Santa Cruz Valley National Heritage Area

Volunteer with the Sonoran Desert Weedwackers!
2026-06-24 06:00 - 09:00 (America/Phoenix) | Tucson Mountain Park
Join staff and dedicated volunteers from the Conservation Lands and Resources Department in our collaborative, community-wide effort to remove invasive buffelgrass and protect the Sonoran Desert.
The Sonoran Desert Weedwackers is a volunteer group dedicated to removing infestations of buffelgrass, fountain grass and other invasive plants found in the Tucson Mountains and other natural areas in Pima County. Weedwacking is hard work, but the benefits are well worth the effort! Volunteer events take place on uneven terrain and can be physically demanding. Tools are provided and volunteers should come prepared with water, sturdy shoes, long pants, a backpack/pack, and sun protection. Exact locations vary, but details about the specific meeting location within the park will be sent by email to all registered volunteers 2 days ahead of time.
To join us, register for a Sonoran Desert Weedwackers’ volunteer event on buffelgrass.org.
Sign up here to receive our email reminders for upcoming volunteer opportunities.
Meeting Days for Sonoran Desert Weedwackers

2nd & 4th Wednesday of each month
3rd Saturday of each month

Meeting times for Sonoran Desert Weedwackers

7 a.m. | March-May, September-October
8 a.m. | November-February
6 a.m. | June-August

See our Invasive Plant Species page to learn more about invasive plants in Pima County.
Watch Video (3m 43s)
Learn about the Sonoran Desert Weedwackers field work and collecting data on the Pima County Invasive Species Portal.
Contact Invasivesprogram@pima.gov with any questions.

Event will be hosted at Tucson Mountain Park. Location information will be shared with volunteers a couple of days before event.

Paton Center Habitat Ambassadors
2026-06-24 09:00 - 11:00 | Paton Center for Hummingbirds, 477 Pennsylvania Ave, Patagonia, 85624, United States
Join Tucson Bird Alliance’s restoration team in enhancing and maintaining habitat around the Paton Center grounds.

Position Description:

TBA’s restoration department has been hard at work acquiring new grounds and developing valuable native habitat types at the Paton Center over the past few years and we need your help to continue this work. Events will focus largely on invasive species removal and weeding but could include any of the following activities:

Weeding and planting the Paton meadow to support pollinators
Trail maintenance and building for improved visitor experience
Invasive grass and vine pulling and management
Brush clearing and hauling
Irrigation system maintenance to support native plants
Paton Center yard and grounds maintenance
Native seed collection

We welcome you to register for these events if you are interested in any of these tasks and a TBA staff member will reach out in advance of each event to provide a more detailed plan for the day.

Requirements:

Please come prepared to work in direct sun and in hot temperatures during warm months. We recommend wearing long sleeves, long pants, and a hat as well as sturdy close toed shoes. Please also bring a refillable water bottle.

Date:

October-May: 10-12 pm
June-September: 9-11 am

Number of Openings:

We are looking for 10-15 volunteers for each date. Registration required. Please click HERE link to sign up for the date(s) you would like to volunteer.

ASARCO Discovery Center & Mine Tours
2026-06-24 09:30 - 10:30, 2026-06-25 09:30 - 10:30, 2026-06-26 09:30 - 10:30, 2026-06-27 09:30 - 10:30, 2026-07-01 09:30 - 10:30, 2026-07-02 09:30 - 10:30, 2026-07-03 09:30 - 10:30, 2026-07-04 09:30 - 10:30 | ASARCO Mineral Discovery Center, 1421 W Pima Mine Rd, Sahuarita, 85629, United States
The ASARCO Mineral Discovery Center & Mine Tours’ vision has been to educate communities on the vital importance of the copper mining industry to civilization, to educate students and teachers in earth sciences, and to preserve Arizona’s mining history.’
Join the mine tour for a firsthand look at the copper transformation process. Ticketed mine tours are approximately 65 minutes long.
Tours at 9:30 am, 11:15 am
SPECIAL INSTRUCTIONS FOR THE MINE TOUR

Closed-toed shoes are required to take the tour. No Crocs, sandals, or flip-flops will be allowed.
We suggest bringing a water bottle (filtered water station is available in the Center).
Please dress comfortably.

