Stop by the Trailside Naturalist station at Gateway Trailhead between 9-11:30 A.M. to learn about the diverse plants and animals of the Sonoran Desert.  Our steward guides will have fascinating displays and lots of fun facts to share.  Featuring reptiles, arthropods, packrats, and cacti!  Bathrooms and water are available at the trailhead.

Hike with Natural Resources Coordinator at Brown’s Ranch Trailhead  Spend 1 to 1.5 hours on an easy hike with John Loleit and Madison Barasha, Natural Resources Coordinators for the McDowell Sonoran Preserve. They will share their knowledge about the Preserve and the wonders of the Sonoran Desert. Bathrooms are available at the trailhead.  Bring water […]



Linking Plants, Pollinators and You We will explore the dynamic and varied world of Sonoran Desert Pollinators who coexist with us in every season and landscape. These pollinators, while offering our desert great beauty, also serve an important role in keeping the Sonoran Desert healthy. We will discuss the birds and the bees and cover other desert pollinators […]

Trailside Naturalist - Animal Olympics: Bobcats vs Coyotes - Gateway Trailhead Learn how our medium sized predators, the bobcat and coyote, have evolved while coexisting in our Sonoran Desert.  Looking at Bobcat and Coyotes skulls and skins, we will explain how they each evolved to become the Preserve's medium size predators in the cat and […]

Trailside Naturalist - Animal Olympics: Bobcats vs Coyotes - Brown's Ranch Trailhead Learn how our medium sized predators, the bobcat and coyote, have evolved while coexisting in our Sonoran Desert.  Looking at Bobcat and Coyotes skulls and skins, we will explain how they each evolved to become the Preserve's medium size predators in the cat […]

Canceled due to continuing high temperatures. Learn techniques and refresh your skills with a short ride in the Northern Preserve.  



Trailside Naturalist - Butterfly Abundance, Richness, and Diversity - Gateway Trailhead Find out all about the many species of butterflies that live in the Preserve. The Sonoran Desert is a haven for butterflies like Pipevines, Sulphers and Skippers. The Sonoran Desert is home to over 250 species of butterflies and nearly 25% of these can […]