SCFH EVENTS
All events are free and are limited to 10 attendees per event. Pre-registration with the Town of Fountain Hills is required.
Click on the course number to register.
FOUNTAIN HILLS DESERT BOTANICAL GARDEN
A series of Walk and Talk programs are being offered during the 2020-21 season on a variety of topics. Each program will combine a presentation with an easy pace 1.5 mile walk in the Garden to apply the information presented.
SONORAN CONSERVANCY HIKES
Due to COVID-19, we cannot guarantee a ride to the start of a hike. Carpooling will be at the discretion of drivers. If you do carpool, be prepared to wear a mask in the car and to use hand sanitizer prior to entering the vehicle.
Little Saddle Mountain
This is a moderate to challenging in/out 8 mile hike on a beautiful portion of the Arizona Trail. Early turn around is possible if hike or distance is too challenging. Trail access is off a paved road. The trail gradually climbs through a canyon. If the winter is wet, we may cross a stream several times. This area was burned in the 2012 Sunflower fire and it is amazing to see how well this area has recovered. Bring 2-3 liters of water and lunch. Wear sturdy boots. Hiking poles recommended. 30 minute drive time to trailhead. Masks and hand sanitizer required for anyone carpooling.
Dixie Mine Hike
Saturday, February 06, 2021
This is a moderate 5.2 mile round trip hike to a historic mine in the McDowell Mountain Regional Park. Only trace amounts of valuable minerals were ever found. $2 park entry fee. Bring 2 liters of water and snacks. Wear sturdy boots. Hiking poles recommended.
Get To Know Your Botanical Garden
Wednesday, February 10, 2021
Fountain Hills Botanical Garden
Carol Carriere will introduce you to the Garden and share information about its history, geology, plants, and volunteer opportunities as you walk the 1.5 miles of trail.
Lost in the Goldfields
Friday, February 19, 2021
No formal trails exist in the Goldfield Mountains just east of Fountain Hills; but many unmarked horse trails are there that hikers and mountain bikers also use. We shall explore some of these trails and use the Trailforks app to avoid getting lost! This will be a moderate hike of 5-7 miles. Bring 2-3 liters of water and snacks or lunch. Wear sturdy boots. Hiking poles recommended. 30 minute drive time to trailhead. Masks and hand sanitizer required for anyone carpooling.
How to Take Great Photos with Your Cell Phone
Wednesday, February 24, 2021
Wouldn't you like to know how to take the best photos with your cell phone, especially as wildflower season approaches. Paul Stark will be providing tips for you to use. He will be using an iphone, but most tips will also apply to android phones. After the talk, Paul will take you on a short hike in the Preserve to demonstrate his suggestions. Don't forget to bring your charged cell phone to this talk!
Wildflower Hike
This moderate 3 to 5 mile hike will take you on the Preserve trails with the best wildflower displays. Carol Carriere and other stewards will be identifying the plants for you.
Pass Mountain, the Easy Way
This moderate 6 mile hike will follow the north side of Pass Mountain in Usery Mountain Regional Park. We shall take a short cut so we hike the most scenic part of the Pass Mountain trail. Wildflowers are often outstanding along this trail. Portions of the trail are narrow so hiking poles are recommended. Bring 2-3 liters of water and snacks or lunch. Wear sturdy boots. 30 minute drive. Masks and hand sanitizer required for carpooling.
Using iNaturalist to Identify Plants with your Cell Phone
Fountain Hills Desert Botanical Garden
Carrie Matthews will provide a tutorial as you walk through the Garden on the use of iNaturalist to identify plants. Participants should download iNaturalist, a free app, to their cell phones prior to the class.
What Bird is That? - Using eBird
Fountain Hills Desert Botanical Garden
Peter Herstein will show you how to use eBird to identify birds through their song or by sight. Participants should download eBird, a free app, to their cell phones prior to the class. Meet at the Fountain Hills Desert Botanical Garden for instruction on use of the app and a walk through the Garden to identify birds.