Natural History of the Southwest Spring 2012

Self-guided nature trips: 

•         There are two self-guided nature trips. You must do both if you choose this alternative.

•         To get credit you must complete the activities given in both of the guides below.

•         You can go by yourself or with one or two partners.

•         Each person must prepare his or her own individual report (even if you go with others).

•        Print out the guide below and take it with you (one per person).

•         You will need the guide, adhesive tape, some sheets of paper and a camera. You will need to take pictures of yourself at various points of this trip to be included in your report. The tape is for taping plant specimens to your report.

•         Read the instructions at the beginning of each guide several days before your intended trip and be sure to do the indicated advanced preparations.

•       For the Catalina Mountain Field Trip:

• Start early (leave home by 8AM) and pace yourself so that you can complete this in one day!
• Do not attempt this trip before March 1.
• Take lunch and water and be sure you have gas in your car. There is nowhere to get these on this trip.
• Bring exact change for the $5 Day Pass that you will be charged at the fee booth below Molino Basin or the self pay station at your Molino Basin stop.
• Be sure to take adhesive tape, this guide, some sheets of paper and a camera. You will need to take pictures of yourself at various points of this trip to be included in your report. The tape is for taping plant specimens to your report.
• If you have binoculars, take them. If you have a bird book, take it, too.

Click here for the Catalina Mountain Field Trip Guide Print it out and take it with you.

For the Ventana Canyon Field Trip:

• Start by 9:30AM. This will take 4-5 hours, including driving.
• The best time to do this hike is between March 13 and April 11 because of the spring wildflower season, but you can do it earlier or later.

  For the Self-Guided Hike You Will Need:

  1. Good hiking shoes. If it has rained within the last 2 weeks, count on possibly getting your feet wet from crossing the wash. If you have waterproof footwear that gives good support for hiking, take it. Otherwise wear tennis shoes that you don’t mind getting wet. You might want dry socks and shoes for after your hike.
  2. Wear shorts or pants that are easy to push or roll up to your knees.
  3. Lunch, water, hat, etc. (no dogs- you will be entering the Pusch Ridge Wilderness).
  4. A plastic bag to collect wildflower specimens.
  5. Be sure to take adhesive tape, this guide, some sheets of paper and a camera. You will need to take pictures of yourself at various points of this trip to be included in your report. The tape is for taping plant specimens to your report.
  6. If you have binoculars, take them. If you have a bird book, take it, too.

Click here for the Ventana Canyon Field Trip Guide. Print it out and take it with you.