September and October
In-person Nature Programs
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Active Net charges a convenience fee of $2.50 per transaction, plus 3 percent of the cost of the entire transaction. |
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Pima County recommends wearing a mask inside County buildings and in crowded outdoor spaces.
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Registered for one of our programs, but no longer able to attend? Please let us know.
Email us at:
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Stargazing Historic Canoa Ranch
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. All ages welcome. Free. Registration required. Weather permitting.
For the safety and comfort of all participants, no pets are allowed.
Date: Saturday, September 3
Time: 7:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m.
Where: Historic Canoa Ranch, 5375 S. I-19 Frontage Road, Green Valley 85622
Cost: Free. Online registration required
Registration: https://stargazing-canoa-sept22.eventbrite.com
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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.
For the safety and comfort of all participants, no pets are allowed.
Dates: Every Sunday in September; Every Saturday in October
Time: 8:30 a.m. - 9:30 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
Information: www.pima.gov/nrpr, eeducation@pima.gov or 520-724-5375
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Birding El Rio Preserve
Join us at El Rio Preserve for some summer birding, which in the Sonoran Desert means searching for species like Black-chinned Hummingbird, Brown-crested Flycatcher, Bell’s Vireo, and Lucy’s Warbler, to name just a few. Remember to bring a water bottle and sunscreen, and to wear a hat and comfortable shoes. All ages welcome.
For the safety and comfort of all participants, no pets are allowed.
Dates: Tuesdays, September 6 and October 4
Time: 7:30 a.m. – 9:30 a.m.
Where: El Rio Preserve, 10191 N. Coachline Blvd. Tucson 85743
Cost: $5.00 (Resident) | $6.50 (Non-Resident) | Free with Pima County Outdoor Activity Membership*
*Members: Please visit NRPR Registration site for Members’ COUPON CODE before registering for this program through Marana Parks and Recreation.
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'Slow Birding'
Agua Caliente Park
Enjoy the desert oasis of Agua Caliente Park to see raptors, flycatchers, warblers, and more. All ages welcome!
Slowing the pace has many benefits – for both nature and nature-lovers. When we are still in nature, nature becomes active around us, undisturbed, encouraging more and deeper observation, understanding and appreciation of our natural world. The pace, distance, and terrain of this program make it appropriate for persons with limited mobility.
As with all nature-related activities, our voices can have a large impact on what we see, so side conversations are discouraged. For the safety and comfort of all participants, no pets are allowed.
Dates:
Wednesday, September 7 from 7:00 – 9:00 a.m.
Wednesday, October 5 from 7:30 – 9:30 a.m.
Where: Agua Caliente Park, 12325 E. Roger Road 85749
Cost: $5 activity fee. Online registration required.
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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 are also recommended. All ages welcome.
For the safety and comfort of all participants, no pets are allowed.
Date: Thursdays, September 8 and October 6
Time: 8:00 a.m. – 9:30 a.m.
Where: Maeveen Behan Desert Sanctuary, 9101 N Thornydale Rd, Tucson, AZ 85742
Cost: $5 activity fee. Online registration required.
Information: www.pima.gov/nrpr, eeducation@pima.gov or 520-724-5375
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Bat Walk at Agua Caliente
Explore the nocturnal world of bats, beginning with an introduction to their diversity, biology, and conservation. The group will then set off on a casual stroll with bat detectors to determine which species are flying overhead.
For the safety and comfort of all participants, no pets are allowed.
Date: Thursday, September 8
Time: 7:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m.
Where: Agua Caliente Park, 12325 E. Roger Road 85749
Cost: $5 activity fee. Online registration required
Information: www.pima.gov/nrpr, eeducation@pima.gov or 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. All ages welcome.
Dates: Fridays, September 9 and October 7
Time: 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.
Information: www.pima.gov/nrpr, eeducation@pima.gov or 520-724-5375
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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.
For the safety and comfort of all participants, no pets are allowed.
Date: Saturday, September 10
Time: 8:00 a.m. – 9:30 a.m.
Where: Agua Caliente Park, 12325 E. Roger Road 85749
Cost: $5 activity fee. Children free with paid adult. Online registration required.
Information: www.pima.gov/nrpr, eeducation@pima.gov or 520-724-5375
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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. All ages welcome.
Dates: Every Saturday in September and October
Time: 8:30 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.
Information: www.pima.gov/nrpr, eeducation@pima.gov or 520-724-5375
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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.
For the safety and comfort of all participants, no pets are allowed.
Dates:
Saturday, September 10 from 7:00 p.m. – 8:30 p.m
Sunday, October 8 from 6:00 – 7:30 p.m.
