In-person Nature Programs for November and December

November and December

In-person Nature Programs

Click here to register for our programs

Note: Active Net charges a fee of $2.50 per transaction,

plus 3 percent of the cost of the entire transaction.

Pima County recommends wearing a mask inside County buildings and in crowded outdoor spaces.

Registered for one of our programs, but no longer able to attend? Please let us know.

Email us at:

eeducation@pima.gov

Birding Isabella Lee Natural Preserve

Join us for a leisurely walk through Isabella Lee Natural Preserve in search of resident and migratory birds. The preserve, located at the confluence of Tanque Verde Creek and Agua Caliente Wash, forms a landscape linkage between the Rincon Mountains to the east and the Santa Catalina Mountains to the north and the floodplain areas downstream. Several large washes connect with the site to provide wildlife corridors. Designed for ages 12 and up.

Date: Wednesday, October 19

Time: 7:30 a.m. – 9:00 a.m.

Where: Isabella Lee Natural Preserve, 9422 E Wrightstown Rd. 85715

Cost: $5 activity fee. Online registration required.

Cascabel Trail Nature Trek

During a 1½ mile, naturalist-guided hike on mostly level trails we may not see cascabels (Spanish for rattlesnakes) but will see stands of majestic saguaros, impressive fishhook barrel cacti, and a diversity of other Sonoran Desert vegetation. Designed for ages 12 and up.

Date: Tuesday, November 1

Time: 8:00 a.m. – 10:30 a.m.

Where: Tucson Mountain Park, Cascabel Trailhead, 3858 W. Irvington, Tucson 85714

Cost: $5 activity fee. Online registration required.

Seeds and Sprouts!

Family library program. Explore the magical world of seeds and sprouts with your kids. Learn how plants grow, what parts of the plant we eat, explore different kinds of seeds and sprouts, and learn sprouting and seeds-saving activities you can do at home.

Date: Tuesday, November 1

Time: 10:00 a.m.- 11:00 a.m.

Where: Joyner-Green Valley Library, 601 N La Cañada Dr, Green Valley, AZ 85614

Cost: Free, no registration required.

Birding El Rio Preserve

El Rio Preserve is a birding hotspot that is an interesting mix of Sonoran Desert and riparian habitats. November is the beginning of the winter birding season and we will be searching for waterfowl, sparrows, and other seasonal birds. Please remember to wear comfortable shoes and bring plenty of water; wearing a hat and sunscreen are also recommended. Designed for ages 12 and up.

Dates: Tuesdays, November 1 and December 6

Time: 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*

Registration: Online registration required at www.maranaaz.gov/recreation

*Members: Please visit NRPR Registration site for Members’ COUPON CODE before registering for this program through Marana Parks and Recreation.

No-Stress Nature Journaling

Do you keep a nature journal, or would you like to start? Join us for one (or all) of these low-key, morning sessions to explore how we can connect with the natural world through words, images, and numbers. Journaling is a great way to build creativity, expand curiosity, and learn more about the plants and animals around us. No experience or special supplies needed. Each session will have a different focus but will stand on its own so attendance is highly flexible.

Designed for ages 12 and up.

Date: Tuesdays, November 1, 15, and 29

Time: 8:30 a.m. – 9:30 a.m.

Where: Desert Haven Natural Resource Park, 1850 E 36th St, Tucson, AZ 85713 (Entrance is off of Campbell Avenue)

Cost: $5 activity fee. Online registration required.

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. Designed for ages 12 and up.

As with all nature-related activities, our voices can have a large impact on what we see, so side conversations are discouraged.

Dates and Times:

November 3 and 17, 7:30 a.m. – 9:30 a.m.

December 22 and 28, 8:00 a.m. – 10:00 a.m.

Where: Historic Canoa Ranch, 5375 S. I-19 Frontage Road, Green Valley 85622

Cost: $5 fee. Online registration required

Santa Cruz 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. Along the way, we’ll keep our eyes out for water-loving plants and animals that have returned. Designed for ages 12 and up.

