July and August
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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Sunset Family Walk
Join Alex Wolfe for a relaxing stroll during the last light of the day. Enjoy dropping temps and colorful skies before the sun dips away behind the horizon. Experience the shifting sounds as day transitions into night and possibly even some wildlife sightings. This walk will be on smooth dirt or paved trails. Bring a flashlight or headlamp, water, and close-toed comfortable walking shoes. This program is appropriate for all ages. Paid adult must accompany children.
For the safety and comfort of all participants, no pets are allowed.
Dates: Fridays, July 1 and 15; August 5 and 19
Time: 7:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.
Where: Agua Caliente Park, 12325 E. Roger Road 85749
Cost: : $5 activity fee. Children free with paid adult. Online registration required.
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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, July 5 and August 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) | 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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An Evening of Herpetofauna
Dusk is the best time to catch the changing of the herpetofaunal guards, from the daytime sprinters to the nighttime prowlers. Join us as we say good night to the lizards and a good evening welcome to the snakes. If we’re really lucky, we may even see some frogs! Headlamps and binoculars will be available for loan, or you may bring your own. All ages encouraged.
For the safety and comfort of all participants, no pets are allowed.
Date: Tuesday, July 5
Time: 6:00 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.
Where: Historic Canoa Ranch, 5375 S. I-19 Frontage Rd, Green Valley 85622
Cost: $5 activity fee. Children free with paid adult. Online registration required
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'Slow Birding'
Agua Caliente Park
Enjoy the desert oasis of Agua Caliente Park to see waterfowl, raptors, sparrows, 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: Wednesdays, July 6 and August 3
Time: 7:00 a.m. – 9:00 a.m.
Where: Agua Caliente Park, 12325 E. Roger Road 85749
Cost: $5 activity fee. Online registration required.
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An Evening of Herpetofauna
Dusk is the best time to catch the changing of the herpetofaunal guards, from the daytime sprinters to the nighttime prowlers. Join us as we say good night to the lizards and a good evening welcome to the snakes. If we’re really lucky, we may even see some frogs! Headlamps and binoculars will be available for loan, or you may bring your own. All ages encouraged.
For the safety and comfort of all participants, no pets are allowed.
Dates: Thursdays, July 7 and August 4
Time: 6:00 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.
Where: Agua Caliente Park, 12325 E. Roger Road 85749
Cost: $5 activity fee. Children free with paid adult. Online registration required
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Lizards of Agua Caliente Park
Join us as we search for whiptail, spiny, ornate tree, and other lizards that roam Agua Caliente Park. Binoculars are available for use or bring your own. All ages welcome.
For the safety and comfort of all participants, no pets are allowed.
Dates: Fridays, July 8 and August 12,
Time: 7:30 a.m. – 9:00 a.m.
Where: Agua Caliente Park, 12325 E. Roger Road 85749
Cost: $5 activity fee. Children free with paid adult. Online registration required.
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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: Sundays, July 10 and August 14
Time: 8:00 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: $5 activity fee. Online registration required.
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Bat Walk at Feliz Paseos
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 a bat detector to determine which species are flying over our heads.
For the safety and comfort of all participants, no pets are allowed.
Date: Monday, July 11
Time: 7:30 p.m. – 9:30 p.m.
Where: Feliz Paseos Park, 1600 North Camino de Oeste 85745
Cost: $5 activity fee. Online registration required
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Birding Cienega Creek
From ocotillo and creosote desert flats to willow-cottonwood riparian woodland, Cienega Creek offers a variety of habitats. We will be searching for migrant warblers, flycatchers, and other birds. 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: Tuesday, July 12
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.
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Gardening for Birds and Butterflies Digital Presentation
Want to attract birds and butterflies to your yard? Learn which native and arid-adapted plants, and other elements to include in your landscape to provide attractive wildlife friendly habitat.
Date: Tuesday, July 12
Time: 2:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m.
Where: Dusenbury-River Library; 5605 E River Rd UNIT 105, Tucson, AZ 85750
Cost: Free; No registration required
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Full Moon Wander
Join a Pima County naturalist to walk the gentle trails of Agua Caliente Park as the full moon rises. 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.
Date: Tuesday, July 12
Time: 7:00 p.m. – 8:30 p.m.
Where: Pima County Agua Caliente Park, 12325 E. Roger Road 85749
Cost: $5 fee. Online registration required.
