Out and About in Pima County
Program information – Phone: 520-724-5375
or email Environmental Education
Archaeological Tour of Los Morteros
During an easy walking tour with Pima County archaeologist Ian Miliken, explore Los Morteros, an ancient Hohokam village. Los Morteros is named for the numerous mortars on boulders and outcrops in the area that were used to grind and mill mesquite pods, corn, and seeds. Ages 12 and up. Free with Pima County Membership, Non-Members (Resident) $5 fee for resident Non-Members (Non-Resident) $6.50 fee. Park on the south side of W. Linda Vista Boulevard, just east of Silverbell Road. For more information: www.maranaaz.gov/recreation, or 520-382-1950.
Saturday, December 14 • 9:00-11:00 a.m.
Plants of the Sonoran Desert
The Sonoran Desert is home to more than 2,000 species of plants, ranging from towering saguaro to tiny desert ferns, from ancient ironwoods to ephemeral poppies. Discover the many strategies plants employ to not only survive in their arid environment, but to thrive! All ages welcome. Free. Wheeler Taft Abbett Sr. Library, 7800 N. Schisler Drive, 85743.
Saturday, December 14 • 2:00-3:30 p.m.
Birding El Rio Preserve
El Rio Preserve is a birding hotspot that is an interesting mix of Sonoran Desert and riparian habitats. It is a magnet for waterfowl, shorebirds, raptors, herons, egrets, and much more. Please remember to wear a hat and bring plenty of water and sunscreen. All ages welcome. $5.00 (Resident) | $6.50 (Non-Resident) | Free for Pima County Members. Online registration required. El Rio Preserve, 10191 N. Coachline Boulevard, 85743. For more information: www.maranaaz.gov/recreation, or 520-382-1950.
Tuesdays, January 7 and February 4 • 8:00-10:00 a.m.
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. Free with Membership, Non-Member $5 fee. Online registration required. Feliz Paseos Park, 1600 N. Camino de Oeste, 85745
Friday, January 10 • 5:30-7:30 p.m.
Sunday, February 9 • 6:30-8:30 p.m.
Workshop: Hiking Pima County for Beginners
Are you new to Pima County, new to hiking in the desert, or looking for local trails you haven’t explored yet? Perhaps you want to spend more time outside or find a new way to exercise but aren’t sure if hiking is for you. This indoor workshop will cover basics of hiking safety, introduce you to plants and animals you might see along the trail, and offer ideas for beginner-level hikes in Pima County. Children 10 and older, accompanied by an adult, are welcome. Free. Valencia Library, 202 W. Valencia Road, 85706
Saturday, January 11 • 9:30-11:00 a.m.
Living with Urban Wildlife
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. All ages welcome. Free. Wheeler Taft Abbett Sr Branch Library, 7800 N. Schisler Drive, 85743
Saturday, January 11 • 2:00-3:30 p.m.
Birding Cienega Creek
Join Jeff Babson on this guided walk to observe the rich birdlife in the diverse habitats of Cienega Creek Natural Preserve. All ages welcome. Free with Membership, Non-Member $5 fee. Online registration required. Gabe Zimmerman Davidson Canyon Trailhead at Cienega Creek Natural Preserve, 16000 E. Marsh Station Road, 85641
Tuesday, January 14 • 8:00-10:00 a.m.
Nature Walk at Maeveen Behan Desert Sanctuary
Enjoy a naturalist-guided walk through Sonoran Desert habitat on mostly-level trails and learn about the diverse plants and wildlife that inhabit the area. All ages welcome. Free with Membership, Non-Member $5 fee. Online registration required. Arthur Pack Regional Park, 9101 N. Thornydale Road, 85742
Saturdays, January 18 and February 8 • 9:00-11:00 a.m.
Birding KERP
Take a stroll with birding expert Jeff Babson to spot wetland and desert birds in the urban habitats of Kino Ecosystem Restoration Project (KERP) at Sam Lena Park. All ages welcome. Free with Membership, Non-Member $5 fee. Online registration required. Sam Lena Park/KERP, 3400 S. Country Club Road, 85713
Tuesday, January 21 • 8:00-9:30 a.m.
Santa Cruz River Walk
Take a guided stroll along the flowing Santa Cruz River on the Loop to discover the effects of water on desert habitats. All ages welcome. $5.00 (Resident) | $6.50 (Non-Resident) | Free for Pima County Members. Online registration required. Group meets in front of Wheeler Taft Abbett Sr Branch Library, 7800 N. Schisler Drive, 85743. For more information: www.maranaaz.gov/recreation, or 520-382-1950.
Sundays, January 26 and February 23 • 10:30 a.m.-12:00 p.m.
Animal Attraction and the Mating Game
Attracting a mate is an important part of life in the animal world. Explore how animals use scent, sound, color, and impressive displays to catch the attention of potential mates. All ages welcome. Free. Wheeler Taft Abbett Sr Branch Library, 7800 N. Schisler Drive, 85743
Saturday, February 8 • 2:00-3:30 p.m.
Animal Attraction and the Mating Game
Attracting a mate is an important part of life in the animal world. Explore how animals use scent, sound, color, and impressive displays to catch the attention of potential mates. All ages welcome. Free. Valencia Library, 202 W. Valencia Road, 85706
Saturday, February 15 • 2:00-3:30 p.m.
Birding Feliz Paseos Park
Bird the urban paradise of Feliz Paseos Park to observe birds of the Sonoran Desert. All ages welcome. Free with Membership. Non-member $5 fee. Online registration required. Feliz Paseos Park, 1600 N. Camino de Oeste, 85745
Tuesday, February 18 • 8:00-9:30 a.m.
Birding Maeveen Behan Desert Sanctuary
Enjoy a guided bird walk through the beautiful Sonoran Desert habitat of Maeveen Behan Desert Sanctuary. This site is excellent for Gilded Flicker and many other desert birds. All ages welcome. Free with Membership, Non-Member $5 fee. Online registration required. Arthur Pack Regional Park, 9101 N. Thornydale Road, 85742
Tuesday, February 25 • 8:00-10:00 a.m.
Living River of Words Youth Poetry and Art Exhibit
Local children share their view of the natural world in this exhibition of award winning poetry and mixed media art. All ages welcome. Free
December 3 – January 2: Eckstrom-Columbus Library, 4350 E. 22nd Street, 85711
January 7 – February 27: Joyner-Green Valley Library, 601 N. La Canada Drive 85614