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March and April
In-person Nature Programs
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Note: Active Net charges a 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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We have a lot of new programs, many of which are free. Please help us get the word out! Feel free to share this email with friends and family.
Know a nature lover who may need a more slow-paced, less rugged experience? Our Birding for EveryBODY, Nature for EveryBODY, and Desert Haven Nature Walk just might fit the bill!
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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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Spring Wildflower Walks
We're on wildflower watch! Though we have received a fair amount of winter rain, those all-important November rains were a bit scant. So what will this year's wildflower season bring? Only time will tell. Our Team will be keeping an eye out as the season progresses and schedule wildflower walks where and when things are blooming.
Keep a look out for announcements in your email and on Facebook!
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Photos courtesy of Doris Evans | |
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March and April Hikes
March and April weather is unpredictable. To better choose our venues and start times, we will be announcing our full schedule closer to the program dates. We hope this flexibility will result in programming that's even more in tune with nature.
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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. Designed for ages 12 and up.
Dates:
Wednesdays, March 1 and 15 | 8:00 a.m. – 9:30 a.m.
Wednesdays, April 5 and 19 |7:30 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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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, March 2
Time: 8:00 a.m. – 10:00 a.m.
Where: Maeveen Behan Desert Sanctuary, 9101 N Thornydale Rd, Tucson, AZ 85742
Cost: $5 activity fee. Online registration required.
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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.
Date:
Thursday, March 2 | 8:00 a.m. – 9:30 a.m.
Monday, April 3 | 7:00 a.m. – 8:30 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/field-trips/
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Gardens of Canoa Ranch
Enjoy a guided tour of the gardens of Historic Canoa Ranch with Raydine Taber from the Green Valley Gardeners. Designed for ages 12 and up.
Dates: Fridays, March 3 and April 7
Time: 9:30 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.
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Baby, Toddler, and Me Nature Trek
Desert Haven Park
This outdoor adventure is specifically designed for the little ones! Bring the babies and the toddlers and prepare to let them lead the way as we explore the wonders of nature. Children must be accompanied by an adult. Feel free to bring carriers or strollers, but we will be moving at the pace of the children on the move.
Dates: Fridays, March 3, 10, and 24 AND April 7 and 21
Time: 10:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m.
Where: Desert Haven Natural Resource Park, 1850 E 36th St, Tucson, AZ 85713 (Entrance is off of Campbell Avenue)
Cost: Free. 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.
Dates: Every Saturday in March and April (except March 18)
Time: 9:30 a.m. – 11:00 a.m. AND 10:30 a.m. – 12:00 p.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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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: Every Sunday in March and April (except April 9)
Time: 8:00 a.m. - 9:00 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
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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.
Dates: Sundays March 5 and April 2
Time: 9:00 a.m. - 10:00 a.m.
Where: Pima County Agua Caliente Park, 12325 E. Roger Road 85749
Cost: $5 fee. Online registration required
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Birding 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.
Dates:
Tuesdays, March 7 and 21 | 7:00 a.m. – 9:00 a.m.
Tuesdays, April 4 and 18 | 6:30 a.m. – 8:30 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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Birding El Rio Preserve
El Rio Preserve along the Santa Cruz River provides habitat for a wide variety of birds. We can expect to see raptors, wintering sparrows, finches, warblers, and waterfowl. Remember to wear comfortable shoes and bring plenty of water; wearing a hat and sunscreen are also recommended.
Dates: Tuesdays, March 7 and April 4
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.
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Baby, Toddler, and Me
Nature Trek
Feliz Paseos Park
This outdoor adventure is specifically designed for the little ones! Bring the babies and the toddlers and prepare to let them lead the way as we explore the wonders of nature. Children must be accompanied by an adult. Feel free to bring carriers or strollers, but we will be moving at the pace of the children on the move.
Dates: Tuesdays, March 7 and 21 AND April 4 and 18
Time: 10:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m.
Where: Feliz Paseos Park, 1600 North Camino de Oeste 85745
Cost: Free. Online registration required.
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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.
Date: Tuesday, March 7
Time: 2:00 p.m. – 3:30 p.m.
Where: Dusenberry-River Library, 5605 E River Rd Ste. 105, Tucson, 85750
Cost: Free. Space is limited.
