Maricopa County Parks and Recreation: Blooms and Butterflies

Join Ranger Nikki on an easy to moderate terrain hike to look for flowering plant life and a variety of pollinators, including butterflies. Ranger Nikki will lead you on a hike to look for cactus blooms, wildflowers and pollinators visiting flowers. Learn how to document your findings on the citizen science app, iNaturalist, and how to join app-based local and worldwide biodiversity projects. We will also talk about the Parks Department butterfly monitoring initiative and you will receive an identification handout to help with your own observations. The route will be an out-and-back hike Black Rock Loop and part of Waterfall Trail for approximately 2-3 miles total, depending on the number of stops to make observations. The trail surface ranges from smooth and level to rocky and uneven. Wear closed-toe shoes and bring snacks and plenty of water. Bring a camera and notebook to log your observations. If you would like to learn how to document via iNaturalist, please download the free app at home and register with a username prior to arrival. Restrooms and water are available at the Area 4 parking lot. MEETING LOCATION: Black Rock Loop Trailhead, Area 4 parking lot Map of Meeting Location: https://maps.app.goo.gl/YQZPg9enhw6p5X838 Limit 20 participants. To register, please call the White Tank Nature Center at (602) 506-2930 ext. 5 with your name, phone number and number attending. If you find you cannot attend a program after you have registered, please call the Nature Center ASAP so we may contact those on the waiting list. Registration for this program will close on 4/8/25.