| Competitive Track Closed - Estrella |
| Estrella Mountain Park |
| Trails at the Estrella Mountain Regional Park Competitive Track will be closed for biking and hiking during preparation and running of the Freshfit 500 and NASCAR Sprint Cup Series at Phoenix International Raceway. March 3 Events begin at 9:00am and conclude at 5:00 PM. Trails will reopen on March 10, 2012. |
| Date: 3/3/2012 |
| Time: 12:00 AM - 11:59 PM Duration: all day |
| Registration Required: No |
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| More Info: http://www.phoenixraceway.com/Raceday/2012-March-Fan-Schedule.aspx |
| Contact: 623 932-3811 |
| Location: Competitive Track - Estrella Mountain Regional Park |
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Address:
Avenida Estrella
Avondale, AZ |
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| Notice to the Public- Competitive Track will be CLOSED Sat & Sunday - McDowell |
| McDowell Mountain Regional Park |
| The track will be CLOSED TO THE PUBLIC on this day. |
| Date: 3/3/2012 |
| Time: 12:00 AM Duration: 2 days |
| Registration Required: Yes |
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| Contact: Mountain Bike Association of Arizona |
| Location: Competitive Track |
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Address:
McDowell Mountain Regional Park
Fountain Hills, AZ, AZ 85258 |
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| Fitness Challenge Hiking Series (5 of 6) - Usery Park |
| Usery Mountain Regional Park |
| Do you want to increase your fitness level but don’t like to workout at the gym? Hit the trails with us for a more enjoyable way to get back in shape! During this hike series, each hike will increase in length and difficulty in order to help you prepare for the grand finale hike – the 7.4 mile loop trail around Pass Mountain on March 10! This is a great way to get in shape and to hike many different trails in Usery Park at the same time. This fifth hike of the series will be approximately 6.5 miles. Please bring ample water, snacks, hats, and closed-toe shoes. Location: Meridian Trailhead. Note: Participation in the 4th or 5th hike in this series is required to do the final hike. |
| Date: 3/3/2012 |
| Time: 7:00 AM |
| Registration Required: No |
| Fee: $6.00 per car |
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| Hike for the Homeless |
| McDowell Mountain Regional Park |
| Our mission is to assist homeless, low-income and other disadvantaged individuals in their efforts to become self-sufficient through permanent, full-time employment. |
| Date: 3/3/2012 |
| Time: 7:30 AM - 3:00 PM |
| Registration Required: No |
| Fee: Pre-register for this event by contacting St. Joseph the Worker |
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| Contact: Rand Hubbell, Park Supervisor |
| Location: McDowell Mountain Regional Park |
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Address:
16,300 N. McDowell Mountain Park Drive
Fountain Hills, AZ, AZ 85268 |
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| Fat Tire 40 |
| McDowell Mountain Regional Park |
| This will be a marathon mountain bike race that will take riders on a perimeter lap encompassing the entire park. It will include nearly all of the Competitive Loops, Pemberton Trail, Scenic Trail, Coachwhip, and Dixie Mine. This will be a one lap race that is 39 miles in length and has about 2,800 feet of climbing. OK it's not 40 miles but it's darn close!
The race will be a “Le Mans” style mass start with a short run to your bicycle. Once on your bike you will enter the Sport Loop on the Competitive Track. You will complete nearly all of the Sport loop making a left turn just before the parking lot onto the Tech Loop. The Tech loop will take you over “The Ledge” then up and over “T-Bone Ridge”.
