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NRPR's Calendar of Events
Gates Pass, Peter Corrao
—April '09
Birding Walk at Feliz Paseos Park
What: Join naturalist Doris Evans on a stroll through Feliz Paseos Park where you’re likely to see thrashers, cactus wrens, Gambel’s quail and other birds of the desert southwest. Beginners are welcome. Bring your binoculars and water.
Date: Saturday, April 4.
Time: 8:00 a.m. – 9:00 a.m.
Where: Pima County Feliz Paseos Park, 1600 N. Camino de Oeste. On Camino de Oeste, ½ mile north of Speedway/Gates Pass Road.
Cost/Age: free, all ages welcome.
For more information contact: 520-615-7855 or eeducation@pima.gov
Reservations not required.
Arts and Culture of the Southern Arizona Hohokam Indians
What: Archaeologist Alan Dart illustrates the material culture of the Hohokam and presents possible reasons for the eventual demise of their way of life.
Date: Sunday, April 5.
Time: 1:00 p.m. - 2:00 p.m.
Where: Pima County Agua Caliente Park, 12325 E. Roger Road.
Cost/Age: free, all ages welcome.
For more information contact: 520-615-7855 or eeducation@pima.gov
Reservations not required.
Wednesday Sonoran Desert Weedwackers
What: Join the Sonoran Desert Weedwackers and do your part in restoring the health of the desert in Tucson Mountain Park. The volunteer weed warriors work to eradicate buffelgrass and other exotic weeds. The Wednesday work parties are for the hardiest weed warriors and may require hiking in to infested areas and pulling buffelgrass on steep slopes. Bring water, snacks, a hat, sunscreen and sturdy shoes. For meeting location, call 520-615-7885 or email eeducation@pima.gov.
Date: Wednesday, April 8.
Time: 7:00 a.m. – 10:00 a.m.
Where: Pima County Tucson Mountain Park at 2020 N. Kinney Road - call for meeting location.
Cost/Age: free, ages 12 and up.
For more information contact: If you plan to attend, please contact eeducation@pima.gov or call 520-615-7855.
Tucson Mountain Park Birding Walk
What: Join birding expert John Higgins for a guided bird walk in Tucson Mountain Park. Spot rufous-winged sparrows, Gila woodpeckers, canyon towhees and other birds of the desert southwest nestled among the saguaros and ironwood trees. Be sure to bring binoculars and water. Call for meeting location.
Date: Saturday, April 11.
Time: 8:00 a.m. – 9:30 a.m.
Where: Pima County Tucson Mountain Park Ironwood Picnic Area, 1548 S. Kinney Road. On Kinney 1.5 miles south of Gates Pass Road or 3.8 miles north of Ajo Way.
Cost/Age: free, all ages welcome.
For more information contact: 520-615-7855 or eeducation@pima.gov
Reservations not required.
Wildflower Hike
What: Learn to identify the bright and showy as well as the small and inconspicuous wildflowers that provide color and interest in our desert in springtime. Pima County naturalist Meg Quinn will lead a one to two-mile moderate to strenuous hike on a desert trail. Reservations are required.
Date: Saturday, April 11.
Time: 8:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.
Where: Pima County Tucson Mountain Park.
Cost/Age: free, ages 12 and up.
For more information contact: 520-615-7855 or eeducation@pima.gov
Reservations required.
Leapin’ Lizards
What: We are sure to find several varieties of lizards as they hunt for insects in the underbrush and on tree trunks. Learn about the unusual habits and adaptations of lizards and other reptiles at Agua Caliente Park.
Date: Saturday, April 11.
Time: 10:00 a.m. - 11:30 a.m.
Where: Pima County Agua Caliente Park, 12325 E. Roger Rd.
Cost/Age: free, children ages 5-12 and their families.
For more information contact: 520-615-7855 or eeducation@pima.gov
Reservations not required.
