Let’s get scientific! Today’s focus is on inquiry, observation, information sharing and knowledge building – from the tiniest micro-creature to the largest saguaro. Three different 30-minute workshops will take place on the half-hour starting at 9:00am and Rangers Jacque, Nikki and Olivia will be your guides. Aquatic: Use a microscope to view, learn about and document the robust life darting around in a water sample from the park’s viewing pond. Birdwatching: Learn how to use binoculars to spot and identify some native "masters of air" along with learning how to use Merlin Bird ID, an app that helps identify and teach about birds and their songs. Real talons, wings, and feathers of native birds will be available to examine. Nature: Become a citizen scientist as a ranger shows you how to search for specimens along the trail, take effective photos and upload them to iNaturalist to document your findings and contribute to biological research! You will also learn how to participate in City Nature Challenge 2026, a global observation challenge that runs April 24-27.
To get a full citizen science experience during this homeschool day, bring your phone or tablet to take photos and be sure to download the iNaturalist app and create an account at home beforehand, as there is limited connectivity in the park. (Seek by iNaturalist is an alternative that is geared toward younger users). It is also helpful to download the Merlin Bird ID app from The Cornell Lab and install the “US: Southwest” bird pack – all free! A fun feature of this app is the sound recorder that can identify the bird it hears and keep it in a list for you. (Account not required). One workshop takes place inside the Nature Center and the other two take place outdoors on the trails. The trail surfaces are mostly level on compacted gravel but there may be a section that is uneven and slightly sloped to cross a wash. The outdoor walks will be no more than ½ mile round trip. Binoculars will be available to borrow but please bring your own if you have a pair. Wear closed-toe shoes, sun-protective clothing and a hat. Be sure to bring plenty of water. Restrooms and water are available at the Nature Center.
This year, we are excited to have our citizen science programs be a part of Citizen Science Month 2026, which is an official partner of America 250, the campaign to celebrate the United States of America’s semiquincentennial anniversary. You can double your impact on the initiative of reaching 2.50 Million Acts of Science by reporting your iNaturalist observations to SciStarter, an organization that connects people to citizen science projects, citizen scientists and resources. Create an account on SciStarter.org, an ASU research affiliate, and add your iNat username to settings (under “Affiliation Integration”). Do this once, and all your observations count!
MEETING LOCATION: Nature Center
No registration required. Just stop by at any of the following start times to participate in the Aquatic, Birdwatching and Nature workshops: 9:00am, 9:30am, 10:00am, 10:30am, 11:00am, 11:30am. All three topics are available at each Start Time and workshops run concurrently. Give yourself enough time (90 minutes) to take part in all three before 12:00pm!