Where: Feliz Paseos Park, 1600 North Camino de Oeste 85745
Cost: $5 activity fee. Online registration required.
Information: www.pima.gov/nrpr, eeducation@pima.gov or 520-724-5375
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Nature for EveryBODY:
Feliz Paseos
Enjoy a leisurely outdoor experience designed for nature lovers with accessibility challenges; wheelchairs, walkers, and other assistive equipment are welcome. The pace is slow, distance short, and terrain even. Explore the peaceful paths of Feliz Paseos Park where we hope to see blooming plants, chirping songbirds, and leaping lizards. Each registered participant is welcome to bring a support person.
For the safety and comfort of all participants, no pets are allowed.
Date: Wednesday, September 14
Time: 8:00 a.m. – 9:30 a.m.
Where: Pima County’s Feliz Paseos Park, 1600 N Camino De Oeste, Tucson, AZ 85745
Cost: Free. Online registration required.
Information: www.pima.gov/nrpr, eeducation@pima.gov or 520-724-5375
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Butterflies and Dragonflies of Cienega Creek
Explore the butterflies and dragonflies of the riparian woodlands of Cienega Creek. We’ll see what the monsoon brings; the better the rains, the more species we’re likely to find. It will be a fun time in a beautiful habitat! All ages encouraged.
Date: Wednesday, September 14
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 fee. Children free with paid adult. Online registration required
Information: www.pima.gov/nrpr, eeducation@pima.gov or 520-724-5375
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Hidden Canyon Hike
Join us for a moderate, two-mile hike in Hidden Canyon tucked away just north of the Starr Pass Resort in Tucson Mountain Park. This trail can be a little tricky to find, but it’s worth it. We’ll be greeted by saguaros, Palo Verdes and vistas as we climb about 350 feet in elevation, take in the view, and loop back on the Bowen Trail. Parts of the trail are rocky; Trekking poles encouraged and sure-footedness is a must.
Date: Thursday, September 15
Time: 8:00 to 11:00 am
Where: Hidden Canyon Trailhead (3800 W. Starr Pass Blvd.)
Cost: $5 fee. Online registration required.
Information: www.pima.gov/nrpr, eeducation@pima.gov or 520-724-5375
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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. All ages welcome. As with all nature-related activities, our voices can have a large impact on what we see, so side conversations are discouraged.
For the safety and comfort of all participants, no pets are allowed.
Dates: September 19 and 30, October 17 and 26
Time: 7:00 a.m. – 9:00 a.m.
Where: Historic Canoa Ranch, 5375 S. I-19 Frontage Road, Green Valley 85622
Cost: $5 fee. Online registration required
Information: www.pima.gov/nrpr, eeducation@pima.gov or 520-724-5375
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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 welcome.
Date: Tuesday, September 20
Time: 7:30 a.m. – 9:30 a.m.
Where: Agua Caliente Park, 12325 E. Roger Road 85749
Cost: $5 activity fee. Children free with paid adult. Online registration required
Information: www.pima.gov/nrpr, eeducation@pima.gov or 520-724-5375
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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. All ages welcome.
As with all nature-related activities, our voices can have a large impact on what we see, so side conversations are discouraged. For the safety and comfort of all participants, no pets are allowed.
Dates:
Wednesday, September 21 from 7:00 a.m. – 8:30 a.m.
Wednesday, October 19 from 7:30 a.m. – 9:00 a.m.
Where: Agua Caliente Park, 12325 E. Roger Road 85749
Cost: $5 activity fee. Online registration required.
Information: www.pima.gov/nrpr, eeducation@pima.gov or 520-724-5375
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Nature for EveryBODY:
Desert Haven
Enjoy a leisurely outdoor experience designed for nature lovers with accessibility challenges; wheelchairs, walkers, and other assistive equipment are welcome. The pace is slow, distance short, and terrain even. Explore the peaceful paths of Desert Haven Natural Resource Park where we hope to see blooming plants, chirping songbirds, and leaping lizards. Each registered participant is welcome to bring a support person. For the safety and comfort of all participants, no pets are allowed.
Date: Wednesday, September 28
Time: 8:00 a.m. – 9:30 a.m.
Where: Desert Haven Natural Resource Park, 1850 E 36th St, Tucson, AZ 85713
Cost: Free. Online registration required.
Information: www.pima.gov/nrpr, eeducation@pima.gov or 520-724-5375
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Santa Cruz River Ramble
Take a guided stroll on the Chuck Huckelberry Loop along the flowing Santa Cruz River to discover the effects of water on desert habitats. All ages welcome. Path is entirely on level, paved surface.