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Nature for EVERY BODY:
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, July 13 and August 10
Time: 8:00 a.m. – 9:30 a.m.
Where: Pima Prickly Park 3500 W. River Road 85741
Cost: Free. Online registration required.
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Desert Night Shift
As most people retire indoors for the evening, our desert comes alive! Join Pima County naturalists on an easy hike to discover “who” is out and about in the desert at night. Learn why many animals, and even some plants, are nocturnal and how they manage life in the dark. Bring a headlamp or flashlight. All ages encouraged.
For the safety and comfort of all participants, no pets are allowed.
Date: Thursday, July 14
Time: 7:30 p.m. – 9:30 p.m.
Where: Sweetwater Preserve, 4001 N. Tortolita Road, 85745
Cost: $5 activity fee. Children free with paid adult. Online registration required
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An Evening of Herpetofauna
Dusk is the best time to catch the changing of the herpetofaunal guards, from the daytime sprinters to the nighttime prowlers. Join us as we say good night to the lizards and a good evening welcome to the snakes. If we’re really lucky, we may even see some frogs! Headlamps and binoculars will be available for loan, or you may bring your own. All ages encouraged.
For the safety and comfort of all participants, no pets are allowed.
Dates: Monday, July 18 and Thursday August 18
Time: 6:00 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.
Where: Gabe Zimmerman Davidson Canyon Trailhead at Cienega Creek Natural Preserve, 16000 E. Marsh Station Road 85641
Cost: $5 activity fee. Children free with paid adult. Online registration required
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Dragons and Damsels of Historic Canoa Ranch
Historic Canoa Ranch is a great birding site, but is also excellent for dragonflies and damselflies. On this walk, we will be searching for insects with evocative names like dancers, forktails, darners, amberwings, and saddlebags. All ages welcome.
For the safety and comfort of all participants, no pets are allowed.
Date: Tuesday, July 19
Time: 7:30 a.m. – 9:30 a.m.
Where: Historic Canoa Ranch, 5375 S. I-19 Frontage Road, Green Valley 85622
Cost: $5 activity fee. Children free with paid adult. 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. 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: Wednesdays, July 20 and August 17
Time: 7:00 a.m. – 8:30 a.m.
Where: Agua Caliente Park, 12325 E. Roger Road 85749
Cost: $5 activity fee. Online registration required.
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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.
Dates: Saturdays, July 23 and August 20
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.
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Nature Journaling for Everyone
By using our senses, curiosity, and creativity we can start a practice of nature journaling that helps us really get to know our wild neighbors. Join us at twilight among the prickly pear and ocotillo to explore fun, easy exercises that use words, numbers, and sketches to help us slow down and connect with the natural world. All experience levels are welcome. No art, math, or writing experience is necessary.
What to bring: Water, sunblock, a hat, and sturdy shoes; Pencil and unlined paper or a sketchbook if already you have one.
Date: Tuesday, August 9
Time: 6:30 p.m. – 8:30 p.m.
Where: Pima Prickly Park, 3500 W River Rd, Tucson, AZ 85741
Cost: $10 fee. Online registration required
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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.
Date: Thursday, August 11
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.
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Twilight Mindful Nature Walk
Spending time in nature can have healing and restorative power, relaxing both the mind and body. Join a Pima County naturalist for a peaceful twilight stroll with time to stop and reflect along the gentle, mostly-paved trails of Feliz Paseos Park. This walk will focus on using the natural setting, intentional movement, and guided mindfulness meditation to engage our senses and deepen our connection to the natural world. All are welcome, no meditation experience needed.
For the safety and comfort of all participants, no pets are allowed.
Date: Monday, August 15
Time: 6:30 p.m.– 8:00 p.m.
Where: Pima County’s Feliz Paseos Park, 1600 N Camino De Oeste, Tucson, AZ 85745
Cost: $5 activity fee. Online registration required
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Living with Urban Wildlife
Digital Presentation
Learn about our local wildlife, their habitat needs, and why they may be attracted to your yard or neighborhood. Discuss ways to design and manage your property to benefit both you and wildlife, and get practical tips for living in harmony with our fellow desert inhabitants.
Date: Tuesday, August 16
Time: 2:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m.
Where: Dusenbury-River Library; 5605 E River Rd UNIT 105, Tucson, AZ 85750
Cost: Free; No registration required
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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.
