07/06/2026
Announcing Pima County Conservation Lands and Resources in-person Nature Programs
To register https://www.explore.pima.gov/
🌵Smartphone
Nature Photography Walks
Normally we’d suggest you put your cellphone away and focus on the wonders around you, but those cellphones can be a tool to help you engage in the moment AND relive those memories for years to come. Join us for a workshop on the move as we explore El Rio Preserve and get some tips on photographing the great outdoors.
No complicated photography jargon, no expensive equipment – just your phone, a bit of walking, and plenty of guidance and inspiration.
Dates: Wednesday, July 1 and August 5
Time: 7:00 a.m. – 9:00 a.m.
Location: El Rio Preserve, 10191 N Coachline Blvd, Tucson 85743
Cost: $5.00 (Marana Resident) • $6.25 (Non-Resident)
Registration: Online registration at www.maranaaz.gov/recreation
Register through Marana Parks and Recreation
🌵Nature Stories: Desert Rain
Nature Stories: Deep Down Underground
Summary:
Description: Learn about the amazing layers of history under our feet. Volcanos, dinos, mammoths, sophisticated civilizations – it all happened here and the story is recorded underground! Free. Contact library to reserve your spot.
Date: Wednesday, July 1
Time: 10:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m.
Location: Oro Valley Public Library, 1305 W Naranja Dr, Oro Valley 85737
🌵Nature Stories:
Deep Down Underground!
What will we find if we dig down? Learn about the amazing layers of history under our feet. Volcanos, dinos, mammoths, sophisticated civilizations – it all happened here and the story is recorded underground! Free. Contact library to reserve your spot.
W. Anne Gibson-Esmond Station Library
10931 E Mary Ann Cleveland Way, Vail 85747
Thursday, July 2 • 10:30 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.
Santa Rosa Library
1075 S 10th Ave, Tucson 85701
Tuesday, July 7 • 2:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m.
Joyner-Green Valley Library
601 N La Canada Dr, Green Valley 85614
Wednesday, July 8 • 10:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m.
🌵Birding El Rio Preserve
El Rio Preserve along the Santa Cruz River provides excellent habitat for birds and other wildlife.
Join birding expert Jeff Babson at one of Marana’s birding hotspots. We expect to see a nice mix of waterfowl, sparrows, and other birds that are in town for the winter, as well as resident regulars. Please remember to wear comfortable shoes and bring plenty of water; wearing a hat and sunscreen are also recommended.
Dates: Tuesday, July 7 and August 4
Time: 7:00 a.m. – 9:00 a.m.
Location: El Rio Preserve, 10191 N Coachline Blvd, Marana 85743
Cost: $5.00 (Marana Resident) • $6.25 (Non-Resident)
Registration: Online registration at: www.maranaaz.gov/recreation
Register through Marana Parks and Recreation
🌵El Rio Preserve
Nature Strolls
Join a Pima County Naturalist for a guided nature stroll through the desert and riparian habitats of El Rio Preserve. Wander along level, well-maintained trails as we explore the unique plants and animals of the pond and surrounding Sonoran Desert. Remember to wear comfortable shoes and bring plenty of water; a hat and sunscreen are also recommended.
Dates: Thursday, July 9, July 23, August 13 and August 27
Time: 8:00 a.m. – 9:30 a.m.
Location: El Rio Preserve, 10191 N Coachline Blvd, Marana 85743
Cost: $5.00 (Marana Resident) • $6.25 (Non-Resident)
Registration: Online registration at www.maranaaz.gov/recreation
Register through Marana Parks and Recreation
🌵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: Friday, July 10 and August 7
Time: 8:00 a.m. – 9:30 a.m.
Location: Historic Canoa Ranch, 5375 S I-19 Frontage Rd, Green Valley 85622
Cost: Free. Online registration recommended. Drop-ins welcome when space permits.
Family Nightcrawler Hikes
Join a naturalist for a guided hike through the desert after dark. Experience the Sonoran Desert as it comes to life after the sun sets. This ~2 miles or less family-friendly hike will help us explore the nocturnal adaptations of desert wildlife that help them survive. All ages welcome.
Dates: Friday, July 10, July 24, and August 7
Time: 7:30 p.m. – 9:30 p.m.
Location: Tucson Mountain Park (precise location will be shared after registration)
Cost: Free. Registration required.
