My Items

Using iNaturalist to Identify Plants with your Cell Phone

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.

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

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

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

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

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.

What Bird is That? - Using eBird

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.