Maricopa County Parks and Recreation: Blooms and Butterflies Hike

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 follows San Tan, Stargazer and Moonlight Trails for a 2.2-mile loop and is rated as easy to moderate, with terrain ranging from flat and level to uneven with small to medium rocks underfoot. 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 Nature Center. MEETING LOCATION: Main trailhead picnic table No registration required.