| Special Event - San Tan Scramble - San Tan |
| San Tan Mountain Regional Park |
| This will be the fifth run within the Desert Runner Trail Series. The 9km, 25km and 50km runs will take place on the Goldmine, San Tan and Hedgehog Trails, starting at the San Tan Trailhead located near the San Tan Visitor Center. All courses will be marked with orange ribbon and flagging. All junctions will be signed with colored arrows corresponding with your race bib (different color for each race). For more information go to aravaiparunning.com. The primary rush of event activity will take place between 8 a.m. and noon. |
| Date: 2/2/2013 |
| Time: 7:00 AM - 5:00 PM |
| Speaker: Aravaipa Running |
| Registration Required: No |
| Fee: $6 vehicle park entry fee |
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| More Info: http://www.maricopa.gov/parks/santan/ |
| Contact: (480) 655-5554 |
| Location: San Tan Mountain Regional Park - Visitor Center |
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Queen Creek, AZ 85242 |
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| Horses, Gold and Critters Oh My!- Cave Creek Regional Park |
| Cave Creek Regional Park |
| Get your boots on and come on out to Cave Creek Trailrides! Get a hands on “Old West” experience within our 3 Exploration Stations, where you will gain knowledge and connect as a group! Station 1 provides a great introduction to the world of horses from anatomy and feeding to cost of ownership and tack! At Station 2 you’ll receive basic riding instruction and be introduced to your own horse for a scenic trail ride through Cave Creek Regional Park. Last, at Station 3 the Ranger will introduce you to the unique critters that call the Sonoran Desert home and you will also get the chance to try your hand at gold panning while learning about the rich mining history of the area. This program is geared towards girl scouts (grades 4-5) earning a Horse Rider or Fan Badge. Advanced registration is required. For more information please contact Deb Bitton at 623-742-6700 or deb@cavecreektrailrides.com |
| Date: 2/2/2013 |
| Time: 8:00 AM - 12:00 PM Duration: 4 hours |
| Speaker: Deb Bitton and Ranger Mark |
| Registration Required: Yes |
| Fee: $6.00 per vehicle park entry fee + program fee |
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| More Info: http://www.cavecreektrailrides.com |
| Contact: Deb Bitton at 623-742-6700 or deb@cavecreektrailrides.com |
| Location: Meet at the Horse Trailrides |
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Address:
37019 N. Lava Lane
Cave Creek, AZ 85331 |
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| Progressive Fitness Hike #1 - Usery Park |
| Usery Mountain Regional Park |
| Want to increase your fitness level and also enjoy the outdoors? Hit the trails with us for a fun way to get back in shape! During this hike series, each hike will increase in length and difficulty in order to help you prepare for the grand finale hike – the 7.5-mile loop trail around Pass Mountain! This is a great way to get in shape and to hike many different trails in Usery Park at the same time. This hike series will take place every Saturday at 8am through March 9. This first hike of the series will be approximately 2.5 miles on fairly level terrain. Please bring water, hats, and closed-toe shoes. Location: Trail Staging Area. Note: Participation in the 4th or 5th hike in this series is required to do the final hike. |
| Date: 2/2/2013 |
| Time: 8:00 AM |
| Registration Required: No |
| Fee: $6.00 per car |
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| Archery 101 - Usery Park |
| Usery Mountain Regional Park |
| Interested in archery? Curious about how to shoot a bow? Come to Usery Park and find out! You will discover how fun archery really is! Participants will experience a fun and safe introduction to recreational and international-style target archery. Equipment will be provided. This class is open to anyone ages 8 and up. Minors must be accompanied by an adult. Advanced registration is required. Please call the park at 480-984-0032 to register. Limited to 20 participants. Please bring water, hats, and closed-toe shoes. Meet at the Archery Range. Note: This class is also offered at 10:30am. |
| Date: 2/2/2013 |
| Time: 9:00 AM |
| Registration Required: Yes |
| Fee: $6.00 per car |
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| CLASS FULL Learn Archery - Archery 101 9AM Lake Pleasant |
| Lake Pleasant Regional Park |
| THIS CLASS IS FULL, PLEASE CHECK BACK FOR ANOTHER UPCOMING CLASS. Sign Up Today - Limited Spots! Learn to shoot a recurve, compound, and cross bow. This 1.5 hour class is the first step in learning archery. Wear comfortable clothes, closed toe shoes and bring some cold water. All equipment is provided. Call 602-372-7460 x 202 , and leave name, phone number, and how many people wish to attend. Ranger will call to let you know if there is room in the class (only 12 people per class). Follow the "Archery 101" signs from the main contact station to the group campground. |
| Date: 2/2/2013 |
| Time: 9:00 AM - 10:30 AM Duration: 1.5 hours |
| Registration Required: Yes |
| Fee: $6 per vehicle park entry fee |
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| Contact: Terry Gerber, Interpretive Ranger 602-372-7460 ext. 202 |
| Location: Lake Pleasant Regional Park Group Campground |
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Address:
Take Hwy 74 to Castle Hot Springs Rd., turn right into park, follow signs to program.