Nature Journaling at Colossal Cave
2026-06-25 08:00 - 10:00 | Colossal Cave, 16721 E. Old Spanish Trail, Vail, 85641, United States
Join Pima County Conservation Lands & Resources for our Spring & Summer Nature Journaling Series. Each session will explore a different location.
Journaling is a great way to focus the mind, build creativity, deepen curiosity, and learn more about the plants and animals around us. Join us to explore how we can slow our pace and connect with the natural world by capturing words, images, and numbers on the page.
Nature Journaling at Colossal Cave
Caves are cool features – literally- in our Sonoran Desert landscape. Perched at the mouth of the cave, we’ll use our senses to explore this transition zone of contrasts in light, temperature, humidity, and sound. We’ll record observations, develop questions, make discoveries, and deepen our own connection to the natural world.

Date: Thursday, June 25
Time: 8:00 a.m. – 10:00 a.m.
Location: Colossal Cave, 16721 E. Old Spanish Trail, Vail 85641
Cost: $5. All materials are provided, including a new journal to take home.
All experience levels welcome.
Explore and register for upcoming CLR programming in the Environmental Education section of: www.explore.pima.gov
For more information: www.pima.gov/CLR, EEducation@pima.gov or 520-724-5375

Plant Propagation at Borderlands Restoration Network
2026-06-25 09:00 - 12:00, 2026-06-30 09:00 - 12:00, 2026-07-02 09:00 - 12:00 | Borderlands Nursery & Seed, 42 San Antonio Road, Patagonia, 85624, United States
Spend your morning at Borderlands Nursery & Seed with a great group of plant lovers propagating native plants that will restore the landscapes of the borderlands. Bring water and be prepared for outdoor work.

Spain and the American Revolution - Looking Back at State Secrets from 250 Years Later
2026-06-25 10:00 - 11:00 | Tubac Presidio State Historic Park & Museum, 1 Burruel St, #1296, Tubac, A, 85646, United States
Phil Halpenny and Dan Judkins of the Tubac Historical Society will present information on the relationship between Spain and England or the American East coast Colonies during the time of the American Revolution. They will review geopolitics and state secrets of 250 years ago. This session is conducted in the Old Schoolhouse at the presidio.
For any questions please call: (520) 398-2252

Archaeology Day
2026-06-27 08:00 - 11:00 | Mission Garden, 946 W Mission Ln, Tucson, AZ, 85745
At our monthly (fourth Saturday) Archaeology Day, representatives of Tucson’s archaeology community come to Mission Garden to teach practical hands-on skills. Archaeology Southwest will be doing their Hands-on Archaeology program. It allows kids of all ages to try out fascinating ancient technologies. Old Pueblo Archaeology Center is represented at these events, also presenting interactive programs about things like pinch pots, pendants, and cordage. John Palacio speaks about and demonstrates making replicas of petroglyphs. Come join in any time between 8am and 11am.

Boat Tours at Patagonia Lake State Park
2026-06-27 09:00 - 12:30, 2026-06-28 09:00 - 12:30, 2026-07-04 09:00 - 12:30, 2026-07-05 09:00 - 12:30 | Patagonia Lake, 400 Patagonia Lake Rd, Patagonia,, AZ, 85624, United States
Every Saturday and Sunday, $7 per adult, $5 per child (13 years and under)

9 a.m. Avian Adventure Tour
10:15 a.m. Avian Adventure Tour
11:30 a.m. Lake Discovery Tour
Twilight Tour on Saturdays only. Time varies.

Please call the park to make your reservation: 520-287-2791.
Boat rentals are available at the Patagonia Lake Marina.

Living Lab & Learning Center Tour
2026-06-27 10:00 - 12:00 | Watershed Management Group, 1137 N Dodge Blvd., Tucson, AZ, 85716
Our guided Living Lab Tours happen every 2nd and 4th Saturdays of the month. You’ll be led through our demonstration site by one of our Docents to learn about our many water harvesting systems firsthand.

Docent Led Tour
2026-06-27 11:00 - 12:00 | Empire Ranch, 16655 E. Empire Ranch Rd, Sonoita, 85637, United States
Docent Led Tour of the Empire Ranch House. 11 am to noon. Reservations are required by 5 pm the day before the tour. Click here to make a reservation. Free. Meet at the Visitor Contact Station.

Death After Dark Walking Tour
2026-06-27 19:00 - 21:00 | Presidio San Augstin del Tucson, 196 N Court Ave, Tucson, AZ, 85701
Escape the heat and join Mauro Trejo on an after-dark and unique and macabre tour that covers some of the most memorable deaths that have taken place in Tucson’s history. From executions to suicides, and gunfights to accidents, this 2 mile tour will take you back in time to some of Tucson’s most fascinating tragedies.
Begins and ends at the Tucson Presidio Museum, 196 N. Court Ave.
$35 general | $20 member
Contact info@TucsonPresidio.com to make a special reservation for a group of 6 or more.

