Hike for health, meet saguaros or cook prickly pear Tucson

OUTDOORS AND ACTIVITIES 

All events are free or included in admission or vehicle entrance fee unless otherwise noted. Parking may be additional. Bad weather may change or cancel activity. Children must be accompanied by an adult. No pets unless otherwise specified.

Birding — Pima County Agua Caliente Park, 12325 E. Roger Road. Take a guided walk to see birds such as warblers, flycatchers, hummingbirds, orioles, and vireos. Loaner binoculars available. Online registration required. 8-9:30 a.m. Sept. 20 and 27. 724-5375.

Desert Botany 101 — Saguaro National Park East, 3693 S. Old Spanish Trail. Review the basic principles of desert botany on this easy walk through the Cactus Garden. 10-10:30 a.m. Sept. 21. 733-5153.

Nuts about Nature Preschool Hour — Pima County Agua Caliente Park, 12325 E. Roger Road. Join us for child-friendly fun, learn about nature through stories, crafts, and games. Children ages 3-5 with an adult companion. Online registration required. 10:30-11:30 a.m. Sept. 21. $5. 724-5375.

The Wonderful World of Bats — Valencia Public Library, 202 W. Valencia Road. Explore the exciting nightlife of bats, their intriguing adaptations, and the important roles they play in the environment. 3-4 p.m. Sept. 21. 724-5375.

Family Birding — Sam Lena Park/KERP, 3400 S. Country Club Road. Join an all-ages walk for beginning birders to explore the diversity of birds found in the area. Identify birds by shape, plumage, and behavior, and learn how to use binoculars and field guides. Loaner binoculars available. Online registration required. 8-9:30 a.m. Sept. 22. $5. 724-5375.

I Hike for Health — Saguaro National Park East. Join park staff to earn a free hiking medal as you hike 3 miles and discover the health benefits. Water and suitable footwear recommended. Advance registration required. 7-10 a.m. Sept. 22. 733-5153.

I Hike for Health (west) — Saguaro National Park West, 2700 N. Kinney Road. Join park staff on a 3-mile hike to kick off Saguaro National Park’s “I Hike for Health” Program in celebration of National Public Lands Day. Earn a free hiking medal. Water and suitable footwear recommended. Advance registration is required. Call 733-5158 to sign up. 7-9:30 a.m. Sept. 22. 

Mission Garden — 946 W. Mission Lane. A living agricultural museum of Sonoran Desert-adapted heritage fruit-trees, traditional local heirloom crops, and edible native plants. 8 a.m.-noon. Sept. 22. Donations accepted. 971-2385.

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Bird Walk — San Pedro House, 9800 E. Highway 90, Sierra Vista. Birders of all levels. Suitable footwear and water recommended. 7-9 a.m. Sept. 22. Donations accepted. 459-2555.

River Walk — San Pedro House. The walks are led by The Friends of the San Pedro River. Look for 82 species of mammals, dozens of reptiles and amphibians and nearly 350 species of birds. Suitable footwear and water recommended. 8-10 a.m. Sept. 22. Donations accepted. 459-2555.

Bird Walk — Environmental Operations Park, Hwy. 90 east of Sierra Vista. Led by docents from Southeastern Arizona Bird Observatory and the Friends of the San Pedro River. A 50-acre wetlands planted with aquatic plants, including cattails, and grasses that attract migrating and nesting birds. First-come, first-served basis. Suitable footwear and water recommended. 7-10 a.m. Sept. 23. Donations accepted. 459-2555.

Cooking With Prickly Pear — Saguaro National Park West. A live cooking demonstration will show how to prepare and cook prickly pear. 3:15-3:45 p.m. Sept. 23. 733-5158.

Meet The Saguaro — Saguaro National Park East. Get to know the cactus and learn its life story. 10-10:30 a.m. Sept. 23 and 27. 733-5153.

Full Moon Wander — Pima County Feliz Paseos Park, 1600 N. Camino de Oeste. Join a Pima County naturalist to send off the sun and welcome the full moon. Dress for the weather, suitable footwear, bring water and a flashlight. Ages 12 and up. Online registration required. 6-8 p.m. Sept. 24. $5. 724-5375.

Cattle and Cactus — Saguaro National Park East. Drive the Cactus Forest Loop with a ranger to discuss the changing ecosystem after cattle grazing ended and as the climate changes. 2-3:30 p.m. Sept. 25. 733-5153.

Full Moon Hike — Saguaro National Park East. Explore the sights and sounds of the desert as it comes to life under the full moon. Suitable footwear, bring water and a flashlight. Reservations required. Call 733-5153. Ages 10 and up. 6:15-8:15 p.m. Sept. 25.

Life Cycle of the Saguaro: Seeds to Giant — Saguaro National Park West. A short walk to learn why so few Saguaro seeds make it to fruition. 11:15 a.m.-noon. Sept. 25. 733-5158.

Birding Maeveen Behan Desert Sanctuary — Arthur Pack Regional Park, 9101 N. Thornydale Road. Take a guided walk on flat trails through saguaro-ironwood desert habitat to see a variety of upland birds as well as waterbirds on the adjacent ponds. Loaner binoculars available. Online registration required. 7-9 a.m. Sept. 26. 724-5375.