Out and About in Pima County
These programs are free and are designed for all ages and abilities unless otherwise noted in the program description.
For information and registration call 520-615-7855 or email eeducation@pima.gov
Honey Bee Canyon Park Birding Walk
Enjoy a guided bird walk in Honey Bee Canyon to spot Gambel’s quail, verdin, gnatcatchers, and other birds of the southwest desert. Ages 12 and up. Honey Bee Canyon Park, 13880 N. Rancho Vistoso Blvd., Oro Valley.
Saturday, July 6, August 31, September 28 • 7:00 – 8:30 a.m.
Cienega Creek Birding Walk
Join birding expert Jeff Babson on a casual stroll through the cottonwoods and willows to spot songbirds as well as raptors and other surprises. Gabe Zimmerman Davidson Canyon Trailhead at Cienega Creek Natural Preserve, 16000 E. Marsh Station Rd.
Tuesday, July 9 and August 13 • 7:00 – 9:00 a.m.
Living With Urban Wildlife
Learn about our resident wildlife, their habitat needs, and why they may be attracted to your yard. Ages 12 and up. Joyner-Green Valley Branch Library, 601 N. La Canada Dr., Green Valley.
Thursday, July 11 • 2:00 – 3:00 p.m.
Nature Nights: Bats, Bats, Bats!
Explore the fascinating lives of bats through family-friendly activities and watch bats in flight. Kino Environmental Restoration Project (KERP), 2500 E. Ajo Way.
Friday, July 12 • 6:00 – 8:30 p.m.
Cienega Creek Nature Walk
Explore the cool, shaded trails at Cienega Creek Natural Preserve during this guided morning nature walk. Ages 10 and up. Reservations required. Gabe Zimmerman Davidson Canyon Trailhead at Cienega Creek Natural Preserve, 16000 E. Marsh Station Rd.
Wednesday, July 17, Tuesday, August 6, Tuesday August 27 • 7:00 – 8:30 a.m.
Nature Nights: Evening Owl Walk
Join us for a fun-filled evening exploring the fascinating world of owls. Learn about these amazing nocturnal hunters and head out on the trail in search of owls. Please bring a flashlight and wear dark clothing. Gabe Zimmerman Davidson Canyon Trailhead at Cienega Creek Natural Preserve, 16000 E. Marsh Station Rd.
Friday, July 19 • 7:30 – 9:00 p.m.
Mt. Lemmon Butterflies and Botany
Join butterfly expert Jeff Babson and botanist Meg Quinn for a two to four mile hike to discover and identify butterflies and wildflowers. Ages 12 and up. Reservations required. Mt. Lemmon Community Center, 12949 N. Sabino Canyon Pkwy.
Tuesday, July 23 and Wednesday, August 14 • 8:00 a.m. – Noon
Nature Nights: Bugs and Blacklights
As the sun sets, the desert comes alive with a vast array of fascinating wildlife, many of which are insects. Some insects are attracted to light; we exploit this tendency to invite insects to our viewing site. Pima County naturalists will be on hand to help you identify and learn about these amazing six-legged creatures. Gabe Zimmerman Davidson Canyon Trailhead at Cienega Creek Natural Preserve, 16000 E. Marsh Station Rd.
Friday, July 26 and September 13 • 7:30 – 9:30 p.m.
Mt. Lemmon Wildflower Hike
Join Pima County naturalist Meg Quinn for a three mile hike on a cool mountain trail to seek out summer wildflowers. Ages 12 and up. Reservations required. Mt. Lemmon Community Center, 12949 N. Sabino Canyon Parkway.
Saturday, July 27, Wednesday, July 31, Tuesday, August 20 • 8:00 a.m. – Noon
Nature Nights: Bugs and Scorpions
Come learn about common “bugs” of the Sonoran Desert with University of Arizona entomologists. We start with an indoor presentation, then go outside to observe insects that come into a backlit sheet and use black lights to look for scorpions. Ages 5 and up. Arizona Game and Fish Department, 555 N. Greasewood Rd. Reservations required.
Saturday, August 3 • 7:30 – 9:30 p.m.
Nature Nights: Bats, Bats, Bats!
Explore the fascinating lives of bats through family-friendly activities and watch bats in flight. Brandi Fenton Memorial Park Visitor Center, 3482 E. River Rd.
Friday, August 9 • 6:00 – 8:30 p.m.
Arts and Culture of Ancient Southern Arizona Hohokam Indians
Archaeologist Allen Dart presents a program illustrating the material culture of the Hohokam, their relationships to the natural world, religious practices and deities, and possible reasons for the eventual demise of their way of life. Ages 12 and up. Brandi Fenton Memorial Park Visitor Center, 3482 E. River Rd.
Saturday, August 10 • 10:00 – 11:00 a.m.
Nature Nights: Evening Owl Walk
Join us for a fun-filled evening exploring the fascinating world of owls. Learn about these amazing nocturnal hunters and head out on the trail in search of owls. Please bring a flashlight and wear dark clothing. Sweetwater Preserve, 4000 N. Tortolita Rd.
Saturday, August 10 • 7:30 – 9:00 p.m.
Sweetwater Wetlands Birding Walk
Expect to see a great variety of birds including migrating warblers and flycatchers, as well as water birds, raptors, and other surprises. This leisurely walk on easy trails is led by birding expert Jeff Babson. Ages 10 and up. Sweetwater Wetlands, 2667 W. Sweetwater Dr.
Tuesday, August 27 and September 24 • 7:00 – 8:30 a.m.
Cienega Creek Plant Walk
Take a post-monsoon plant walk to learn about the lush riparian vegetation of Cienega Creek. Ages 12 and up. Reservations required. Gabe Zimmerman Davidson Canyon Trailhead at Cienega Creek Natural Preserve, 16000 E. Marsh Station Rd.
Wednesday, September 11 • 7:00 – 10:00 a.m.
Wild Orchids of Arizona
Local orchid expert Ron Coleman presents photos of all orchid species native to Arizona and discusses habitat, distribution, blooming season, and potential threats. Ages 12 and up. Brandi Fenton Memorial Park Visitor Center, 3482 E. River Rd.
Saturday, September 14 • 10:00 – 11:00 a.m.
Outdoor Family Days: Bats & Bugs
Bring the family out for a fantastic show and tell under the open skies at Florida Canyon. Biologists Carl Olson and Ronnie Sidner provide a glimpse into the amazing world of arthropods and bats and the important roles they play in the environment. Children ages 5-12 and their families. Reservations required. UA Florida Canyon Research Center.
Saturday, September 21 • 6:00 – 9:00 p.m.
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