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 transaction. |
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Group size will be strictly adhered to. Walk-ins will not be permitted to join. |
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For all Environmental Education activities,
un-vaccinated individuals are asked
to wear a mask.
For all indoor activities, face masks are mandatory for everyone, regardless of vaccination status.
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Birding Canoa Ranch
Join a Pima County naturalist to see summer breeding birds at Historic Canoa Ranch, where we hope to see warblers, flycatchers, woodpeckers, and a lot more. All ages welcome.
Dates: September 3, 11, and 28 and October 8 and 23
Time: 7:30 a.m. – 9:30 a.m.
Where: Historic Canoa Ranch, 5375 S. I-19 Frontage Road, Green Valley 85622
Cost: $5 fee. 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. All ages welcome.
Dates: Every Saturday in September and October
Time: 8:30 a.m. – 10 a.m.
Where: Historic Canoa Ranch, 5375 S. I-19 Frontage Road, Green Valley 85622
Cost: $5 fee. Online registration required.
For more information: www.pima.gov/nrpr, eeducation@pima.gov or 520-724-5375
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Walk The Path of the Ancestors
Explore a shaded trail along a riparian corridor in Colossal Cave Mountain Park and discover how native people built structures, utilized tools to hunt game animals and used what is now called Colossal Cave. All ages welcome.
Date: Friday, September 3
Time: 8:00 a.m. – 9:30 a.m.
Where: Colossal Cave Mountain Park, 16721 E. Old Spanish Trail 85641
Cost: $5 fee. Online registration required.
Information: www.pima.gov/nrpr, eeducation@pima.gov or 520-724-5375
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WYSIWYG Walk –
“What You See Is What You Get!”
Join a Pima County Naturalist on an easy-level stroll through one of our beautiful parks. On this adventure there is no destination, so come along to enjoy the journey to learn about whatever nature throws our way! Hikes will be between 1 and 2 miles long, depending on what we see and experience. So, bring plenty of water, your hat, sunscreen, and your sense of adventure. All ages welcome.
Date: Saturday, September 4
Time: 9:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m.
Where: Pima County Sweetwater Preserve, 4000 N. Tortolita Road, Tucson 85745
Cost: $5 fee. Online registration required.
Information: www.pima.gov/nrpr, eeducation@pima.gov or 520-724-5375
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Birding El Rio Preserve
El Rio Preserve is a birding hotspot that is an interesting mix of Sonoran Desert and riparian habitats. As the desert warms up we will be looking for resident birds, such as Greater Roadrunner, Mexican Duck and Song Sparrow. We will also be on the lookout for early fall migrants. Please remember to wear a hat and bring plenty of water and sunscreen. All ages welcome.
Dates: Tuesdays, September 7 from 7:00 a.m. – 9:00 a.m. and October 5 from 8:00 a.m. – 10:00 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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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.
Dates: Thursdays, September 9 and 30 and October 7 and 21
Time: 8:30 a.m. – 9:30 a.m.
Where: Historic Canoa Ranch, 5375 S. I-19 Frontage Road, Green Valley 85622
Cost: $5 fee. Online registration required.
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‘Slow Nature’ Walk
K.E.R.P.
Join a Pima County naturalist for a leisurely walk adjacent to the Ed Pastor Kino Environmental Restoration Project to explore the plants and signs of wildlife that water brings to the desert. Slowing the pace has many benefits – for both nature and nature-lovers.
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. All ages, mobilities, & abilities welcome.
The pace, distance, and terrain of this program make it appropriate for persons with limited mobility.
Date: Friday, September 10
Time: 8:00 a.m. – 9:00 a.m.
Where: Pima County’s Sam Lena Park/ Kino Ecosystem Restoration Project (KERP), 3400 S. Country Club Road 85713
Cost: Cost: $5 fee. Online registration required.
Information: www.pima.gov/nrpr, eeducation@pima.gov or 520-724-5375
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Prickly Pear Workshop
Enjoy the bounty of the desert as we prepare the sweet and succulent fruit of the prickly pear cactus. Learn about the many uses for prickly pear cactus, check out cochineal bugs, make prickly pear juice, and enjoy some ice cream with prickly pear syrup. All ages 21 and up.