Digital Nature Photography
What: Learn tips from local naturalists and photography experts Doug and Doris Evans on how to take a great photograph with your digital camera. After exploring your camera’s capabilities, take a stroll around the beautiful walking trails at Feliz Paseos Park in search of great photo opportunities. Reservations are required. Fee $10
Date: Saturday, April 11.
Time: 9:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m.
Where: Pima County Feliz Paseos Park, 1600 N. Camino de Oeste.
On Camino de Oeste, ½ mile north of Speedway/Gates Pass Road.
Cost/Age: free, all ages welcome.
For more information contact: 520-615-7855 or eeducation@pima.gov
Reservations required.
Historical Tour of Agua Caliente Park
What: Enjoy a guided tour of the historic buildings and landscape to understand how the year-round presence of water from the spring shaped the lives of people and how people shaped the land.
Date: Saturday, April 11.
Time: 10:00 a.m. - 11:30 a.m.
Where: Pima County Agua Caliente Park, 12325 E. Roger Road.
Cost/Age: free, all ages welcome.
For more information contact: 520-615-7855 or eeducation@pima.gov
Reservations not required.
Desert Spring Nature Walk
What: Join Pima County naturalist Meg Quinn for an informative walk on mostly level trails in rich desert habitat. Learn about the variety of spring-flowering native trees, shrubs and cacti as well as the abundant wildlife in Feliz Paseos Park.
Date: Wednesday, April 15.
Time: 8:00 a.m. – 10:00 a.m.
Where: Pima County Feliz Paseos Park, 1600 N. Camino de Oeste. On Camino de Oeste, ½ mile north of Speedway/Gates Pass Road.
Cost/Age: free, all ages welcome.
For more information contact: 520-615-7855 or eeducation@pima.gov
Reservations not required.
Saturday Sonoran Desert Weedwackers
What: Join the Sonoran Desert Weedwackers and do your part in restoring the health of the desert in Tucson Mountain Park. The volunteer weed warriors work to eradicate buffelgrass and other exotic weeds. Bring water, snacks, a hat, sunscreen and sturdy shoes. For meeting location, call 520-615-7885 or email eeducation@pima.gov.
Date: Saturday, April 18.
Time: 7:00 a.m. – 10:00 a.m.
Where: Pima County Tucson Mountain Park at 2020 N. Kinney Road - call for meeting location.
Cost/Age: free, ages 12 and up.
For more information contact: If you plan to attend, please contact eeducation@pima.gov or call 520-615-7855.
Uses of Desert Plants
What: Join Pima County naturalist Meg Quinn for a walk on mostly level trails in prime Sonoran Desert habitat. Learn about the many uses of desert plants for food, building material, fiber and medicine. Reservations are required.
Date: Saturday, April 18.
Time: 8:00 a.m. - 9:30 a.m.
Where: Pima County Feliz Paseos Park, 1600 N. Camino de Oeste.
On Camino de Oeste, ½ mile north of Speedway/Gates Pass Road.
Cost/Age: free, all ages welcome.
For more information contact: 520-615-7855 or eeducation@pima.gov
Reservations required.
Life in the Pond
What: Come and explore how the many pond species are interconnected and how this desert oasis supports life that otherwise wouldn’t survive in the Sonoran Desert.
Date: Saturday, April 18.
Time: 10:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m.
Where: Pima County Agua Caliente Park, 12325 E. Roger Road.
Cost/Age: free, all ages welcome.
For more information contact: 520-615-7855 or eeducation@pima.gov
Reservations not required.
Wednesday Sonoran Desert Weedwackers
What: Join the Sonoran Desert Weedwackers and do your part in restoring the health of the desert in Tucson Mountain Park. The volunteer weed warriors work to eradicate buffelgrass and other exotic weeds. The Wednesday work parties are for the hardiest weed warriors and may require hiking in to infested areas and pulling buffelgrass on steep slopes. Bring water and snacks, a hat, sunscreen and sturdy shoes. For meeting location, call 520-615-7885 or email eeducation@pima.gov.
Date: Wednesday, April 22.
Time: 7:00 a.m. – 10:00 a.m.