In 2012, just the second year for this event and it is already planning to have a two day event. Watch their website for more details. Racing on March 3rd and 4th. |
| Date: 3/3/2012 |
| Time: 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM Duration: 2 days of racing |
| Speaker: American Swiss Cycling Team |
| Registration Required: Yes |
| Fee: $6.00 per vehicle to entry the County Regional Park |
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| Contact: Rand Hubbell, Park Supervisor |
| Location: McDowell Mountain Regional Park |
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Address:
16,300 N. McDowell Mountain Park Drive
Fountain Hills, AZ, AZ 85268 |
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| Petroglyph Search Hike - Lake Pleasant |
| Lake Pleasant Regional Park |
| Come hike where the Ancient Indians left some messages for us to find. This hike is moderate with some wash hiking and some trails. Wear good hiking shoes and bring some water and a light snack. Meet the Ranger at the Cottonwood Day Use Area, look for the "Hike" signs leading you to the trailhead. |
| Date: 3/3/2012 |
| Time: 8:00 AM - 11:00 AM Duration: 3 hours |
| Speaker: Ranger Terry Gerber |
| Registration Required: No |
| Fee: $6 per vehicle park entry fee |
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| Contact: Terry Gerber, Interpretive Ranger 602-372-7460 ext. 202 |
| Location: Lake Pleasant Regional Park - Cottonwood Day Use Area |
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Address:
Take Hwy 74 to Castle Hot Springs Rd., go 5 miles and turn right, pay, take next right (Cottonwood)
Peoria, AZ |
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| Special Event - American Competitive Trail Horse Association (ACTHA) Riding Clinic - San Tan |
| San Tan Mountain Regional Park |
| The American Competitive Trail Horse Association (ACTHA) will be hosting a Trail Riding Clinic (for horse riders/equestrians) on Saturday, March 3. The activity will take place between 8 a.m. and 2 p.m. and will be utilizing the southern sections of the San Tan Trail and the service road near the San Tan Trailhead (near the Visitor Center). If you would prefer to avoid event traffic, we recommend using the park outside of the activity hours or to utilize other other designated trails during the event (i.e.: Goldmine, Littleleaf, Moonlight and Stargazer Trails). For more information on the clinic, please contact Gary Wilder at 928-595-0428 or via email at glwild@hotmail.com. |
| Date: 3/3/2012 |
| Time: 8:00 AM - 2:00 PM Duration: 1 hour |
| Speaker: Arizona NATRC (North American Trail Ride Conference) |
| Registration Required: No |
| Fee: $6 vehicle park entry fee - contact Sherrie Bray for additional fees |
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| More Info: http://maricopa.gov/parks/santan |
| Contact: 480-209-8242 |
| Location: San Tan Mountain Regional Park |
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Address:
6533 W. Phillips Road
Queen Creek, AZ 85142 |
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| Yoga – Connect In Nature! – All Levels Class - Usery Park |
| Usery Mountain Regional Park |
| Connect with nature in Usery Park’s Nature Center by exploring your breath before a desert hike. Improve your balance for a bike ride through easy-to-learn, fundamental yoga postures. This all-levels class for both beginners and experienced yogis sets the tone for your day of hiking, riding or…yes, even your workday! Please join Inner Vision Yoga and their certified instructors for inspiring yoga every Monday night at 6pm, Tuesday and Thursday at 9am, and Saturday at 8:30am. Sign up for these fee-based classes at www.innervisionyoga.com or drop into the park. For more information see websites, or call 480-632-7899 or 480-984-0032. Location: Nature Center |
| Date: 3/3/2012 |
| Time: 8:30 AM - 9:45 AM |
| Registration Required: No |
| Fee: Fee-based program |
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| Location: Nature Center |
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Address:
3939 N. Usery Pass Rd.
Mesa, AZ 85207 |
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| Archaeology Expo - Spur Cross Ranch Conservation Area |
| Spur Cross Ranch Conservation Area |
| March 3 Saturday 9am-4pm ARCHAEOLOGY EXPO AT SPUR CROSS
Join the park staff as well as the Arizona Archaeology Society for this day of fun and learning. Sponsored by Desert Foothills Chapter, AAS, the Town of Cave Creek, Cave Creek Museum, and Maricopa County Parks. Hikes to sites, booths, crafts, lectures, pottery and flint-knapping demonstrations, plus other hands-on children activities will be featured.
Guided hikes:
Metate & Petroglyph Tour 9:30am & 1pm (easy, 2 hours)
First Mesa Pueblos & Petroglyph Tour 9:30am & 1pm (moderate, 3 hours)
Hikes require water, sunscreen and appropriate hiking shoes.