🌵Signs of the Season Phenology Walks
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: Sunday, July 12 and 26 AND August 9 and 23
Time: 7:00 a.m. – 8:00 a.m.
Location: Group meets in front of Wheeler Taft Abbett Sr. Library, 7800 N Schisler Dr, Tucson 85743
Cost: Free. Registration required.
🌵Dragons and Damsels of El Rio Preserve
Dragonflies and damselflies are increasingly popular as watchable wildlife, and El Rio Preserve is a great spot to observe them. As temperatures climb insects become more active, making ‘summer’ a great time for insect watching. Join us to explore the preserve in search of these charismatic insects and discover the secrets of their amazing lives. All ages encouraged.
Dates and Times:
Monday, July 13 • 7:00 a.m. – 9:00 a.m.
Tuesday, August 18 • 7:00 a.m. – 9:00 a.m.
Location: El Rio Preserve, 10191 N Coachline Blvd, Marana 85743
Cost: $5.00 (Marana Resident) • $6.25 (Non-Resident)
Registration: Online registration at www.maranaaz.gov/recreation
Register through Marana Parks and Recreation
🌵Birding Agua Caliente Park
In southern Arizona the natural world begins to think about spring in March. This walk at Agua Caliente Park offers opportunities to view our desert denizens alongside some pond-loving riparian birds
Dates: Wednesday, July 15, August 5, and August 19
Time: 7:00 a.m. – 8:30 a.m.
Location: Agua Caliente Park, 12325 E Roger Rd, Tucson 85749
Cost: Free*.
Registration recommended. Drop-ins welcome when space permits.
*Now free thanks to the generous support from the
Friends of Agua Caliente
🌵Blacklights and 'Bugs'
As the sun sets, the desert comes alive with a vast array of fascinating wildlife, many of which are insects, like moths and beetles. As part of National Moth Week, we will set up a blacklight and see what creatures reveal themselves!
Date: Tuesday, July 21
Time: 7:30 p.m. – 9:30 p.m.
Location: Agua Caliente Park, 12325 E. Roger Rd, Tucson 85749
Cost: Free. Registration required.
🌵Creatures of the Night:
El Rio Preserve
Bats, and frogs, and snakes – oh my! Join Pima County Natural Resources, Parks and Recreation naturalists as we seek flying, slithering, and hopping creatures that come out at night.
Explore the nocturnal world using bat detectors to discover which species are flying above our heads, and flashlights to observe snakes and other creatures active during summer nights. Learn about the diversity, ecology, and conservation of these interesting nocturnal animals.
Dates: Thursday, July 23 and August 20
Time: 7:30 p.m. – 9:30 p.m.
Location: El Rio Preserve, 10191 N Coachline Blvd, Marana 85743
Cost: $10.00 (Marana Resident) • $12.50 (Non-Resident)
Registration: Online registration at www.maranaaz.gov/recreation
Register through Marana Parks and Recreation
🌵Lizards and Other Critters at El Rio Preserve
It’s hot out there! Just the way some desert critters like it. Join a Pima County Conservation Lands and Resources naturalist for a guided walk in search of lizards, snakes, birds, small mammals, and other desert wildlife that call El Rio Preserve home. All ages encouraged.
Dates: Saturday, July 25 and August 22
Time: 7:30 a.m. – 9:00 a.m.
Location: El Rio Preserve, 10191 N Coachline Blvd, Marana 85743
Cost: $10.00 (Marana Resident) • $12.50 (Non-Resident)
Registration: Online registration at www.maranaaz.gov/recreation
Register through Marana Parks and Recreation
🌵Living River Ramble
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: Sunday, July 26 and August 23
Time: 8:30 a.m. – 9:30 a.m.
Location: Group meets in front of Wheeler Taft Abbett Sr. Library, 7800 N Schisler Dr, Tucson 85743
Cost: $5. Registration required.
🌵Bat Walk at Agua Caliente Park
Explore the nocturnal world of bats, beginning with an introduction to their diversity, biology, and conservation. The group then sets off on a casual stroll with bat detectors to determine just which species are flying over our heads.
Dates and Times:
Thursday, July 30 • 7:30 p.m. – 9:30 p.m.
Wednesday, August 26 • 7:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m.
Location: Agua Caliente Park, 12325 E Roger Rd, Tucson 85749
Cost: $10. Registration required.