Where: Pima County Tucson Mountain Park at 2020 N. Kinney Road - call for meeting location.
Cost/Age: free, ages 12 and up.
For more information contact: If you plan to attend, please contact eeducation@pima.gov or call 520-615-7855.
Cactus Walk
What: Join Pima County naturalist Meg Quinn for an informative hike on the scenic Brown Mountain trail. Meg will identify the many local species of cacti found along the trail and will discuss their ecology, uses, distribution and flowering season. Be prepared for a moderate to strenuous hike of about 2.5 miles. Reservations are required.
Date: Thursday, April 23.
Time: 8:00 a.m. - noon.
Where: Brown Mountain trail in Tucson Mountain Park.
Cost/Age: free, ages 12 and up.
For more information contact: 520-615-7855 or eeducation@pima.gov
Reservations required.
Family Astronomy – Night Sky
What: Take a close look at the constellations and stories about the night sky indoors, followed by an exploration of the night sky while learning to use telescopes. Reservations are required.
Date: Thursday, April 23
Time: 7:00 p.m. - 9:30 p.m.
Where: Ellie Towne Flowing Wells Community, 1660 W. Ruthrauff, Tucson.
Cost/Age: free, teens and their families.
For more information contact: 520-615-7855 or eeducation@pima.gov
Reservations required.
Cholla Bud Workshop
What: Join ethnobotanist Martha Burgess for a morning of collecting, cooking and tasting the flower buds of the staghorn cholla prepared in the traditional O’odham way. Reservations are required. Fee $15.
Date: Friday, April 24.
Time: 9:00 a.m. - noon.
Where: Pima County Agua Caliente Park, 12325 E. Roger Road.
Cost/Age: free, ages12 and up.
For more information contact: 520-615-7855 or eeducation@pima.gov
Reservations required.
Twilight Nature Walk
What: Take a relaxing, naturalist-guided stroll through Feliz Paseos Park and experience the quiet of the desert at dusk. You’ll also discover why many desert creatures are active at this time of day.
Date: Friday, April 24.
Time: 6:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m.
Where: Pima County Feliz Paseos Park, 1600 N. Camino de Oeste. On Camino de Oeste, ½ mile north of Speedway/Gates Pass Road.
Cost/Age: free, all ages welcome.
For more information contact: 520-615-7855 or eeducation@pima.gov
Reservations not required.
Cholla Bud Workshop
What: Join ethnobotanist Martha Burgess for a morning of collecting, cooking and tasting the flower buds of the staghorn cholla prepared in the traditional O’odham way. Reservations are required. Fee $15.
Date: Saturday, April 25.
Time: 9:00 a.m. - noon.
Where: Pima County Agua Caliente Park, 12325 E. Roger Road.
Cost/Age: free, ages12 and up.
For more information contact: 520-615-7855 or eeducation@pima.gov
Reservations required.
Birds of Cienega Creek
What: One of southern Arizona’s special places, Cienega Creek, features a cottonwood-willow forest, perennial stream and a rich concentration of bird life. Birding expert Vivian McKinnon offers tips for finding and identifying birds at Cienega Creek. Reservations are required.
Date: Wednesday, April 29.
Time: 6:45 a.m. - 10:00 a.m.
Where: Cienega Creek.
Cost/Age: free, ages 12 and up.
For more information contact: 520-615-7855 or eeducation@pima.gov
Reservations required.
Cholla Bud Workshop
What: Join ethnobotanist Martha Burgess for a morning of collecting, cooking and tasting the flower buds of the staghorn cholla prepared in the traditional O’odham way. Reservations are required. Fee $15.
Date: Wednesday, April 29.
Time: 9:00 a.m. - noon.
Where: Pima County Feliz Paseos Park, 1600 N. Camino de Oeste. On Camino de Oeste, ½ mile north of Speedway/Gates Pass Road.
Cost/Age: free, ages 12 and up.
For more information contact: 520-615-7855 or eeducation@pima.gov
Reservations required.