For the safety and comfort of all participants, no pets are allowed.
Date: Thursday, August 18
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
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Lizards and Other Critters at Brandi Fenton Park
Join a naturalist-guided walk in search of lizards, birds, small mammals and other desert wildlife. All ages welcome.
For the safety and comfort of all participants, no pets are allowed
Date: Saturday, August 20
Time: 7:30 a.m. – 9:00 a.m.
Where: Brandi Fenton Memorial Park, 3482 E. River Road 85718
Cost: $5 activity fee. Children free with paid adult. Online registration required
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Birding Colossal Cave
Mountain Park
Bird the Arizona Uplands of Colossal Cave Mountain Park, as we search for delights such as Northern Beardless-Tyrannulet, Brown-crested Flycatcher, Lucy’s Warbler, and Varied Bunting, to name a few. All ages welcome
For the safety and comfort of all participants, no pets are allowed.
Date: Tuesday, August 23
Time: 7:30 am to 9:30 a.m.
Cost: $5 activity fee. Online registration required
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Creatures of the Night
As the sun sets, many desert animals awaken and begin their daily activities. This program explores the nocturnal world of insects, spiders, birds, and bats. We will focus our attention around a blacklight sheet, set up to attract insects, while listening for nocturnal birds and bats, and anyone else who may make an appearance. Join us for a wonderful journey into nature at night.
For the safety and comfort of all participants, no pets are allowed.
Date: Wednesday, August 24
Time: 7:30 p. m. – 9:30 p.m.
Where: Gabe Zimmerman Davidson Canyon Trailhead at Cienega Creek Natural Preserve, 16000 E. Marsh Station Road 85641. We will meet at the ramada next to the parking lot.
Cost: $5 activity fee. Children free with paid adult. Online registration required
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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, August 25
Time: 7:30 p.m. – 9:30 p.m.
Where: Agua Caliente Park, 12325 E. Roger Road 85749
Cost: $5 activity fee. Online registration required
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Lizards and Other Creatures at Pima Prickly Park
Join a naturalist-guided walk in search of lizards, birds, small mammals and other desert wildlife. All ages encouraged.
For the safety and comfort of all participants, no pets are allowed.
Date: Saturday, August 27
Time: 7:30 a.m. – 9:00 a.m.
Where: Pima Prickly Park, 3500 W. River Road, Tucson 85741
Cost: $5 activity fee. Children free with paid adult. Online registration required
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Nature Journaling for Everyone
By using our senses, curiosity, and creativity we can start a practice of nature journaling that helps us really get to know our wild neighbors. Join us at twilight among the prickly pear and ocotillo to explore fun, easy exercises that use words, numbers, and sketches to help us slow down and connect with the natural world. All experience levels are welcome. No art, math, or writing experience is necessary.
What to bring: Water, sunblock, a hat, and sturdy shoes; Pencil and unlined paper or a sketchbook if already you have one.
Date: Sunday August 28
Time: 7:30 a.m. – 9:30 a.m.
Where: Agua Caliente Park, 12325 E Roger Rd, Tucson, AZ 85749
Cost: $10 fee. Online registration required
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Morning Mindful Nature Walk
Spending time in nature can have healing and restorative power, relaxing both the mind and body. Join a Pima County naturalist for a peaceful morning stroll with time to stop and reflect along the gentle, mostly-paved trails of Desert Haven Park. This walk will focus on using the natural setting, intentional movement, and guided mindfulness meditation to engage our senses and deepen our connection to the natural world. All are welcome, no meditation experience needed.
For the safety and comfort of all participants, no pets are allowed.
Date: Tuesday, August 30
Time: 7:00 a.m. – 8:00 a.m.
Where: Desert Haven Natural Resource Park, 1850 E. 36th Street 85713
Cost: $5 activity fee. Online registration required
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To help keep our school and youth programs free, please consider donating to the Pima County Parklands Foundation. To learn more, visit the website at pimaparklands.org. Once there, if you'd like to contribute, scroll down and click on the "DONATE" button. Donations are tax-deductible.
To support Environmental Education programs, enter Environmental Education in the "Enter Name of Project Here" line.
Thank you.
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Look for more Birding and Nature Walks coming in September!
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If you have questions about our programs
or need assistance, contact us at:
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