Dates: Thursdays, November 3 and December 1

Time: 9:00 a.m. – 10:00 a.m.

Where: Meet at Santa Cruz River Park next to Desert Survivors Native Plant Nursery (1020 W. Starr Pass Blvd., Tucson, AZ 85713)

Cost: $5 activity fee. Online registration required.

Birding For EveryBODY: Canoa Ranch

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 Historic Canoa Ranch where we hope to see waterfowl, raptors, sparrows, and a lot more. Each registered participant is welcome to bring a support person. Designed for ages 12 and up. This program is offered in partnership with the Tucson Audubon Society.

Dates:

Friday, November 4, 8:00 a.m. – 9:30 a.m.

Sunday, December 4, 8:30 a.m. – 10:00 a.m.

Time: 9:00 a.m. – 10:00 a.m.

Where: Historic Canoa Ranch, 5375 S. I-19 Frontage Rd, Green Valley 85622

Cost: Free. Online registration opens on the second Saturday of the previous month; visit https://tucsonaudubon.org/go-birding/birding-field-trips/

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: Fridays, November 4 and December 2

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.

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. Designed for ages 12 and up.

Dates: Every Saturday in November and December (except December 24)

Time: 9:00 a.m. – 10:30 a.m.

Where: Historic Canoa Ranch, 5375 S. I-19 Frontage Rd, Green Valley 85622

Cost: $5 activity fee. Online registration required.

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 encouraged. Free. Registration required. Weather permitting.

Dates: Saturday, November 5

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: http://pima-county-nrpr.eventbrite.com

Signs of the Season Phenology Walk

Phenology is nature’s calendar – the timing of annual life-cycle events that are influenced by climate and weather, like blooming, migration, and nesting. Join us for a stroll along the Santa Cruz River as we gather data on seasonal changes in native plants to learn more about phenology, its importance, and how you can help contribute to our understanding of the natural world.

Dates: Sundays November 6, 13, and 20

Time: 9:00 a.m. - 10:00 a.m.

Where: Group meets in front of Pima County Wheeler Taft Abbett Sr. Branch Library, 7800 N. Schisler Drive 85743

Cost: Free. Online registration required

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.

Designed for ages 12 and up.

Dates:

Tuesday, November 8, 5:30 p.m. - 7:00 p.m.

Wednesday, December 7, 5:30 p.m. – 7:00 p.m.

Where: Feliz Paseos Park, 1600 North Camino de Oeste 85745

Cost: $5 activity fee. Online registration required.

Nature Story Time:

Rocks Rock!

A collaboration with Quincie Douglas Library’s toddler story time- enjoy geology themed books, activities, games and songs with the young ones in your life!

Date: Tuesday, November 8

Time: 10:00 a.m.-11:00 a.m.

Where: Quincie Douglas Library, 1585 E 36th St, Tucson, AZ 85713

Cost: Free, no registration required.

Nature Crafternoon: Desert Paints

Family library program. Did you know natural paints and pigments can be made from many desert plants and rocks? In this family-friendly class explore colors in our desert environment, learn how to make natural paints, and create your own project from natural materials.

Date: Tuesday, November 8

Time: 3:30 p.m.- 4:30 p.m.

Where: Joel D Valdez Main Library, 101 N Stone Ave, Tucson, AZ 85701

Cost: Free, no registration required.

El Rio Preserve

Nature Trek

Join a Pima County Naturalist for a guided nature trek through the desert and riparian habitats of El Rio Preserve. Wander along level, well-maintained trials as we explore the unique plants and animals of the Sonoran Desert. Please remember to wear comfortable shoes and bring plenty of water; wearing a hat and sunscreen are also recommended. Designed for ages 12 and up.

Dates: Thursday, November 10

Time: 8:00 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*

Registration:

Online registration required at www.maranaaz.gov/recreation

*Members: Please visit NRPR Registration site for Members’ COUPON CODE before registering for this program through Marana Parks and Recreation.

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: Saturday, November 12

Time: 8:00 a.m. – 9:30 a.m.