For the safety and comfort of all participants, no pets are allowed.
Dates: Thursdays, September 29 and October 27
Time: 6:00 – 7:00 pm
Where: Group meets in front of Pima County Wheeler Taft Abbett Sr Branch Library, 7800 N. Schisler Drive 85743
Cost: $5 activity fee. Online registration required.
Information: www.pima.gov/nrpr, eeducation@pima.gov, or 520-724-5375
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Mindful Nature Walk
Spending time outdoors 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 Pima County naturalist for a peaceful morning stroll with time to stop and reflect along the low-key trails of Feliz Paseos Park. This walk will include elements of guided mindfulness meditation and learning about the natural world around us.
Date: Friday, September 30
Time: 8:00 – 9:30 a.m.
Where: Pima County’s Feliz Paseos Park, 1600 N Camino De Oeste, Tucson, AZ 85745
Cost: $5 fee. Online registration required.
Information: www.pima.gov/nrpr, eeducation@pima.gov or 520-724-5375
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Stargazing Historic Agua Caliente
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. All ages welcome. Free. Registration required. Weather permitting.
For the safety and comfort of all participants, no pets are allowed.
Date: Saturday, October 1
Time: 6:30 p.m. – 8:30 p.m.
Where: Pima County Agua Caliente Park, 12325 E. Roger Road 85749
Cost: Free. Online registration required.
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Wild Skills: Reading a Topographic Map
Being able to read topographic maps makes outdoor adventures easier to plan, safer, and more fun. This beginner workshop will take the mystery out of topo maps and decode terminology like contour line and scale. You will learn how to recognize landforms, determine distance, identify hazards and predict what the terrain will be like. On the trail, these skills can help you decide which route to take, stay on course, and figure out where you are if you get lost.
Date: Tuesday, October 4
Time: 5:30 – 7:00 pm
Where: Brandi Fenton Memorial Park Visitor Center, 3482 E. River Road 85718
Cost: $10 fee. Online registration required.
Information: www.pima.gov/nrpr, eeducation@pima.gov or 520-724-5375
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Wild Skills: Compass Basics
A compass is an inexpensive but incredibly valuable tool for anyone who hikes, camps, mountain bikes, or spends time outdoors. It’s small and light – and the battery never dies! This beginner workshop will familiarize you with the anatomy of a compass, explain how it works, and teach the basics of navigating by compass, a skill that can be useful on a day hike, a backpacking expedition, or in case of an emergency. Compasses will be provided for use in class. To get the most out of this class, it is recommended that you have basic familiarity with map-reading (or take our Wild Skills: Reading a Topographic Map workshop) beforehand.
Date: Wednesday, October 5
Time: 5:30 – 7:00 pm
Where: Brandi Fenton Memorial Park Visitor Center, 3482 E. River Road 85718
Cost: $10 fee. Online registration required.
Information: www.pima.gov/nrpr, eeducation@pima.gov or 520-724-5375
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Wild Skills: Compass Basics 2
The second installment of this beginner workshop focuses on practicing the techniques learned in Compass Basics and increasing comfort using a compass to take bearings from a map and in the field. Students will also be exposed to basics concepts of orienteering, learn to determine their individual pace length, and practice navigating a simple course with multiple waypoints. Compasses will be provided for use in class. To get the most out of this class, it is recommended that you have basic familiarity with how a compass works (or take our Wild Skills: Compass Basics workshop) beforehand.
Date: Thursday, October 6
Time: 5:30 – 7:00 pm
Where: Brandi Fenton Memorial Park Visitor Center, 3482 E. River Road 85718
Cost: $10 fee. Online registration required.
Information: www.pima.gov/nrpr, eeducation@pima.gov or 520-724-5375
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Morning in the Park|Mañana en el Parque
Enjoy a family friendly morning at Desert Haven Park, every 2nd Saturday of the month. Drop in any time between 9-11 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 9 y las 11 a. 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.
October’s theme: Family Outdoor Exploration- Spending time in nature with your kids is affordable, safe and a fun way to get exercise and make memories together. Learn outdoor skills and great family-friendly nature destinations. Develop comfort and confidence exploring the local desert through hands-on demonstrations and games. All ages and abilities welcome.
El tema de octubre: Explorando naturaleza con la familia- Pasar tiempo en la naturaleza con sus hijos es asequible, seguro y una forma divertida de hacer ejercicio y crear recuerdos juntos. Aprenda tips, actividades y lugares naturales para visitar con toda la familia. Desarrolle comodidad y confianza explorando el desierto local a través de demostraciones y juegos. Todas las edades y habilidades son bienvenidas.