Date: Saturday, September 11
Time: 9:30 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
Where: Pima County Agua Caliente Park, 12325 E. Roger Road 85749
Cost: $10 fee. Online registration required.
For more information: www.pima.gov/nrpr, eeducation@pima.gov or 520-724-5375
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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. All ages welcome. Free. Registration not required. Weather permitting.
Date: Saturday, Saturday 11
Time: 7:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m.
Where: Pima County Agua Caliente Park, 12325 E. Roger Road 85749
Cost: Free. Online registration required; https://september_stagazing_aguacalientepark.eventbrite.com
For more information: www.pima.gov/nrpr, eeducation@pima.gov or 520-724-5375
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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 the trail, and figure out where you are if you happen to get lost.
Date: Sunday, September 12
Time: 9:00 am to 10:30 am
Where: Brandi Fenton Memorial Park Visitor Center, 3482 E. River Road 85718
Cost: $5 fee. Online registration required
For more information: www.pima.gov/nrpr, eeducation@pima.gov or 520-724-5375
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Wild Skills: Using a Compass
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 teach the basics of navigation using a 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 workshop) beforehand.
Date: Sunday, September 12
Time: 10:30 am to Noon
Where: Brandi Fenton Memorial Park Visitor Center, 3482 E. River Road 85718
Cost: $5 fee. Online registration required
For more information: www.pima.gov/nrpr, eeducation@pima.gov or 520-724-5375
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Birding the Santa Catalina Mountains
Explore Mt. Lemmon in search of montane birds like woodpeckers, songbirds, and many more. All ages welcome
Date: Tuesday, September 14
Time: 7:30 a.m. – 10:00 a.m.
Where: Meet by the McDonald’s at 9075 E. Tanque Verde Road on the NE corner of Tanque Verde Road and Catalina Highway
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 discovery the secrets of their amazing lives. We will also search for exuviae, the exoskeleton the larva leaves behind as it transforms into an adult. All ages welcome.
Date: Friday, September 17
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.
Information: www.pima.gov/nrpr, eeducation@pima.gov or 520-724-5375
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WYSIWYG Walk –
“What You See Is What You Get!”
Join a Pima County Naturalist on an easy-level stroll through one of our beautiful parks. On this adventure there is no destination, so come along to enjoy the journey to learn about whatever nature throws our way! Hikes will be between 1 and 2 miles long, depending on what we see and experience. So, bring plenty of water, your hat, sunscreen, and your sense of adventure. All ages welcome.
Date: Saturday, September 18
Time: 9:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m.
Where: Maeveen Behan Desert Sanctuary Trailhead, Arthur Pack Regional Park 85742
Cost: $5 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. Ages 12 and up.
Dates: September 20, 6:00 – 7:30 p.m. and October 20, 5:30 – 7:00 p.m.
Where: Pima County Feliz Paseos Park, 1600 North Camino de Oeste 85745
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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‘Slow Birding’ at
Agua Caliente Park
Enjoy the desert oasis of Agua Caliente Park to see hummingbirds, raptors, flycatchers, and more.
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. All ages, mobilities, and abilities welcome.
The pace, distance, and terrain of this program make it appropriate for persons with limited mobility.
Date: Tuesday, September 21
Time: 7:30 a.m. – 9:30 a.m.
Where: Pima County Agua Caliente Park, 12325 E. Roger Road 85749
Cost: Cost: $5 fee. Online registration required.
Information: www.pima.gov/nrpr, eeducation@pima.gov or 520-724-5375
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WYSIWYG Walk –
“What You See Is What You Get!”
Join a Pima County Naturalist on an easy-level stroll through one of our beautiful parks. On this adventure there is no destination, so come along to enjoy the journey to learn about whatever nature throws our way! Hikes will be between 1 and 2 miles long, depending on what we see and experience. So, bring plenty of water, your hat, sunscreen, and your sense of adventure. All ages welcome.
Date: Tuesday, September 21
Time: 9:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m.
Where: Pima County Feliz Paseos Park, 1600 N. Camino de Oeste 85745
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
Historic Canoa Ranch
Historic Canoa Ranch is a great birding site, but is also excellent for dragonflies and damselflies. On this walk, we explore the pond and cienega, looking for bluets, firetails, darners, skimmers, and meadowhawks. All ages welcome.