Agua Caliente Park Ranch House Gallery
What: Birds with an Attitude - Ruth Canada presents birds with human like behaviors displaying their delights and struggles in their environment. The artwork media ranges from watercolor to acrylic in brilliant to deep rich colors.
Date: February 20 – April 2.
Agua Caliente Park Ranch House Hours,
April: Wednesday – Sunday, 10:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.
May – October: Tuesday – Saturday, 9:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.
Where: Pima County Agua Caliente Park, 12325 E. Roger Road.
Cost/Age: free, all ages welcome.
For more information contact: 520-615-7855 or eeducation@pima.gov
Agua Caliente Park Ranch House Gallery
What: The artwork of Rene Vanalstine includes Indian themes done in oils and acrylics.
Date: April 3 – May 9.
Agua Caliente Park Ranch House Hours,
April: Wednesday – Sunday, 10:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.
May – October: Tuesday – Saturday, 9:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.
Where: Pima County Agua Caliente Park, 12325 E. Roger Road.
Cost/Age: free, all ages welcome.
For more information contact: 520-615-7855 or eeducation@pima.gov
Tucson’s River of Words 2009 Youth Poetry and Art Traveling Exhibit
What: See the how local children express their understandings of watershed and share their view of the natural world in this exhibition of award winning poetry and mixed media art.
Date: April 16 - May 18.
Time: Tuesday – Saturday: 10:00 am – 5:00 pm, Sunday: Noon – 5:00 pm, closed Monday.
Where: Tucson Children’s Museum, 200 S 6th Ave, Tucson, AZ 85701.
Cost/Age: admission fees apply, all ages welcome.
For more information contact: 520-615-7855 or eeducation@pima.gov
Reservations not required.
Wake Up with the Birds
What: Desert meets water at this unique crossroads for migratory and resident birds. Spot wetland birds, hummingbirds, songbirds and raptors nestled among the mesquites and palm trees. Binoculars are available for use or bring your own.
Date: Every Tuesday in April
Time: 8:00 a.m. – 9:30 a.m.
Where: Pima County Agua Caliente Park, 12325 E. Roger Road.
Cost/Age: free, all ages welcome.
For more information contact: 520-615-7855 or eeducation@pima.gov
Reservations not required.
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—May '09
Medicinal Plant Walk
What: Edible and medicinal plant expert Charlie Kane, author of Herbal Medicine of the American Southwest and Herbal Medicine: Trends and Traditions, will discuss the many therapeutic uses of native desert trees, shrubs and herbaceous plants. Reservations required. Fee $10.
Date: Saturday, May 2
Time: 8:00 a.m. - 11:00 a.m.
Where: Pima County Feliz Paseos Park, 1600 N. Camino de Oeste. On Camino de Oeste, ½ mile north of Speedway/Gates Pass Road.
Cost/Age: $10, ages 12 and up
For more information contact: 520-615-7855 or eeducation@pima.gov
Reservations required.
Nature Walk: Growing up Wild
What: It’s not easy growing up in nature. Animals must learn to find food and avoid predators. Plants need the right conditions to thrive and avoid being eaten. Join in the exploration of the life cycles and adaptations of animals and plants at Agua Caliente Park.
Date: Saturday, May 2
Time: 9:00 a.m. – 10:00 a.m.
Where: Pima County Agua Caliente Park, 12325 E. Roger Road
Cost/Age: free, all ages welcome
For more information contact: 520-615-7855 or eeducation@pima.gov
Reservations not required.
Hints of the Past
What: Local expert Mary Karrels shares the stories and displays artifacts excavated from an ancient Hohokam village. We meet at Agua Caliente Park Rose Cottage for a brief introduction then walk or drive to the nearby Whiptail archeological site. Reservations required.
Date: Saturday, May 9
Time: 9:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m.
Where: Pima County Agua Caliente Park, 12325 E. Roger Road
Cost/Age: free, all ages welcome
For more information contact: 520-615-7855 or eeducation@pima.gov
Reservations required.
Saguaro Cactus: Hotel or Café?