Where: Feliz Paseos Park, 1600 North Camino de Oeste 85745

Cost: $5 activity fee. Children free with paid adult. Online registration required.

Morning in the Park|Mañana en el Parque

Enjoy a family-friendly morning at Desert Haven Park, every 2^nd 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.

Dates: Saturdays, November 12 and December 10

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.

Stargazing Tucson Mountain 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. Free, family-friendly fun. Registration required. Weather permitting.

Date: Saturday, November 12

Times: 6:30 p.m. – 8:30 p.m.

Where: Tucson Mountain Park, Ironwood Picnic Area, 1500 S. Kinney Road at Hal Gras Road 85735

Cost: Free. Online registration required.

Birding Tucson Mountain Park

The ironwood-saguaro habitat of Tucson Mountain Park is not only scenic, it is a great birding spot. On this walk we be looking for Greater Roadrunner, Gilded Flicker, Rufous-winged Sparrow, and many other birds. Designed for ages 12 and up.

Date: Tuesday, November 15

Time: 8:00 a.m. – 10:00 a.m.

Where: Tucson Mountain Park, Ironwood Picnic Area, 1500 S. Kinney Road at Hal Gras Road 85735. Meet at the first ramada on the right after turning onto Hal Gras Road

Cost: $5 fee. Online registration required.

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 recommended. Designed for ages 12 and up.

Date: Thursday, November 17

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.

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. Designed for ages 12 and up.

Dates: Fridays, November 18 and December 16

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.

Birding For EveryBODY:

Feliz Paseos

This program is offered in partnership with Tucson Audubon Society.

Date: Saturday, November 19

Time: 8:00 a.m. – 9:30 a.m.

Where: Feliz Paseos Park, 1600 North Camino de Oeste Tucson 85745

Cost: Free. Online registration opens Saturday, October 15; visit https://tucsonaudubon.org/go-birding/birding-field-trips/

Tracks, Scat, and Other Signs of Wildlife Field Lab

Join Pima County Master Naturalist Hank Harlow to learn how to distinguish different animal tracks, scat, and other clues found during an easy-moderate 2.5-mile hike within a riparian area. Use tracking cards and rulers to assist with identification. Be prepared to walk along a sandy wash, uneven substrate and dirt road. Designed for ages 12 and up.

Date: Saturday, November 19

Time: 1:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m.

Where: Gabe Zimmerman Davidson Canyon Trailhead at Cienega Creek Natural Preserve, 16000 E. Marsh Station Road 85641

Cost: $10 fee. Online registration required.

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. Designed for ages 12 and up.

Each registered participant is welcome to bring a support person.

Date: Wednesday, November 23

Time: 9:00 a.m. – 10:30 a.m.

Where: Pima County’s Feliz Paseos Park, 1600 N Camino De Oeste, 85745

Cost: Free. Online registration required.

Birding Cienega Creek

As the calendar turns to November, fall migration continues to bring birds to Cienega Creek. This walk birds the desert and cottonwoods of this beautiful preserve to see what the season has to offer. Sections of the trail are steep and rocky. Designed for ages 12 and up.

Date: Monday, November 28

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.

Nature Crafternoon: Desert Paints

Date: Tuesday, November 29

Time: 3:30 p.m.- 4:30 p.m.

Where: Santa Rosa Library, 1075 S 10th Avenue 85701

Cost: Free, no registration required.

Nature for EveryBODY:

Desert Haven

Each registered participant is welcome to bring a support person.

Date: Wednesday, November 30

Time: 9:00 a.m. – 10:30 a.m.

Where: Desert Haven Natural Resource Park, 1850 E 36th Street 85713

Cost: Free. Online registration required.

Birding Colossal Cave

Mountain Park

Join us for an exploration of the birds of Colossal Cave Mountain Park, where we will be on the lookout for wintering sparrows, bluebirds, wrens, and many other birds. Designed for ages 12 and up.

Date: Monday, December 5

Time: 8:00 a.m. – 10:00 a.m.