Date: Thursday, September 23
Time: 7:30 a.m. – 9:30 a.m.
Where: Historic Canoa Ranch, 5375 S. I-19 Frontage Road, Green Valley 85622
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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Life in the Lake
The restored lake at Historic Canoa Ranch provides abundant habitat for a variety of species of aquatic wildlife. Join us on a nature walk as we search for native fish and invertebrates, including dragonfly larvae and other small creatures that inhabit the lake. All ages welcome.
Date: Friday, September 24
Time: 7:30 a.m. – 9:00 a.m.
Where: Historic Canoa Ranch, 5375 S. I-19 Frontage Road, Green Valley 85622
Cost: $5 fee. Children free with paid adult. Online registration required.
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Santa Cruz River Walk
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.
Walk is entirely on level, paved surface.
Dates: Sundays, September 26 and October 31
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 fee. Online registration required.
Information: www.pima.gov/nrpr, eeducation@pima.gov, or 520-724-5375
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Birding Cienega Creek
On this walk we traverse the desert trail to reach the riparian cottonwoods to see resident birds, as well as, fall migrants passing through on the way to the wintering grounds. All ages welcome. All ages welcome.
Date: Tuesday, September 28
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. Online registration required.
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WYSIWYG Walk –
“What You See Is What You Get!”
Join a Pima County Naturalist on an easy-level stroll through one of our beautiful parks. On this adventure there is no destination, so come along to enjoy the journey to learn about whatever nature throws our way! Hikes will be between 1 and 2 miles long, depending on what we see and experience. So, bring plenty of water, your hat, sunscreen, and your sense of adventure. All ages welcome.
Date: Wednesday, October 6
Time: 9:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m.
Where: Enchanted Hills Trails Park, 3280 W. 36th Street 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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Nature Walk at Maeveen Behan Desert Sanctuary
When most people retreat indoors, 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 welcome.
Date: Friday, October 8
Time: 8:00 p.m. – 10:00 p.m.
Where: Feliz Paseos Park, 1600 N. Camino de Oeste 85745
Cost: $5 fee. Children free with paid adult. Online registration required.
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'Slow Nature’ Walk
Agua Calienete Park
Join a Pima County naturalist for a leisurely walk along the ponds of Agua Caliente Park to explore the plants, wildlife, and habitats of this oasis in the Sonoran Desert. 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. All ages, mobilities, and abilities welcome.
The pace, distance, and terrain of this program make it appropriate for persons with limited mobility.
Date: Saturday, October 9
Time: 8:00 a.m. – 9:00 a.m.
Where: Pima County Agua Caliente Park, 12325 E. Roger Road 85749
Cost: $5 fee. Online registration required.
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Birding Agua Caliente Park
Agua Caliente Park is an urban oasis that offers ponds, palm trees, and deserts. We explore the park on this walk, searching for resident birds like Cactus Wren and fall migrants. There may be ducks on the ponds! All ages welcome.
Date: Tuesday, October 12
Time: 8:00 a.m. – 10:00 a.m.
Where: Pima County Agua Caliente Park, 12325 E. Roger Road 85749
Cost: Cost: $5 fee. Online registration required.
Information: www.pima.gov/nrpr, eeducation@pima.gov or 520-724-5375
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Starting a Nature Journal
By combining careful observation, curiosity, and creativity we can start a practice of nature journaling that helps us really get to know our wild neighbors. Join us along the bank of the flowing Santa Cruz River to explore fun, easy exercises that use words, numbers, and sketches to help us slow down and connect with the natural world around us. No art or writing experience is necessary.
What to bring: Water, sunblock, a hat, and sturdy shoes for our walk; Pencil and unlined paper
Date: Friday, October 15
Time: 8:00 a.m. – 10:00 a.m.
Where: Along the flowing Santa Cruz River
Cost: Cost: $10 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.
Date: Tuesday, October 16
Time: 8:00 a.m. – 9:30 a.m.
Where: Pima County Agua Caliente Park, 12325 E. Roger Road 85749
Cost: 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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Painted Hills 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.
Date: Saturday, October 16
Time: 8:00 a.m. – 10:30 a.m.
