Ranger Nikki will lead you on a 4-mile easy/moderate hike to look for cactus blooms, wildflowers and pollinators visiting flowers. Learn how to document your findings on the citizen science app, iNaturalist*, and how to join app-based local and worldwide biodiversity projects. We will also talk about the Parks Department butterfly monitoring initiative and you will receive an identification handout to help with your own observations. The route is a 4-miles loop using Blevins, Crismon Wash, Levee, Nighthawk Wash and NoSo Trails. The trails are rated as easy to moderate with terrain varying from even to rocky/uneven. The wash trails consist of shallow to deep sand and hiking poles may be helpful. Wear closed-toe shoes and bring snacks and plenty of water. Bring a camera and notebook to log your observations.
* If you would like to learn how to document via iNaturalist, please download the free app at home and register with a username prior to arrival.
MEETING LOCATION: Trailhead Staging, Blevins west access Restrooms and water are available at the Nature Center and Trailhead.
Limit 20 participants. To register, please call the Usery Nature Center at (602) 506-2930 ext. 4 with your name, phone number and number attending. If you find you cannot attend a program after you have registered, please call the Nature Center ASAP so we may contact those on the waiting list. Registration for this program will close on Wednesday, April 10.
Once you’re comfortable using the app, we invite you to return as a park citizen scientist on April 26-29 for the City Nature Challenge, an international effort that encourages all citizens to find and document plants and wildlife on iNaturalist in cities across the globe. This bioblitz-style competition challenges local communities to make the most observations in nature during this 4-day period, and then this data is available for science, management, and conservation. So this April 26-29, connect with your open spaces, your community, and other global naturalist using only your phone or camera to record nature wherever you go! For more info, check out http://www.citynaturechallenge.org.