What: We will read stories and look closely at the iconic saguaro cactus. Learn about the critical role that saguaros play in the life of insects, birds, and mammals. Activity is best suited for children ages 5-12 accompanied by adults.
Date: Saturday, May 9
Time: 10:00 a.m. - 11:30 a.m.
Where: Pima County Agua Caliente Park, 12325 E. Roger Road
Cost/Age: free, ages 5-12 and their families
For more information contact: 520-615-7855 or eeducation@pima.gov
Reservations not required.
Wednesday Sonoran Desert Weedwackers
What: Join the Sonoran Desert Weedwackers and do your part in restoring the health of the desert in Tucson Mountain Park. The volunteer weed warriors work to eradicate buffelgrass and other exotic weeds. The Wednesday work parties are for the hardiest weed warriors and may require hiking in to infested areas and pulling buffelgrass on steep slopes. Bring water, snacks, a hat, sunscreen and sturdy shoes. For meeting location, call 520-615-7855 or email eeducation@pima.gov.
Date: Wednesday, May 13
Time: 7:00 a.m. – 10:00 a.m.
Where: Pima County Tucson Mountain Park at 2020 N. Kinney Road - call for meeting location.
Cost/Age: free, ages 12 and up
For more information contact: If you plan to attend, please contact eeducation@pima.gov or call 520-615-7855.
Mt. Lemmon Bird Walk
What: Join us as we look for birds in the cool forest around Summerhaven. We will stroll for less than a mile along one of the nature trails and see what we can find. This walk is geared toward beginning and intermediate birders. Reservations are required.
Date: Friday, May 15
Time: 8:30 a.m. - 10:30 a.m.
Where: Mt. Lemmon – call for meeting location.
For more information contact: 520-615-7855 or eeducation@pima.gov
Reservations required.
Saturday Sonoran Desert Weedwackers
What: Join the Sonoran Desert Weedwackers and do your part in restoring the health of the desert in Tucson Mountain Park. The volunteer weed warriors work to eradicate buffelgrass and other exotic weeds. Bring water and snacks, a hat, sunscreen and sturdy shoes. For meeting location, call 520-615-7855 or email eeducation@pima.gov
Date: Saturday, May 16
Time: 7:00 a.m. – 10:00 a.m.
Where: Pima County Tucson Mountain Park at 2020 N. Kinney Road - call for meeting location.
Cost/Age: free, ages 12 and up
For more information contact: If you plan to attend, please contact eeducation@pima.gov or call 520-615-7855.
Venomous and Poisonous Creatures
What: Learn about the biology and adaptations of some of Arizona’s amazing creatures including rattlesnakes, scorpions and Gila monsters at this indoor digital slide presentation.
Date: Saturday, May 16
Time: 1:00 p.m. - 2:00 p.m.
Where: Pima County Agua Caliente Park, 12325 E. Roger Road
Cost/Age: free, all ages
For more information contact: 520-615-7855 or eeducation@pima.gov
Reservations not required.
Exploring Watersheds and Writing Poetry
What: Build your own watershed model and express your understanding of watersheds through poetry writing. This activity can be used to prepare entries to Tucson’s River of Words Youth Poetry and Art Contest. Activity is best suited for children ages 5-12 accompanied by adults.
Date: Saturday, May 23
Time: 10:00 a.m. - 11:30 a.m.
Where: Pima County Agua Caliente Park, 12325 E. Roger Road
Cost/Age: free, ages 5-12 and their families
For more information contact: 520-615-7855 or eeducation@pima.gov
Reservations not required.
Wednesday Sonoran Desert Weedwackers
What: Join the Sonoran Desert Weedwackers and do your part in restoring the health of the desert in Tucson Mountain Park. The volunteer weed warriors work to eradicate buffelgrass and other exotic weeds. The Wednesday work parties are for the hardiest weed warriors and may require hiking in to infested areas and pulling buffelgrass on steep slopes. Bring water and snacks, a hat, sunscreen and sturdy shoes. For meeting location, call 520-615-7855 or email eeducation@pima.gov.