Overview of Hohokam Pottery Wares and Types
2026-06-30 16:00 - 17:30
“Overview of Hohokam Pottery Wares and Types” five-session online adult education class with archaeologist Allen Dart, sponsored by Old Pueblo Archaeology Center, PO Box 40577, Tucson AZ 85717-0577
4-5:30 pm ARIZONA/Mountain Standard Time (same as Pacific Daylight Time) each Tuesday. $55 donation per person ($44 for Old Pueblo Archaeology Center and Arizona Site Stewards members) supports Old Pueblo’s education programs about archaeology and traditional cultures.
Registered Professional Archaeologist Allen Dart teaches this class in five 1½-hour sessions to familiarize participants with the main kinds of pottery found in southern Arizona archaeological sites of the Hohokam culture. The class will include hundreds of pottery photos, definitions of terms commonly used in ceramic analysis, identifying attributes of the most common Hohokam pottery wares and types, reading materials and bibliographic sources on Hohokam pottery, and plenty of discussion opportunities. Minimum enrollment 10 people.
Registration and prepayment are due 10 days after reservation request or by 5 pm Saturday June 6, whichever is earlier. To register or for more information contact Old Pueblo at 520-798-1201 or info@oldpueblo.org.

Rio Rico Freedom Fest
2026-07-03 16:00 - 22:00 | Double R Arena, 320 Stable Ln, Rio Rico, 85648, United States
Celebrate America’s 250th Birthday at this free, family-friendly Independence Day event filled with patriotic fun, live entertainment, and community spirit. Enjoy food and merchandise vendors, live music, DJ entertainment, and activities for all ages.
The evening concludes with a spectacular fireworks display honoring our nation’s milestone anniversary.
Admission is free and everyone is welcome.

Healing Herb Walk
2026-07-04 09:00 - 10:00 | Mission Garden, 946 W Mission Ln, Tucson, AZ, 85745
Learn about some of the 50 medicinal plants in Mission Garden’s Moore Medicinal Garden. The plants are native to the American Southwest deserts and in many cases have been used for millennia. Modern herbalists are keeping this tradition alive at Mission Garden.

4th of July 250th Celebration
2026-07-04 10:00 - 12:00 | Tubac Presidio State Historic Park & Museum, 1 Burruel St, #1296, Tubac, A, 85646, United States
Celebrate the 4th of July with Tubac Presidio at a fun-filled community event for all ages! Enjoy free admission, complimentary food, exciting prizes, and a variety of activities throughout the day.
We are also proud to honor our veterans who have served our country with a special veterans ceremony. Veterans are warmly invited to attend and participate—please feel free to wear your uniform or a hat representing your service.
Bring your family and friends as we come together to celebrate independence, community, and those who have dedicated themselves to protecting our freedoms. We look forward to celebrating with you!

Patagonia 4th of July Celebration
2026-07-04 11:00 - 19:00 | Patagonia Town Park, 325 McKeown Ave, Patagonia, 85624, United States
Celebrate the 250th anniversary of Independence Day in beautiful Patagonia, Arizona! Join the community for a fun-filled 4th of July celebration featuring a patriotic parade, local festivities, and an evening fireworks display. This year’s Grand Marshals are Ron and Cindy Morriss. Parade participants will gather at the high school beginning at 10:00 a.m., with the parade officially starting at 11:00 a.m. The celebration concludes with spectacular fireworks at dusk. Vendors are also welcome to participate. For more information, contact Patagonia Town Hall at (520) 394-2229. Come enjoy a day of hometown pride, family fun, and patriotic spirit!

4th of July Celebration with Anna Don
2026-07-04 11:30 - 13:30 | Tucson Chinese Cultural Center, 1288 W River Rd, Tucson, 85704, United States
Get ready for this year’s 4th of July Celebration at the Tucson Chinese Cultural Center!
$10 Admission at the door for non-members.
FREE for TCCC Members and Children 12 and under.
Lunch is included with your tickets.
This year, there will also be a special presentation by Anna Don. A personal look at Tucson’s Chinese-American community from the 1930s through the 1950’s.

RSVPs are appreciated to help us plan for lunch and refreshments.

City of Nogales Independence Day Celebration: America 250
2026-07-04 16:00 - 23:00 | Karam Park, 159 N Morley Ave, , Nogales, A, 85621, United States
Nogales, Arizona
from 4:00 p.m. to 11:00 p.m.
This patriotic community celebration will feature live music, fireworks, local vendors, food, drinks, and family-friendly entertainment honoring 250 years of freedom, unity, and independence.
Residents and visitors alike are invited to come together for an unforgettable evening celebrating community spirit and America’s 250th anniversary.
For more information, please visit this link or call 520-287-6571.