Peoria, AZ |
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| Exploring the Dragonfly Trail - Spur Cross |
| Spur Cross Ranch Conservation Area |
| February 2 Saturday 9:00 am Exploring the Dragonfly Trail
(moderate) Come along with park ranger Kevin Smith on this exploration of the newest trail in the Spur Cross trail system, the Dragonfly Trail. On this moderate 3.5 mile hike we will visit a prehistoric rock art site and also stroll along a beautiful section of riparian habitat on Cave Creek. |
| Date: 2/2/2013 |
| Time: 9:00 AM Duration: 3 hours |
| Speaker: Kevin Smith, park ranger |
| Registration Required: No |
| Fee: $3 per person |
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| Contact: Kevin Smith, Park ranger at 480-488-6623 or e-mail kevinsmith@mail.maricopa.gov |
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| The Secret life of Saguaros on the Scenic Trail – Trailhead Staging Area- McDowell |
| McDowell Mountain Regional Park |
| Want a longer hike, while learning all about the secret life of saguaros? The Scenic Trail is a 4.8 mile ridgeline hike with great views of mountain ranges in all directions. See a crested saguaro, view an ancient petroglyph, and take in the desert as we walk this moderate, 2 1/2 hour walk. Please wear hiking shoes and bring water and snacks. Meet at the Trailhead Staging Area. |
| Date: 2/2/2013 |
| Time: 9:00 AM - 11:30 PM Duration: 2 1/2 hours |
| Speaker: Ranger Amy |
| Registration Required: No |
| Fee: $6 per vehicle park entry fee |
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| Contact: amyburnett@mail.maricopa.gov 480-471-0173x201 |
| Location: McDowell Mountain Regional Park |
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Address:
16300 McDowell Mountain Park Dr.,Scottsdale, AZ 85269
Photo courtesy of www.visitphoenix.com, AZ |
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| Saturday Bird Walk - Usery Park |
| Usery Mountain Regional Park |
| How do you tell one brown bird from the next, and what are the first three items to look for as the little rascal flits off? Are you already a novice but interested in keeping a yearly, state or country bird list? Bird expert, Sandy Hornbaker, will talk about bird habitat, behavior, range, etc. as we go in search of the native birds in this area. Please bring binoculars, water, and closed-toe shoes. Location: Nature Center. |
| Date: 2/2/2013 |
| Time: 10:00 AM |
| Registration Required: No |
| Fee: $6.00 per car |
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| CLASS FULL Learn Archery - Archery 101 11AM - Lake Pleasant |
| Lake Pleasant Regional Park |
| THIS CLASS IS FULL, PLEASE CHECK BACK FOR ANOTHER UPCOMING CLASS. Sign Up Today - Limited Spots! Learn to shoot a recurve, compound, and cross bow. This 1.5 hour class is the first step in learning archery. Wear comfortable clothes, closed toe shoes and bring some cold water. All equipment is provided. Call 602-372-7460 x 202 , and leave name, phone number, and how many people wish to attend. Ranger will call to let you know if thre is room in the class (only 12 people per class). Follow the "Archery 101" signs from the main contact station to the group campground. |
| Date: 2/2/2013 |
| Time: 11:00 AM - 12:30 PM Duration: 1.5 hours |
| Registration Required: Yes |
| Fee: $6 per vehicle park entry fee |
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| Contact: Terry Gerber, Interpretive Ranger 602-372-7460 ext. 202 |
| Location: Lake Pleasant Regional Park Group Campground |
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Address:
Take Hwy 74 to Castle Hot Springs Rd., turn right into park, follow signs to program.
Peoria, AZ |
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| Venomous Creatures at White Tank Library |
| White Tank Mountains Regional Park |
| This program will be held in the White Tank Regional Library classroom. You will learn about the venomous creatures that live in our desert, on our patios, in our garages and houses. You will learn the myths and facts about the denizens of the area. This is not a hiking event. |
| Date: 2/2/2013 |
| Time: 11:00 AM - 12:30 PM Duration: 1.5 hours |
| Speaker: Park Rangers |
| Registration Required: No |
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| Location: White Tank LibraryClassroom |
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| Reptile and Live Animal Feeding at McDowell- McDowell Park |
| McDowell Mountain Regional Park |
| Have you ever seen a snake eat? Bring your questions for Ranger Amy to our toasty Visitor Center to watch our exhibit animals being fed. Meet our baby tortoises, desert blonde tarantula and giant desert hairy scorpion. Feeding takes place at the Visitor Center. |
| Date: 2/2/2013 |
| Time: 1:00 PM - 2:00 PM Duration: 1 hour |
| Speaker: Ranger Amy Burnett |
| Registration Required: No |
| Fee: $6 per vehicle park entry fee |
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| Contact: amyburnett@mail.maricopa.gov 480-471-0173x201 |
| Location: McDowell Mountain Regional Park |
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Address:
16300 McDowell Mountain Park Dr.
Fountain Hills, AZ 85268 |
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| Ride with the Ranger- Mountain Bikes - San Tan |
| San Tan Mountain Regional Park |
| Are you new to mountain biking? Are you looking for a group to go riding with? Or do you just like playing in the dirt? Either way we have the perfect opportunity for you. Join Ranger Adam as we hit the trails and explore the outdoors by bike on the Stargazer Trail (roughly 2.2-miles round trip). On the way we will talk about proper trail etiquette, bike equipment, types of bikes, riding techniques, safety and more. Please bring plenty of water, your bike, and helmet. A longer advanced ride will follow the 2.2 mile loop. |
| Date: 2/2/2013 |
| Time: 2:00 PM - 3:00 PM |
| Registration Required: No |
| Fee: $6 vehicle park entry fee |
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| More Info: http://www.maricopa.gov/parks/santan/ |
| Contact: (480) 655-5554 |
| Location: San Tan Mountain Regional Park - Visitor Center |
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Address:
6533 W Phillips Road
Queen Creek, AZ 85242 |
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| Campground Nature Walk - Usery Park |
| Usery Mountain Regional Park |
| Join park host, Sandy Hornbaker, for a late afternoon sojourn through our campground and nature trail on a quest to spot desert wildlife and plants. Wildlife sightings are not guaranteed, but bring binoculars, your afternoon tea, and a little patience. Be prepared to walk one to two miles. Please bring water, hats, and closed-toe shoes. Location: Campsite 21 in the Buckhorn Campground. |
| Date: 2/2/2013 |
| Time: 4:00 PM |
| Registration Required: No |
| Fee: $6.00 per car |
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| Venomous Creatures - Cave Creek Regional Park |
| Cave Creek Regional Park |
| Join Ranger Mark at Nature Center for a presentation about the venomous creatures you may find in the Sonoran Desert. Enjoy the beauty of these wonderful, misunderstood, and often maligned animals while learning fascinating facts and the important roles each creature plays in the desert ecosystem. As Marie Curie, French Physicist and two-time Nobel Prize recipient said “Nothing in life is to be feared. It is only to be understood.” Afterwards, Ranger Mark will be feeding all the critters! |
| Date: 2/2/2013 |
| Time: 5:00 PM - 6:00 PM Duration: 1 hour |
| Speaker: Ranger Mark |
| Registration Required: No |
| Fee: $6.00 per vehicle park entry fee |
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| Contact: Ranger Mark - markpaulat@mail.maricopa.gov |
| Location: Meet at the Nature Center |
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Address:
37900 N. Cave Creek Parkway
Cave Creek, AZ 85331 |
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| Feeding Frenzy! - Cave Creek Regional Park |
| Cave Creek Regional Park |
| It’s time to feed our critters! Come out and see how these fascinating creatures munch on lunch! Witness the different techniques each animal employs to consume its prey. Meet Ranger Mark in the Nature Center for this compelling consumption of calories! |
| Date: 2/2/2013 |
| Time: 6:00 PM |
| Speaker: Ranger Mark |
| Registration Required: No |
| Fee: $6.00 per vehicle park entry fee |
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| Contact: Ranger Mark - markpaulat@mail.maricopa.gov |
| Location: Meet at the Nature Center |
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Address:
37900 N. Cave Creek Parkway
Cave Creek, AZ 85331 |
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| *CANCELLED* Stargazing for Everyone *Call 623-465-0431 for updates*- Cave Creek Regional Park |
| Cave Creek Regional Park |
| ***CANCELLED***DUE TO EXCESSIVE CLOUD COVER***PLEASE CHECK BACK FOR RESCHEDULE INFORMATION* Come look through telescopes and enjoy a "stellar" presentation under the stars with the expert guidance of Tony and Carole La Conte! These well known professional stargazers will be here with their crew of amazing volunteers and their high powered telescopes. When visible, view the craters of the moon, Venus, Mars, Jupiter, and the rings of Saturn. Learn the names of stars, see the constellations, and listen to stories of the night sky! Come alone or bring your entire family or group. We encourage you to bring your own binoculars or the family telescope but it is not necessary. Bring lawn chairs or blankets for your comfort. Special equipment is available for wheelchair access viewing. No pets, please. Meet at ramada parking lot, just east of Nature Center. *CANCELLED- WE APOLOGIZE FOR ANY INCONVENIENCE* |
| Date: 2/2/2013 |
| Time: 7:30 PM - 9:30 PM Duration: 2 hours |
| Speaker: Tony La Conte |
| Registration Required: No |
| Fee: $6.00 per vehicle park entry fee |
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| More Info: http://www.stargazingforeveryone.com/ |
| Contact: Ranger Mark - markpaulat@mail.maricopa.gov |
| Location: Meet at ramada parking lot, just east of Nature Center |
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Address:
37019 N. Lava Lane
Cave Creek, AZ 85331 |
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