Homeschool families can hike with Ranger Olivia to learn about our fascinating Sonoran Desert. We will focus on plant identification and learn about some of our common cacti, trees and shrubs. We will also be on the lookout for critters such as birds, bugs and lizards. The hike is approximately 1.5 miles total. We will hike on Merkle Trail and go across the roadway to visit a sandy wash that may have special plants or critters for us to see. The terrain is flat, level and barrier-free. To help with you identify what you see in nature, download the free iNaturalist app beforehand when you have a good data connection. Another option is Seek by iNaturalist, which is specifically kid-friendly and does not use location data. This is a fun way to become a citizen scientist, learn about what you see and create a data record that can be used by biologists to track population and habitat trends. Wear closed-toe shoes and sun-protective clothing and bring plenty of water. There are portable restrooms and no water at Merkle Trailhead due to construction. Regular restrooms and water are available at the Nature Center or beyond the meeting location at the trailhead staging area dirt parking lot.
MEETING LOCATION: Area 6, Merkle Trailhead north side
Precise Meeting Location: https://maps.app.goo.gl/9LrwRKf3WptxABdM6
Limit 35 participants. To register, please call the Usery Nature Center at (602) 506-2930 ext. 4 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 1/13/26.