountain Park and the many fascinating peoples and cultures who have called this area home. Trekking poles are recommended and confidence on varied terrain is necessary. Bring a snack and plenty of water.
Date: Monday, November 23
Time: 8:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m.
Location: Colossal Cave Mountain Park, 16721 E Old Spanish Trail, Vail 85641
Cost: $5
Registration Required: www.DiscoverNature.pima.gov
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Arrastre Wash Nature Hike
with a Geology Twist
Learn about the natural, cultural, and geological history of the Tucson Mountains on this 4-mile hike with a variety of terrain: gravel trail, sandy wash, rugged uphill, and some obstacles to climb over. Trekking poles are encouraged, and sure-footedness is a must. Bring your lunch and plenty of water.
Date: Thursday, December 3
Time: 9:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.
Location: Meet at pullout K-19 on Kinney Rd, Tucson 85749
Cost: $5
Registration Required: www.DiscoverNature.pima.gov
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Sweetwater Preserve Nature Hike
with a Geology Twist
Join a naturalist and explore the geologic evidence that will help you understand the Tucson Mountain Chaos and the plants and animals that live there. Bring your curiosity and questions.
Date: Thursday, December 17
Time: 9:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
Location: Sweetwater Preserve, 4001 N. Tortolita Road, Tucson 85745
Cost: $5
Registration Required: www.DiscoverNature.pima.gov
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Living with Urban Wildlife: Sonoran Desert Neighbors
Learn about our local wildlife, their habitat needs, and why they may be attracted to your yard or neighborhood. Get practical tips for living in harmony with our fellow desert inhabitants.
Date: Tuesday, December 8
Time: 2:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m.
Location: Dewhirst-Catalina Library, 15631 N Oracle Rd #199, Catalina 85739
Cost: Free.
Registration: Check with the library to reserve a spot.
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Backyard
Watchable Wildlife
Learn about our local wildlife, their habitat needs, and why they may be attracted to your yard or neighborhood. Get practical tips for living in harmony with our fellow desert inhabitants.
Date: Saturday, December 12
Time: 10:30 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.
Location: Valencia Library, 202 W Valencia Rd Tucson AZ 85706
Cost: Free.
Registration: Check with the library to reserve a spot.
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Family Nature Exploration: Winter Nature Crafts
Join us for a family-friendly morning of learning, exploration, creation, and experience why winter in the desert is so special.
Bring the whole family as we discover the magic of winter in the Sonoran Desert. Go on a winter scavenger hunt and make nature crafts to decorate for and celebrate the holidays.
Date: Saturday, December 19
Time: 9:00 a.m. – 10:30 a.m.
Location: Brandi Fenton Park Visitor Center, 3482 E River Rd, Tucson 85718
Cost: Free
Registration Requested: www.DiscoverNature.pima.gov
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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. Hikers under 16 must be accompanied by an adult.
Dates: Monday, December 21
Time: 8:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
Location: Wild Burro Trailhead, 14810 N Secret Springs Dr, Marana 85658
Cost: $5.00 (Marana Resident) • $6.25 (Non-Resident)
Ages: Hikers under 16 must be accompanied by an adult
Registration Required: www.maranaaz.gov/recreation
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Rocks of the Rincon Mountains
Join an interpretive naturalist for a guided geology hike in Colossal Cave Mountain Park.
As an exceptional karst and cave landscape and culturescape, Colossal Cave Mountain Park represents not only a chance to interpret the fascinating and unique geologic forces that shaped our bioregion, but how those very forces shaped the biodiversity and cultural resilience that came about because of those tumultuous geological processes.
Date: Monday, December 28
Time: 8:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m.
Location: Colossal Cave Mountain Park, 16721 E Old Spanish Trail, Vail 85641
Cost: $5
Registration Required: www.DiscoverNature.pima.gov
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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 & Nature Outings coming in January 2027! | | |
Pima County Conservation Lands and Resources
520.724.5375
EEducation@pima.gov
www.pima.gov/CLR
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