Speakers:
10am Grace Schoonover talks about rock art and ruins within Spur Cross
12pm Author Patrick Grady talks about homesteaders and frontier Phoenix
1:30pm Scott Wood, Tonto National Forest archaeologist, discusses the prehistory of the foothills area |
| Date: 3/3/2012 |
| Time: 9:00 AM - 4:00 PM Duration: One Day |
| Speaker: various |
| Registration Required: No |
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| More Info: |
| Contact: Kevin Smith, park ranger at 480-488-6623 or kevinsmith@mail.maricopa.gov |
| Location: Spur Cross Ranch Conservation Area |
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Address:
44000 N. Spur Cross Road
Cave Creek, AZ 85331 |
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| Archery 101 - Usery Park |
| Usery Mountain Regional Park |
| Interested in archery? Curious about how to shoot a bow? Come to Usery Park and find out! You will discover how fun archery really is! Participants will experience a fun and safe introduction to recreational and international-style target archery. Equipment will be provided. This class is open to anyone ages 8 and up. Minors must be accompanied by an adult. Advanced registration is required. Please call the park at 480-984-0032 to register. Limited to 20 participants. Please bring water, hats, and closed-toe shoes. Meet at the Archery Range. This class is also offered at 10:30am. |
| Date: 3/3/2012 |
| Time: 9:00 AM |
| Registration Required: Yes |
| Fee: $6.00 per car |
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| Find the Ranger - Wind Cave Trail - Usery Park |
| Usery Mountain Regional Park |
| This open-house style program features our ranger hiking along the Wind Cave Trail and stopping to talk to park visitors. Our ranger will show off his “Backpack of Knowledge” and be available to answer questions about the park, discuss park history, identify desert plants, or even explain which animals call Usery Park "home". Carry ample water. |
| Date: 3/3/2012 |
| Time: 9:00 AM - 11:00 AM |
| Registration Required: No |
| Fee: $6.00 per car |
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| Desert Wash and Petroglyphs Hike - Lake Pleasant |
| Lake Pleasant Regional Park |
| Come join docent Frank Meyerholtz and learn about the area, while you go for a fun hike. Be sure to bring a lunch and some water. Frank has been hiking the area for years and will share his many stores and knowledge. Meet Frank at the north pipeline canyon trailhead in the Cottonwood day use area. |
| Date: 3/3/2012 |
| Time: 10:00 AM - 2:00 PM Duration: 4 hours |
| Speaker: Frank Meyerholtz |
| Registration Required: No |
| Fee: $6 per vehicle park entry fee |
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| Contact: Terry Gerber, Interpretive Ranger 602-372-7460 ext. 202 |
| Location: Lake Pleasant Regional Park - Cottonwood Day Use Area |
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Address:
Take Hwy 74 to Castle Hot Springs Rd., go 5 miles and turn right, pay, take next right (Cottonwood)
Peoria, AZ |
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| Desert Wildflower Walks- North Trail – McDowell Park |
| McDowell Mountain Regional Park |
| Join Ranger Amy to identify the gorgeous desert flowers that are blooming in the desert. Every week, different species will appear as the wildflower season unfolds—it is always a surprise what we find! Call the park for updates. Be sure to bring your camera! Every week will be a new location in the park, based on where the prime blooms are, that week. This week's walk is on the North Trail. Meet at the North Trail Trailhead. |
| Date: 3/3/2012 |
| Time: 10:00 AM - 11:30 AM Duration: 1 1/2 hours |
| Speaker: Ranger Amy Ford |
| Registration Required: No |
| Fee: $6 per vehicle park entry fee |
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| Contact: amyford@mail.maricopa.gov 480-471-0173x201 |
| Location: McDowell Mountain Regional Park |
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Address:
16300 McDowell Mountain Park Dr.
Scottsdale, AZ 85255 |
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| Rattlesnake Rules - A Story |
| Estrella Mountain Park |
| Popular children's author and science writer, Conrad J Storad introduces us to the amazing world of rattlesnakes. He will be at the Estrella Nature Center to share his new children's book and sign autographs. This book "Rattlesnake Rules" is not only entertaining and colorful, but offers a curriculum guide for parents and teachers to aid in incorporating the information into various learning formats. Appropriate for preschool and elementary ages. |
| Date: 3/3/2012 |
| Time: 10:00 AM - 11:30 AM Duration: 1 |
| Speaker: Conrad J Storad |
| Registration Required: No |
| Fee: $6.00 park entry fee |
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| More Info: http://www.maricopa.gov/estrella |
| Contact: Ranger Mark 623 932-3811 |
| Location: Estrella Mountain Regional Park - Nature Center |
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Address:
14805 W. Vineyard Ave
Goodyear, AZ 85338 |
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| Reptile Feeding - Cave Creek Regional Park |
| Cave Creek Regional Park |
| Have you ever seen a reptile eat? Join the staff after your morning hike and see how our cold-blooded residents eat their meals for yourself! Frozen rodent entrees will be served to the critters. Come learn about the important roles these creatures play in our dynamic food web. Feeding takes place at the Nature Center. |
| Date: 3/3/2012 |
| Time: 1:00 PM - 2:00 PM Duration: 1 hour |
| Registration Required: No |
| Fee: $6.00 per vehicle park entry fee |
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| Contact: Ranger Sarah sarahsteele@mail.maricopa.gov |
| Location: Meet at the Nature Center |
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Address:
37019 N. Lava Lane
Cave Creek, AZ 85331 |
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| Close Encounters of the Reptilian Kind – Indoor Program- McDowell Park |
| McDowell Mountain Regional Park |
| Ever touched a snake? Join Ranger Amy for an up close and personal look at what makes these cold-blooded creatures so fascinating. Touch J.J. the gopher snake and meet 'Elvis' the uh...King...Snake. Bring the family, your camera, and your curiosity. This all-ages program will be indoors at our Air-conditioned Nature Center. |
| Date: 3/3/2012 |
| Time: 1:30 PM - 2:30 PM Duration: 1 hour |
| Speaker: Ranger Amy Ford |
| Registration Required: No |
| Fee: $6 per vehicle park entry fee |
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| Contact: amyford@mail.maricopa.gov 480-471-0173x201 |
| Location: McDowell Mountain Regional Park |
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Address:
16300 McDowell Mountain Park Dr.
Scottsdale, AZ 85255 |
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| Tails on Trails - Dog Fitness Hike (Beginners Level) - Usery Park |
| Usery Mountain Regional Park |
| Fit dogs are happier, healthier, and display fewer behavioral problems. Tails on Trails will provide the opportunity to meet other dog hikers, learn safe hiking practices and dog trail etiquette. The fun, 1-mile hike along the level Merkle Trail is great for beginner hiker dogs. Please bring a short non-extendable leash, a small cleanup bag, and water for you and your dog. One dog per hiker, please. After completing this hike, you and your dog will be ready for our “Experienced Level” Dog Fitness Hike! Location: Area 6. |
| Date: 3/3/2012 |
| Time: 1:30 PM |
| Registration Required: No |
| Fee: $6.00 per car |
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| Hit the Bulls Eye, Learn Archery - Lake Pleasant |
| Lake Pleasant Regional Park |
| Sign up for this fun "Intro to Archery" program at 2:00 PM. Learn the basics of archery and practice your skill of the art of international archery. Are you curious as to how it feels to shoot a compound or recurve bow, how about a crossbow? This archery program is open to anyone ages 8 and older. Equipment is provided. Please bring a water bottle and wear closed-toe shoes. Look for the "Archery 101" signs that lead to the group campground area. Registration is required for this program. Call Ranger Terry Gerber at 602-372-7460 x 202 and leave a message with name, phone number, and how many people will be at the 2 PM program. Limited to 20 people per program. Ranger will return call to confirm. |
| Date: 3/3/2012 |
| Time: 2:00 PM - 3:30 PM Duration: 1.5 hours |
| Registration Required: Yes |
| Fee: Only the $6 per vehicle park entry fee |
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| Contact: Terry Gerber, Interpretive Ranger 602-372-7460 ext. 202 |
| Location: Lake Pleasant Regional Park Group Campground |
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Address:
Take Hwy 74 to Castle Hot Springs Rd., turn right into park, follow signs to program.
Peoria, AZ |
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| Survival Basics - Estrella |
| Estrella Mountain Park |
| You’re in trouble, do you know what to do? You’re cell phone is dead, are you next? The wilderness doesn’t tolerate the unprepared. Ranger Mark will show you some basic things you need to know in order to “make it back, alive”. Join us at the Nature Center for this “need to know, before you go” information. |
| Date: 3/3/2012 |
| Time: 2:00 PM - 3:00 PM Duration: 1 hour |
| Speaker: Ranger Mark |
| Registration Required: No |
| Fee: Park entry $6.00 per entry |
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| More Info: http://www.maricopa.gov/parks/estrella |
| Contact: Ranger Mark 623 932-3811 |
| Location: Estrella Mountain Regional Park - Nature Center |
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Address:
14805 W. Vineyard Ave
Goodyear, AZ 85338 |
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| Fun with Archery Contest - Lake Pleasant |
| Lake Pleasant Regional Park |
| If you have had your Archery 101 class and present your card, you can come on out and join us for a fun time. We will be shooting in a number of fun contest. You must have already gone through the Archery 101 class to participate. Please call to reserve your spot. Leave name, a phone number, and number of people with 101 cards that will be joining in the fun. |
| Date: 3/3/2012 |
| Time: 4:00 PM - 5:00 PM Duration: 1 hour |
| Registration Required: Yes |
| Fee: $6 per vehicle park entry fee |
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| Contact: Terry Gerber, Interpretive Ranger 602-372-7460 ext. 202 |
| Location: Lake Pleasant Regional Park Group Campground |
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Address:
Take Hwy 74 to Castle Hot Springs Rd., turn right into park, follow signs to program.
