Ranger Nikki will lead you on a 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 2-mile out-and-back hike on Rock Peak Wash Trail, which consists of deep sand and uneven terrain. 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: Rock Peak Wash Trailhead on Brenner Pass Road
This trailhead is an approximate 10-minute drive south of the main entrance Nature Center. Water and restrooms are not available at this remote trailhead. Please use amenities located at the main trailhead Nature Center on Phillips Road. Annual pass and exact $7 cash accepted at Rock Peak Wash Trailhead. Credit card payments can be taken at the Nature Center.
Limit 15 participants. To register, please call the San Tan Nature Center at (602) 506-2930 ext. 7 with your name, phone number and number of people 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 17.
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 naturalists using only your phone or camera to record nature wherever you go! For more info, check out www.citynaturechallenge.org.