Date: Wednesday, May 27
Time: 7:00 a.m. – 10:00 a.m.
Where: Pima County Tucson Mountain Park at 2020 N. Kinney Road - call for meeting location.
Cost/Age: free, ages 12 and up
For more information contact: If you plan to attend, please contact eeducation@pima.gov or call 520-615-7855.
Star Party
What: Have you ever gazed up at the stars and wondered about the twinkling above or what mysterious heavenly bodies are hidden from view? Join us at a star party where we’ll have telescopes set up for celestial viewing. Bring your flashlight and a lawn chair. Reservations are required.
Date: Friday, May 29
Time: 8:30 p.m. – 10:00 p.m.
Where: Tucson Mountain Park Ironwood Picnic Area, 1548 S. Kinney Road 1.5 miles south of Gates Pass Road or 3.8 miles north of Ajo Way.
Cost/Age: free, all ages welcome
For more information contact: 520-615-7855 or eeducation@pima.gov
Reservations required.
Agua Caliente Park Ranch House Gallery
What: Through the Eyes of the Past by Rene Van Alstine includes acrylic on canvas portraits of Native Americans and is traditional realism combined with impressionism.
Date: April 3 – May 9
Agua Caliente Park Ranch House Hours:
May – October: Tuesday – Saturday, 9:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m. November – April: Wednesday – Sunday, 10:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.
Where: Pima County Agua Caliente Park, 12325 E. Roger Road
Cost/Age: free, all ages welcome
For more information contact: 520-615-7855 or eeducation@pima.gov
Agua Caliente Park Ranch House Gallery
What: Through the Lens: Wildlife and Nature Images from the Southwest, by Wildlife photographers Richard and Marjory Wagner. This exhibition showcases some of their favorite images from the southwest, ranging from the rare lavender variant of the Mexican Goldpoppy to intimate nesting behavior shots of the Short-tailed Hawk, a species never previously documented to nest in the Southwestern United States. The brilliant colors of snakes, insects, birds, and even monsoon skies are captured and beautifully displayed by these master fine-art photographers/printers. The Wagners are the authors and photographers of Tread Lightly: Venomous and Poisonous Animals of the Southwest.
Date: May 13 – July 6
Agua Caliente Park Ranch House Hours:
May – October: Tuesday – Saturday, 9:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.
November – April: Wednesday – Sunday, 10:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.
Where: Pima County Agua Caliente Park, 12325 E. Roger Road
Cost/Age: free, all ages welcome
For more information contact: 520-615-7855 or eeducation@pima.gov
Tucson’s River of Words 2009 Youth Poetry and Art Traveling Exhibit
What: See the how local children express their understandings of watershed and share their view of the natural world in this exhibition of award winning poetry and mixed media art.
Date: April 16 - May 18
Time: Tuesday – Saturday: 10:00 am – 5:00 pm, Sunday: Noon – 5:00 pm, closed Monday
Where: Tucson Children’s Museum, 200 S 6th Ave, Tucson, AZ 85701
Cost/Age: admission fees apply, all ages welcome
For more information contact: 520-615-7855 or eeducation@pima.gov
Reservations not required.
Wake Up with the BirdsWhat: Desert meets water at this unique crossroads for migratory and resident birds. Spot wetland birds, hummingbirds, songbirds and raptors nestled among the mesquites and palm trees. Binoculars are available for use or bring your own.
Date: Every Tuesday in May
Time: 8:00 a.m. – 9:30 a.m.
Where: Pima County Agua Caliente Park, 12325 E. Roger Road
Cost/Age: free, all ages welcome
For more information contact: 520-615-7855 or eeducation@pima.gov
Reservations not required.
Sandy Reith
EE Program Coordinator
Pima County Natural Resources, Parks and Recreation
Mailing Address:
3500 West River Road, Tucson, AZ 85741
Office Location:
3572 East River Road, Tucson
(520) 615-7855 ext. 104
Sandy.Reith@pima.gov
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