Where: Colossal Cave Mountain Park, 16721 E Old Spanish Trail 85641

Cost: $5 activity fee. Online registration required

Lower Brown Mountain Trail Nature Hike

Enjoy the scenic and rugged beauty of the Tucson Mountains on this 2-mile guided hike with a Pima County naturalist. Designed for ages 12 and up.

Date: Tuesday, December 6

Time: 8:30 a.m. – 11:00 a.m.

Where: Tucson Mountain Park, Brown Mountain Trailhead 8451 W. McCain Loop Road 85735

Cost: $5 fee. Online registration required

Seeds and Sprouts!

Date: Tuesday, December 6

Time: 3:30 p.m.- 4:30 p.m.

Where: Santa Rosa Library, 1075 S 10th Avenue 85701

Cost: Free, no registration required.

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. Designed for ages 12 and up.

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, December 7 and 21

Time: 8:00 a.m. – 9:30 a.m.

Where: Agua Caliente Park, 12325 E. Roger Road 85749

Cost: $5 activity fee. Online registration required.

Historical Tour of Agua Caliente Park

Enjoy a guided walk around the lush grounds and historic buildings of Agua Caliente Park to gain insights into the rich farming and ranching history of the site. Designed for ages 12 and up.

Date: Friday, December 9

Time: 10:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m.

Where: Agua Caliente Park, 12325 E. Roger Road 85749

Cost: $5 activity fee. Online registration required.

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. Designed for ages 12 and up.

Date: Sunday, December 11

Time: 9:00 – 10:30 a.m.

Where: Feliz Paseos Park, 1600 N Camino De Oeste 85745

Cost: $5 fee. Online registration required.

Nature for EveryBODY:

Pima Prickly Park

Each registered participant is welcome to bring a support person.

Dates: Wednesdays, December 14

Time: 9:00 a.m. – 10:30 a.m.

Where: Pima Prickly Park 3500 W. River Road 85741

Cost: Free. Online registration required.

Big Wash Nature Trek

Join a naturalist-guided walk along Big Wash in Oro Valley, on any easy to moderate level trail. In addition to great views of the Santa Catalina Mountains, this area is designated an important wildlife corridor, so we’ll keep an eye out for native birds such as Gila woodpeckers and cactus wrens, and other desert wildlife Trekking poles encouraged and sure-footedness is a must. Designed for ages 12 and up.

Date: Thursday, December 15

Time: 8:30 a.m. - 11:00 a.m.

Where: Big Wash Trailhead, N. Rancho Vistoso Blvd, west of N. Oracle Road (directions will be sent with registration)

Cost: $5 fee. Online registration required.

Stargazing Cienega Creek

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. Free, family-friendly fun.

Registration required. Weather permitting.

Date: Friday, December 16

Times: 6:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.

Where: Pima County Agua Caliente Park, 12325 E. Roger Road 85749

Cost: Free. Online registration required.

Fledgling Birders: Birding for all Ages and Abilities

Date: Saturday, December 17

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.

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. Free, family-friendly fun.

Registration required. Weather permitting.

Date: Saturday, December 17

Times: 6:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.

Where: Pima County Agua Caliente Park, 12325 E. Roger Road 85749

Cost: Free. Online registration required.

Birding Sweetwater Preserve

Explore the scenic Arizona Uplands of Sweetwater Preserve, where we can expect to see three species of woodpecker, resident and wintering sparrows, and many other birds.

Trail is rocky and uneven in some places. Designed for ages 12 and up.

Date: Tuesday, December 27

Time: 8:00 a.m. – 10:00 a.m.

Where: Sweetwater Preserve, 4000 N. Tortolita Road 85745

Cost: $5 fee. Online registration required.

Family Nature Scavenger Hunt

Get the family out of the house and onto the trail! Enjoy a morning of learning about the desert and looking for clues in this nature adventure game. All ages are encouraged.

Trails are a mix of paved and packed soil, but mostly stroller friendly.

Date: Tuesday, December 27

Time: 10:00 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.

Where: Feliz Paseos Park, 1600 North Camino de Oeste 85745

Cost: Free. Online registration required

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.

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