Where: Painted Hills Trailhead, 3590 W. Anklam Road Tucson, AZ 85745
Cost: Cost: $5 fee. Online registration required.
Information: www.pima.gov/nrpr, eeducation@pima.gov or 520-724-5375
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WYSIWYG Walk –
“What You See Is What You Get!”
Join a Pima County Naturalist on an easy-level stroll through one of our beautiful parks. On this adventure there is no destination, so come along to enjoy the journey to learn about whatever nature throws our way! Hikes will be between 1 and 2 miles long, depending on what we see and experience. So, bring plenty of water, your hat, sunscreen, and your sense of adventure. All ages welcome.
Date: Sunday, October 17
Time: 9:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m.
Where: Pima County Sweetwater Preserve, 4000 N. Tortolita Road, Tucson 85745
Cost: $5 fee. Online registration required.
Information: www.pima.gov/nrpr, eeducation@pima.gov or 520-724-5375
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‘Slow Birding’ at
Feliz Paseos Park
Enjoy the desert oasis of Feliz Paseos Park to see hummingbirds, sparrows, woodpeckers, 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. All ages, mobilities, and abilities welcome.
The pace, distance, and terrain of this program make it appropriate for persons with limited mobility.
Date: Tuesday, October 19
Time: 7:30 a.m. – 9:30 a.m.
Where: Pima County 1600 N Camino De Oeste, Tucson, AZ 85745
Cost: Cost: $5 fee. Online registration required.
Information: www.pima.gov/nrpr, eeducation@pima.gov or 520-724-5375
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WYSIWYG Walk –
“What You See Is What You Get!”
Join a Pima County Naturalist on an easy-level stroll through one of our beautiful parks. On this adventure there is no destination, so come along to enjoy the journey to learn about whatever nature throws our way! Hikes will be between 1 and 2 miles long, depending on what we see and experience. So, bring plenty of water, your hat, sunscreen, and your sense of adventure. All ages welcome.
Date: Tuesday, October 19
Time: 9:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m.
Where: King Canyon Trailhead, 2230 N. Kinney Road Tucson, AZ 85743
Cost: $5 fee. Online registration required.
Information: www.pima.gov/nrpr, eeducation@pima.gov or 520-724-5375
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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. All ages welcome. Free. Registration not required. Weather permitting.
Date: Saturday, October 23
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; https://october_stagazing_aguacalientepark.eventbrite.com
For more information: www.pima.gov/nrpr, eeducation@pima.gov or 520-724-5375
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Reading and Writing Nature: Sonora Desert Dispatches
Join us to discover how words – both reading others’ and writing our own – can help us connect with the natural world and with each other. We’ll begin with a walk among the saguaros and ironwoods to awaken our senses and observe details of our Sonoran Desert home. Then we’ll retreat inside and explore various forms of nature writing from poetry to field guides and to try our hands at creative reflection. Short readings will be emailed beforehand, but discussion will be inclusive for those who may not have time to read them in advance. No experience is needed – just an interest in nature, a fondness of words, and a willingness to try something new and creative. Ages 12 and up.
What to bring: Water and comfortable shoes and clothes for our walk; Pencil and paper
Date: Sunday, October 24
Time: 9:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m.
Where: Desert Discovery Center, 7798 W. Gates Pass Road
Cost: $10 fee. 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 residents, Like Rufous-winged Sparrow and Pyrrhuloxia, late migrants, and wintering species. All ages welcome.
Date: Tuesday, October 26
Time: 8:00 a.m. – 10:00 a.m.
Cost: $5 fee. Online registration required
For more information: www.pima.gov/nrpr, eeducation@pima.gov or 520-724-5375
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Anza Trail Hike
Explore a 2 to 3-mile section of the Anza Trail during an easy level interpretive hike and discover the cultural and natural history of the Santa Cruz River Valley. Following the hike there will be an optional tour of the Historic Canoa Ranch headquarters. Ages 12 and up.
Dates: Friday, October 29
Time: 7:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m.
Where: Historic Canoa Ranch, 5375 S. I-19 Frontage Road, Green Valley 85622
Cost: $5 fee. Online registration required.
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To help keep the cost of these and other public programs as low as possible, 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 November!
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If you have questions about our programs
or need assistance, contact us at:
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