Peoria, AZ |
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| Late Afternoon Campground Nature Walk - Usery Park |
| Usery Mountain Regional Park |
| Join park host, Sandy Hornbaker, for a late afternoon sojourn through our campground and nature trail on a quest to spot desert wildlife and plants. Wildlife sightings are not guaranteed, but bring binoculars, your afternoon tea, and a little patience. Be prepared to walk one to two miles. Please bring water. Location: Campsite 21 in the Buckhorn Campground. |
| Date: 3/3/2012 |
| Time: 4:00 PM |
| Registration Required: No |
| Fee: $6.00 per car |
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| Venomous Creatures - Cave Creek Regional Park |
| Cave Creek Regional Park |
| Join us for a presentation about the venomous creatures you may find around the Valley! Enjoy the beauty of these wonderful and misunderstood animals while learning about fascinating facts and the important roles each creature plays in the desert ecosystem. As Marie Curie, French Physicist and two-time Nobel Prize recipient said “Nothing in life is to be feared. It is only to be understood.” Meet at Nature Center. |
| Date: 3/3/2012 |
| Time: 4:00 PM - 5:00 PM Duration: 1 hour |
| Registration Required: No |
| Fee: $6.00 per vehicle park entry fee |
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| Contact: Ranger Sarah sarahsteele@mail.maricopa.gov |
| Location: Meet at the Nature Center |
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Address:
37019 N. Lava Lane
Cave Creek, AZ 85331 |
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| STARGAZING -Mars Madness Event |
| Desert Outdoor Center |
| Join the staff of the Desert Outdoor Center at Lake Pleasant for the Mars Madness Stargazing event on Saturday, March 3rd from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. Adults and children alike will enjoy peering through telescopes and learning about star clusters, planets, constellations and nebulas from our astronomy expert, Tony LaConte, from Stargazing for Everyone.
The program lasts approximately two hours and attendees are encouraged to bring binoculars, telescopes, lawn chairs and blankets for comfort. Food and beverages are available for purchase. Park entrance opens at 6:30 p.m. The Desert Outdoor Center at Lake Pleasant is located at 41402 N. 87th Avenue in Peoria (just east of Lake Pleasant Regional Park). For additional information, please call (602)372-7470 ext. 208. |
| Date: 3/3/2012 |
| Time: 6:30 PM - 9:00 PM Duration: 2.5 hours |
| Speaker: Tony LaConte, Stargazing for Everyone |
| Registration Required: No |
| Fee: $6.00 per vehicle for park entry |
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| Contact: Adam Melle, 602-372-7470 ext. 208 |
| Location: Desert Outdoor Center at Lake Pleasant |
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Address:
41402 N 87th Ave
Peoria, AZ 85383 |
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| Moonlight Hike to the Clay Mine - Cave Creek Regional Park |
| Cave Creek Regional Park |
| Join us on an amazing and mysterious adventure as we enter our Clay Mine. This will be an easy .5 mile (1 mile roundtrip) hike as we have the moon light the way to the mine. Once inside, candles will bring us through the history of this mine and will learn how its contents were used to cure all your ailments. We will supply the helmets to enter the mine as long as you bring water and wear sturdy shoes. Bring a flashlight in case you need it. Meet at the Group Campground. |
| Date: 3/3/2012 |
| Time: 7:00 PM - 9:00 PM Duration: 2 hours |
| Registration Required: No |
| Fee: $6.00 per vehicle park entry fee |
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| Contact: Ranger Sarah sarahsteele@mail.maricopa.gov |
| Location: Meet at the Group Campground |
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Address:
37019 N. Lava Lane85331 |
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