Sonoran Studies: Trips, Tours & Classes for adults and families
These programs are offered to the public to create a better understanding of our Sonoran Desert through enjoyable and informative experiences, and provide opportunities to learn practical applications for working and playing in balance with our environment.
If you have considered taking our in-depth docent training program, but are not ready to commit the time, you may be interested in our new Sonoran Desert Naturalist Certificate program (Learn more).
Cancellation Policy
For part or full day classes, a full refund less 25% cancellation fee will be given. For multi-day programs specific cancellation fees apply. No refunds can be made within 7 days of any program.
Holiday Gift Certificates
How about a Sonoran Studies Gift Certificate? View the details page for more information and to purchase your gift certificate.
Jul 25, 2009 - Jul 25, 2009
They use night as their cover and are shrouded in mystery and misunderstanding. But we'll throw some light on one of the most intriguing desert animals - bats! Learn how they make our desert more beautiful and more livable. Join us as we separate fact from fiction on the 28 different bat species in Southern Arizona, then take a trip out onto the ASDM grounds to study the animals in action!
Aug 23, 2009 - Aug 23, 2009
August is the season that the beautiful red fruit of the prickly pear cactus ripen. Join us in harvesting this fruit, in making jelly, syrup and frozen sorbet, and finding out about how this food is important to many desert animals and peoples. We will learn about the cochineal insect, which bestowed the deep red color unto the Spanish kings' robes as well as that of the British Red Coats coats. We will also harvest and prepare nopalitos, tender prickly pear pads, a Mexican staple for over a millennia. Other desert foods such as agave, cholla buds, and mesquite will be part of the menu. This is an occasion to not only don your apron, but also prepare yourself for a grand desert foods feast at the end of the class. Price includes lunch.
Sep 24, 2009 - Sep 24, 2009
We'll provide you with food for the belly and some food for thought and on this day tour of local farms. Learn how the San Xavier Cooperative Farm's return to traditional foods is reaping cultural as well as health benefits. Travel further south to Amado and harvest fall crops at the Aqua Linda Farm. Enjoy a lunch prepared from seasonal, local ingredients, and find out about farmer-direct Community Supported Agriculture opportunities. Our final stop will be at an urban garden near downtown, where the focus will be on using a small plat and how to create your own fertile soil. Price includes a take-home bag of fresh produce, lunch and transportation.
Oct 2, 2009 - Oct 11, 2009
Remote. Legendary. Back when the world was young it looked like this. In Galapagos it still does. Come with us to the one place where fear has never existed. A visit to the Galapagos archipelago is surely the dream of anyone interested in the natural world. These islands, located about 600 miles off the coast of Ecuador, are home to some of the world's most unusual wildlife. You can see riveting blue-footed booby behavior, flocks of flamingos, frigate birds, marine iguanas and Sally Lightfoot crabs on lava rocks, and encounter the Galapagos tortoises. It's not the biological diversity that will astound you; it's the sheer number of animals, and you will ...
Oct 17, 2009 - Oct 18, 2009
Have you ever thought that you would like to become more knowledgeable about your desert surroundings? This two-day natural history course is the answer. Through indoor lectures and outdoor hikes, both on the museum grounds as well as in the Tucson Mountains, we cover the following topics: definition of a desert biome, climate of the Sonoran Desert, geology of the Southwest and southern Arizona in particular, Sonoran Desert flora, fauna and ecology, environmental issues and conservation initiatives of the region, and human history of the region.
This course is introductory level, and it is a requirement for those who are pursuing our Naturalist Certificate program.
Oct 22, 2009 - Oct 26, 2009
The center of Anasazi culture 1000 years ago, Chaco Canyon in Northwest New Mexico is an impressive archaeological site! The magnificent masonry ruins encompass six large pueblos containing over 1600 multi-story rooms, more than 90 kivas and Great Kivas. The Anasazi traded widely and created an extensive network of pueblos with connecting roads. Dr. Gwinn Vivian, our highly experienced archeologist and teacher for this learning adventure, has devoted much of his life to interpreting Chacoan culture.
Gwinn literally grew up at Chaco. He treasures Chaco, knows Chaco and shares Chaco like no one else. He will introduce you to the science and theories surrounding the strategies and techniques that Chacoan farmers used to adapt to ...
Oct 24, 2009 - Oct 24, 2009
Learn to weave the amazing colors of the Sonoran Desert. Taught by internationally known artist and teacher, Claire Campbell Park, this class immerses you in desert color through fun explorations of creative color solutions, interpretive walks in the desert, presentations and discussions. Inspired by the beauty surrounding you, cultural traditions like the bright hues of Latino culture, and the interpretations by Southwest weavers you will make simple looms and weave your own vision of desert color. This class is for anyone interested in weaving and color - beginning to advanced.
Claire Campbell Park is an internationally known artist and teacher.
She has exhibited, taught and lectured throughout the United States, as well as in France, Hungary, Japan, India and Australia. She received an MFA from UCLA and has taught Color and Weaving at Pima Community College since 1978.
