Education2023-10-11T15:03:24-07:00

SONORAN EDUCATION CENTER

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Journey Through the Sonoran Desert with Us!

Core to the Conservancy’s mission, education plays a critical role in inspiring people to have a positive impact on the environment. Learning about the Sonoran Desert – including its flora, fauna, geology and history – enhances the enjoyment of visiting and reveals the significance of this living treasure.

The Conservancy offers a variety of in-person, online and virtual programs, designed to educate our community on the wonders of the Sonoran Desert and how each one of us can make a positive impact on the environment. Look below for programs structured for kids, adults, families and teachers, and begin your journey!

Teachers

Expedition Days is a fun interactive program aimed at inspiring 3rd and 4th grade students to become advocates for the Sonoran Desert. The program supports Arizona state curriculum standards-based, interactive learning both inside and outside the classroom.

Now in its 7th year, Expedition Days takes students on a journey of discovery as they explore our role in the conservation of the Sonoran Desert.

Expedition Days Online

Journey through the Sonoran Desert with fun and engaging online units that deepen your students’ understanding of the desert and their place in the natural world.

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Expedition Days On the Road

Expedition Days On The Road Let us bring the Sonoran Desert to your classroom. Our one-hour interactive experience will inspire your students to care about their place in the Sonoran Desert.

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Expedition Days On the Trail

Bring your students to the Preserve for a field trip filled with standards-based, interactive learning centered around the amazing Sonoran Desert ecosystem.

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Welcome to Conservancy Kids, a weekly summer video newsletter that blends science with outdoor-based learning and exploration for elementary school kids and parents.

Snakes

August 2nd, 2021|

Arizona is home to over 50 species of snakes and each is an important part of the ecosystem. Remember to be a scientist and use your senses of hearing and sight to safely share the trails with our slithery friends.

Adults

The McDowell Sonoran Conservancy offers opportunities for adults to expand their knowledge of the Preserve and Sonoran Desert, past and present.

Lectures

Free public lectures presented by subject matter experts


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Lectures

Our free public lectures provide in-depth information about various Sonoran Desert topics and are presented by seasoned content experts.

Where possible we will be adhering to social distancing.

Educational Hikes

Make the Sonoran Desert your classroom with free educational hikes in the Preserve
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Educational Hikes

Our educational hikes utilize the McDowell Sonoran Preserve as a classroom for the Sonoran Desert, covering topics such as human history, flora, fauna, and geology.

September-April

Speaker's Bureau

Subject matter experts are available to speak to your group.

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Arrange a Presentation

The Conservancy can provide your organization with expert speakers on Sonoran Desert topics.

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Online Learning

Learn about the Sonoran Desert anytime, anywhere through our virtual educational library.
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Online Learning

Enhance your knowledge of the flora, fauna, geology and human history of the Sonoran Desert and the Preserve.

View Videos

Family

The Conservancy provides opportunities for families to explore and learn together about natural, open spaces in the Sonoran Desert.

Sonoran Sunday

Scheduled trailhead presentations by our amazing external partners give families an up-close learning experience.


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Sonoran Sunday

Join the Conservancy for trailhead presentations by our partners covering Sonoran Desert topics including geology, birds of prey, Hohokam culture, and more.

September-April

Trailside Naturalist Stations

Stop by the Gateway Trailhead on scheduled Saturday mornings to learn more about the Sonoran Desert with interactive tables.

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Trailside Stations

Conservancy Stewards and partners provide an opportunity for visitors of all ages to explore some of the remarkable plants and animals of the Sonoran Desert through interactive trailside stations.

September-April

Expedition Days Live

Dive into the wonders of the Sonoran Desert though hands-on learning that will engage participants of all ages.


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Expedition Days Live

FOR FAMILIES

This Fall, bring the entire family to the McDowell Sonoran Preserve for a day of exciting, interactive learning about the Sonoran Desert ecosystem and your place in it.

This event will take place on Nov 5, 2022 at Lost Dog Wash Trailhead

For more information, contact Claire Musser, expeditiondays@mcdowellsonoran.org.

Support Your Sonoran Desert

The Power to Sustain the Sonoran Desert for Future Generations is Yours

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