Closed (Registration for Field Trips closed on October 3.)
Pre-Conference Field Trips: Wednesday, October 12
Note: All trips depart from lobby entrance to the Westin La Paloma
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Sign up for a pre-conference field trip on Wednesday, October 12
Note: All trips depart from lobby entrance to the Westin La Paloma
8:00 AM–2:30 PM
Join the National Park Service and some of its community partners for a morning of learning and exploration at Saguaro National Park’s Tucson Mountain (West) District. Learn about the park’s natural and cultural resources—including breathtaking views of the Tucson Mountains and impressive displays of the iconic giant saguaro—as well as some of the work NPS and others are doing to equitably engage Tucson's underrepresented community. This trip will entail moderate walking. Wear close-toed shoes and bring water and appropriate sun protection. Transportation to the park, entry fees, and lunch are included.
8:00 AM–4:00 PM
The Santa Catalina Mountains, part of the Madrean Sky Islands, offer a unique opportunity to experience one of the world’s most biodiverse regions. Along a 25-mile stretch of road climbing over 6,500 feet in elevation, you’ll travel through life zones like that of Mexico to Canada. You’ll participate in activities used regularly with K–12 students to learn about and engage in a variety of environments within this section of the Coronado National Forest. Transportation and lunch are included.
1:00 PM–4:30 PM
The Chuk-son Trail is an urban, guided, interpretive walk perfect for exploring Tucson's rich culture, ecology, and communities of the past and present. It highlights all that makes Sonoran Desert living so fascinating! Learn about Tucson’s wildlife, plants, architecture, murals, traditional foods, shrines, and local characters and stories on this 2.6-mile exploratory walk. Youth Ambassadors from the Ironwood Tree Experience will lead the walk and share place-based stories of the culture and ecology of downtown Tucson’s historical barrios, arroyos, and alleyways. Transportation is included.