Nature

San Pedro River
Birding on the San Pedro River
The San Pedro Riparian National Conservation Area is considered one of the largest and most critical avian migratory corridors remaining in the western United States. It supports more than 350 species of birds, in addition to more than 80 species of mammals, two native and several introduced species of fish, and more than 40 species of amphibians and reptiles. The area, which includes about 40 miles of the upper San Pedro River, offers ample opportunities to see the migrating and native birds of Southern Arizona. Guided tours leave from the San Pedro House and feature information on the history of the area, hydrology, geology, and plant and animal life, as well as time to look for the myriad birds that use the precious water in the San Pedro River.

Special Instructions: Comfortable clothing and walking shoes recommended. Bring your own binoculars. Commercial tour operators must contact the Bureau of Land Management for parking permit information at (520) 439-6400.
Contact: Friends of the San Pedro River

Friends of the San Pedro River 
1763 Paseo San Luis, Sierra Vista, AZ 85635
(520) 459-2555
fspr@sanpedroriver.org, www.sanpedroriver.org

Reid Park Zoo
Behind-the-Scenes Tour
When visiting zoos across the country, have you ever wondered what the animals actually eat and who's in charge of making sure they get enough of their specialized delicacies? Tucson's Reid Park Zoo will take you behind the scenes with visits to the kitchen, health center and an animal night house to give you a close look at what it takes for the care of more than 500 animals each day! Afterward, your group may take your new perspective out into the zoo and explore for as long as you like.

Attendees:10 min./30 max. Length: 1 hour
Contact: Kristen Metzger

Reid Park Zoo 
1100 S. Randolph Way, Tucson, AZ 85715
(520) 837-8088
kristen.metzger@tucsonaz.gov, www.tucsonzoo.org  

Reid Park Zoo
Evening Safari
Explore the Reid Park Zoo at night, and find out what the animals do when no one's around. Staff lead flashlight tours and give you some up-close animal encounters-all in one unforgettable evening.

Special Instructions: The zoo will provide flashlights and snacks, but participants should eat dinner before arriving.

Attendees: 15 min./30 max.
Length: 3 hours
Times: 6:30-9:30 p.m.
Contact: Kristen Metzger

Reid Park Zoo 
1100 S. Randolph Way, Tucson, AZ 85715
(520) 837-8088
kristen.metzger@tucsonaz.gov, www.tucsonzoo.org

Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum
Live & (Sort Of) On The Loose Reptiles
Rattlesnakes and Gila monsters, fangs and venom-the mere mention makes most people run for cover. Truth is, people tend to misinterpret the normal defensive reactions these amazing creatures exhibit when faced with our often-unintended blunderings into their lives. Learn how to tread safely among these true natives of the desert Southwest, with the help of trained docents at the Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum. Separate myth from reality, and get a rare chance to meet a live Gila monster or rattlesnake.

Attendees: No min./60 max.
Length: 30 minutes
Contact: Yolanda Calkins

Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum 
2021 N. Kinney Rd., Tucson, AZ 85743
(520) 883-1380 x100
ycalkins@desertmuseum.org, www.desertmuseum.org

Sweet P's Studio
Fruits and Fragrances of the Desert
Come and enjoy a totally unique Tucson experience! Indulge in the creation of your own organic skincare gift made with Tucson fruits and fragrances. The set includes body wash, lotion, sunscreen, hand & body whip, and bath salt. Sweet P's Studio is also nestled where the expansive Catalina Mountains meet the Rincon Mountains allowing you to relax in the sights, smells, and stories of the Sonoran Desert.

Attendees: no min./max.
Length: 1-2 hours.
Contact: Paula Morris

Sweet P's Studio
4950 N. Avenida de Suzenu, Tucson, AZ 85749 
(520) 909-1192
sweetpstucson@aol.com, www.SweetPSkinCare.com 

Catalina State Park has birding trails in a desert habitat. (520) 628-5798, north of Tucson.

Colossal Cave Mountain Park is on the National Historic Register, showcasing crystal-filled Colossal Cave and historic La Posta Quemada Ranch.

Garden Canyon has moderate hiking trails that get you up close and personal with a wide array of native and migratory birds. (800) 288-3861, Fort Huachuca off AZ Hwy. 90.

International Wildlife Museum is a world-class natural history museum with 400 different species.

Kartchner Caverns State Park is a rare living wet cave. The visitor center details the discovery of the cave, its unique formations, and preservation efforts that went into building Arizona's newest state park.

Madera Canyon is an outstanding cross-section of Southwestern bird habitats with trails from desert grassland to mountain forest. (520) 281-2296, off I-19 or I-10 to AZ Hwy. 83, east of Green Valley, AZ. 

Mt. Lemmon has scenic viewpoints, camping and picnic grounds, and hiking trails.

Organ Pipe Cactus National Monument is the largest national monument in the United States established to protect the unique cactus.

Patagonia-Sonoita Creek Preserve has groves of cottonwoods and dense willows along Sonoita Creek, supporting 300 bird species. One of the best spots in the country to see the rare Gray Hawk. (520) 394-2400, off AZ Hwy. 82, east through Patagonia, AZ.

Ramsey Canyon Preserve is an expansive 380-acre site renowned for scenic beauty and excellent birding opportunities, particularly hummingbirds. (520) 378-2785, off AZ Hwy. 92 at Ramsey Canyon Rd., near Sierra Vista, AZ.

Sabino Canyon's narrated ground-tram trip lasts 45 minutes and travels the most camera-worthy scenery in the Tucson area.

Saguaro National Park East & West are home to the world's most recognizable cactus, the majestic saguaro.  West: 2700 N. Kinney Rd., Tucson, AZ 85743.(520) 733-5158, www.nps.gov/sagu; East: 3693 S. Old Spanish Trail, Tucson, (520) 733-5153.