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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.
Designed for ages 12 and up.
Dates:
Tuesday, March 7 | 6:30 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.
Wednesday, April 5 | 6:00 p.m. – 7:30 p.m.
Where: Historic Canoa Ranch, 5375 S. I-19 Frontage Road, Green Valley 85622
Cost: $5 activity fee. Online registration required.
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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. Explore birding hotspot 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.
Dates:
Thursday, March 9 | 8:00 a.m. – 9:30 a.m.
Thursday, April 6 | 7:00 a.m. – 8:30 a.m.
Where: Pima County Agua Caliente Park, 12325 E. Roger Road 85749
Cost: Free. Online registration opens on the second Saturday of the previous month; visit https://tucsonaudubon.org/field-trips/
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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.
Dates:
Fridays, March 10 and 24, AND Saturday, March 18
Fridays, April 14 and 21
Time: 9:30 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.
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Stargazing
Tucson Mountain Park
Tucson Amateur Astronomy Association volunteers provide an introduction to the night sky and set up telescopes for celestial viewing.
Free, family-friendly fun. Registration required. Weather permitting.
Dates:
Friday, March 10 | 7:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m.
Friday, April 21 | 7:30 p.m. – 9:30 p.m.
Where: Tucson Mountain Park, Ironwood Picnic Area, 1500 S. Kinney Road at Hal Gras Road 85735
Cost: Free. Online registration required.
Register at: http://pima-county-nrpr.eventbrite.com
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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 10-Noon 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 10 a.m. y las 12 p. 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, March 11 and April 8
Time: 9:00 a.m.- 11:00 pm
Where: Desert Haven Natural Resource Park, 1850 E 36th St, Tucson, AZ 85713 (Entrance is off of Campbell Avenue)
Cost: Free. No registration required.
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Baby, Toddler, and Me
Nature HIKE
Tucson Mountain Park
Hiking with your baby or toddler offers a lot of benefits. Join us for some adventuring in nature while you connect with other parents, explore trails in our natural resource parks, get a bit of exercise, and most importantly help foster a life-long love of hiking and nature in your little one(s). Terrain is not stroller-friendly. We have a no-person-left-behind philosophy – we stop for diaper changes, nursing, or to tend to other needs. Sturdy shoes and sun protection are a must. Restrooms available at trailhead.
Dates:
Tuesday, March 14 | 10:00 a.m. – Noon
Friday, March 17 | 10:00 a.m. – Noon
Where: Tucson Mountain Park, Ironwood Picnic Area,1500 S. Kinney Road at Hal Gras Road 85735
Cost: Free. Online registration required.
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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: Tuesdays, March 16 and April 20
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.
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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.
Dates: Saturdays, March 18 and April 15
Time: 8:00 a.m. – 9:30 a.m.
Where: Agua Caliente Park, 12325 E. Roger Road Tucson, AZ 85749
Cost: Free. Online registration required.
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Santa Cruz River Exploration
Take a guided stroll along the Chuck Huckelberry Loop to see a desert river brought back to life, then wander to the water’s edge for an intimate peek at this recently revived riparian habitat.
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.
Dates: Sundays, March 19 and April 16
Time: 10:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m.
Where: Meet 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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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: Friday, March 24
Times: 7:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m.
Where: Pima County Agua Caliente Park, 12325 E. Roger Road 85749
Cost: Free. Online registration required.
Register at: http://pima-county-nrpr.eventbrite.com
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Family Nature Photography
Join Stephanie McAndrews for a workshop designed to help beginner photographers ages 6 and up. Learn to use planning, camera settings, and composition to improve wildlife, landscape, and nature-story images. Classroom and field instruction provided. Please bring a charged digital, film, or cell-phone camera for every participant in your group. A limited number of digital cameras will be available for use. Please bring an SD card or USB flash drive to save your images. Participants under 15 must be accompanied by an adult.
Dates: Saturday, March 25
When: 9:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m.
Where: Pima County Agua Caliente Park, 12325 E. Roger Road 85749
Cost: Free. Online registration required.
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Nature Photography Workshop for Adults
Join Stephanie McAndrews for a workshop designed to help beginner photographers improve their wildlife, macro, landscape, and nature-story images through use of planning, camera settings, composition, and basic post processing. Classroom and field instruction provided. Each participant should bring a charged digital, film, or cell-phone camera. We have a limited number of digital cameras to loan. Please bring an SD card or USB flash drive to save your images. Designed for ages 15 and up.