Date: Saturday, October 8
Time: 9:00 a.m.- 11:00 am
Where: Desert Haven Natural Resource Park, 1850 E 36th St, Tucson, AZ 85713 (Entrance is off of Campbell Avenue)
Cost: Free. No registration required.
Information: www.pima.gov/nrpr, eeducation@pima.gov or 520-724-5375
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Birding Cienega Creek
Check out what surprises fall migration brings to Cienega Creek, as we bird the desert and cottonwoods of this beautiful preserve. Sections of the trail are steep and rocky. Please carry water and wear sturdy hiking shoes. All ages welcome.
For the safety and comfort of all participants, no pets are allowed.
Date: Wednesday, October 12
Time: 8:00 a.m. – 10:00 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.
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Desert Haven Nature Walk
Join a naturalist-guided walk at one of Pima County’s newest natural resource parks, Desert Haven Natural Resources Park. The park is located in the 18th Street watershed and includes a lush riparian area. For the safety and comfort of all participants, no pets are allowed.
Date: Friday, October 14
Time: 8:00 a.m. – 9:30 a.m.
Where: Desert Haven Natural Resource Park, 1850 E 36th St, Tucson, AZ 85713
Cost: $5 fee. Online registration required
Information: www.pima.gov/nrpr, eeducation@pima.gov or 520-724-5375
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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. This month’s birding explores the emerging birding hotspot of 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: Saturday, October 15
Time: 7:00 a.m. – 8:30 a.m.
Where: Pima County Agua Caliente Park, 12325 E. Roger Road 85749
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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. All ages welcome.
Date: Friday, October 21
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.
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Mindful Nature Walk
Spending time outdoors 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 Pima County naturalist for a peaceful morning stroll with time to stop and reflect. This walk will include elements of guided mindfulness meditation and learning about the natural world around us.
Date: Monday, October 24
Time: 8:00 – 9:30 a.m.
Where: Pima County Agua Caliente Park, 12325 E. Roger Road 85749
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Birding Colossal Cave
Mountain Park
Fall migration is underway in Arizona! We will see what birds are passing through the Arizona Uplands of Colossal Cave Mountain Park. All ages welcome For the safety and comfort of all participants, no pets are allowed.
Date: Tuesday, October 25
Time: 7:30 am to 9:30 a.m.
Cost: $5 activity fee. Online registration required
Information: www.pima.gov/nrpr, eeducation@pima.gov or 520-724-5375
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Nature for EveryBODY:
Pima Prickly Park
Join Alex Wolfe for a leisurely outdoor experience designed for nature lovers with accessibility challenges; wheelchairs, walkers, and other assistive equipment are welcome. The pace is slow, distance short, and terrain even. Explore the peaceful paths of Feliz Paseos Park where we hope to see blooming plants, chirping songbirds, and possibly some reptiles as the temperatures warm up. Each registered participant is welcome to bring a support person.
For the safety and comfort of all participants, no pets are allowed.
Dates: Wednesdays, October 26
Time: 9:00 a.m. – 10:30 a.m.
Where: Pima Prickly Park 3500 W. River Road 85741
Cost: Free. Online registration required.
Information: www.pima.gov/nrpr, eeducation@pima.gov or 520-724-5375
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Birding For EveryBODY: Feliz Paseos
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. This month’s birding eexplores the desert Oasis of Feliz Paseos Park to see hummingbirds, sparrows, woodpeckers, and more. Each registered participant is welcome to bring a support person. This program is offered in partnership with the Tucson Audubon Society.
Date: Saturday, October 29
Time: 7:00 a.m. – 8:30 a.m.
Where: Feliz Paseos Park, 1600 North Camino de Oeste Tucson 85745
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Painted Hills Nature Hike
Enjoy a naturalist-guided hike along Pima County’s Painted Hills Trail System. During a 2-3 mile, easy to moderate level, interpretive hike, we will focus on the natural history and adaptations of Sonoran Desert plants and wildlife. Ages 12 and up.
For the safety and comfort of all participants, no pets are allowed.
Date: Saturday, October 29
Time: 8:00 a.m. – 10:30 a.m.
Where: Painted Hills Trailhead, 3590 W. Anklam Road Tucson, AZ 85745
Cost: $5 fee. Online registration required.
Information: www.pima.gov/nrpr, eeducation@pima.gov or 520-724-5375
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To support Environmental Education programs, enter Environmental Education in the "Enter Name of Project Here" line.
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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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Parklands Foundation
3500 W. River Rd
Tucson, AZ 85741
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Thank you for your support! |
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Look for more Birding and Nature Walks coming in November!
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If you have questions about our programs
or need assistance, contact us at:
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