Dates: Monday, March 27
When: 8:00 a.m. – 10:30 a.m.
Where: Pima County Agua Caliente Park, 12325 E. Roger Road 85749
Cost: Free. Online registration required.
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Baby, Toddler, and Me Nature Hang-Out: Brandi Fenton Park
Regular time outdoors in nature helps children (and adults) thrive. Join us for some free-flowing nature exploration at one of Pima County's urban parks. We'll explore the springtime sights and sounds in the butterfly garden, run barefoot through the grass, and get to know some new friends. Feel free to bring a blanket and hang out a while.
Dates:
Tuesdays, March 28 and April 25
Fridays. March 31 and April 28
Time: 10:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m.
Where: Brandi Fenton Memorial Park 3482 E River Rd, Tucson, AZ 85718 (meet by the butterfly sculpture)
Cost: Free. Online registration requested.
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Birding Tucson Mountain Park: Ironwood
The ironwood-saguaro habitat of Tucson Mountain Park is not only scenic, it is a great birding spot. On this walk we'll be looking for Greater Roadrunner, Gilded Flicker, Rufous-winged Sparrow, and many other birds. Designed for ages 12 and up.
Dates:
Wednesday, March 29 | 8:00 a.m. – 10:00 a.m.
Thursday, April 6 | 7:30 a.m. – 9:30 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.
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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.
Date: Thursday, April 6
Time: 8:00 a.m. - 10:00 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.
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An Evening of Herpetofauna Feliz Paseos
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
Date: Thursday, April 6
Time: 4:00 p.m. - 6:00 p.m.
Where: Feliz Paseos Park, 1600 N Camino De Oeste, Tucson, AZ 85745
Cost: $5 fee. Online registration required.
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Baby, Toddler, and Me
Nature HIKE
Cienega Creek
Hiking with your baby or toddler offers a lot of benefits. Join us for some adventuring in nature while you connect with other parents, explore trails in our natural resource parks, get a bit of exercise, and most importantly help foster a life-long love of hiking and nature in your little one(s). Terrain is not stroller-friendly. We have a no-person-left-behind philosophy – we stop for diaper changes, nursing, or to tend to other needs. Sturdy shoes and sun protection are a must. Restrooms available at trailhead.
Dates:
Tuesday, April 11 | 10:00 a.m. – Noon
Friday, April 14 | 10:00 a.m. – Noon
Where: Cienega Creek Natural Preserve’s Gabe Zimmerman Davidson Canyon Trailhead, 16000 E. Marsh Station Road 85641
Cost: Free. 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 that attract a great diversity of birds. Sections of the trail are steep and rocky.
Date: Thursday, April 13
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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An Evening of Herpetofauna Cienega Creek
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
Date: Thursday, April 13
Time: 4:00 p.m. - 6:00 p.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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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. Free, family-friendly fun.
Registration required. Weather permitting.
Date: Friday, April 14
Time: 7:30 p.m. – 9:30 p.m.
Where: Historic Canoa Ranch, 5375 S. I-19 Frontage Road, Green Valley 85622
Cost: Free. Online registration required.
Register at: http://pima-county-nrpr.eventbrite.com
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An Evening of Herpetofauna
Canoa Ranch
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
Date: Thursday, April 20
Time: 4:00 p.m. - 6:00 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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An Evening of Herpetofauna
Agua Caliente
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
Date: Thursday, April 27
Time: 4:00 p.m. - 6:00 p.m.
Where: Pima County Agua Caliente Park, 12325 E. Roger Road 85749
Cost: $5 fee. Online registration required.
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Bat Walk at
Agua Caliente Park
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.
Date: Thursday, April 27
Time: 7:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m.
Where: Pima County Agua Caliente Park, 12325 E. Roger Road 85749
Cost: $5 fee. Online registration required; https://apm.activecommunities.com/nrpr
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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! | |
Look for more Birding and Nature Walks coming in May! | |
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Pima County Natural Resources, Parks and Recreation
520.724.5375
eeducation@pima.gov
www.pima.gov/nrpr
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