Santa Cruz Valley National Heritage Area

Plant Propagation at Borderlands Restoration Network
2026-05-05 09:00 - 12:00 (America/Phoenix) | 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.

Tubac Nature Center Bird Walk
2026-05-05 07:00 - 10:00, 2026-04-28 07:00 - 10:00 | Tubac Nature Center, 50 Bridge Road, Tubac, AZ, United States
Meet at the Nature Center, 50 Bridge Road, Tubac. Sign in at the door. the leaders will select a section of the Anza Trail for the walk. All expertise levels welcomed. Bring binoculars.

Advanced Birding Series: Breeding Bird Behavior
2026-05-03 05:30 - 08:30 | Sweet Water Wetlands, 2511 W Sweetwater Drive, Tucson, 85745, United States
Trip Difficulty: Easy. Walking distance: around 1 mile. Trip Duration: 2.5 – 3 hrs. Elevation gain: none, but with chance of slight inclines/declines. Ground condition: groomed gravel trails. Drinking water and restrooms available at park’s entrance. Benches available at periodic intervals around the Wetlands.
By May most of our breeding birds have arrived at Sweetwater Wetlands! Depending on the species they may be singing, courting, brooding, feeding nestlings, or already have fledglings. In this workshop we will focus on observing breeding bird behaviors, finding and identifying juvenile birds (including challenging recently fledged
young), practice safely viewing nests, check nest boxes, and learn how to enter breeding codes on eBird. Breeding birds we could see include: Gambel’s Quail, Anna’s Hummingbird, Common Gallinule, Green Heron, Red-tailed Hawk, Great-horned Owl, Ladder-backed Woodpecker, Vermilion Flycatcher, Bell’s Vireo, Song Sparrow, Red-
winged Blackbird, and Lucy’s Warbler. Limited to 12 participants. The Wetlands are located at 2511 W Sweetwater Drive.
Leader: Alex Patia (apatia@tucsonbirds.org)

Fiesta de Mayo 2026
2026-05-02 17:00 - 22:00 | Karam Park, 159 N Morley Ave, , Nogales, A, 85621, United States
Nasib Karam Park, Nogales, Arizona, from 5:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m.The community is invited to celebrate Fiestas de Mayo on May 2, 2026, at Karam Park on Morley Avenue. Hosted by the City of Nogales, the Consulate General of Mexico in Nogales, and the Cultural Arts Committee of Nogales, this vibrant event will feature live music, delicious food, and the crowning of the queen. With free admission, attendees can enjoy an evening of culture, entertainment, and community celebration.

Flower Moon Campout
2026-05-02 14:00 - 2026-05-03 11:00 | Santa Rita Lodge , Madera Canyon, 1218 S Madera Canyon Rd, Madera Canyon, AZ, 85614, United States
Join us for a soul-nourishing overnight experience beneath the luminous energy of May’s Full Flower Moon. Nestled in the serene beauty of Madera Canyon, this intimate campout invites you to slow down, reconnect, and soak in the magic of nature and community. Bring your own tent and bedding, and settle in for a cozy evening on the Santa Rita Lodge property. We’ll gather under the rising full moon in the Yurt for gentle yoga, meditation, and various immersions in sound: crystal bowls, drumming, and our own voices. As the evening unfolds, enjoy meaningful connection around the firepit, complete with s’mores and stargazing. Dinner and breakfast are thoughtfully prepared and included—nourishing, delicious, and shared in good company. Additional offerings include optional tarot card readings, quiet moments in nature, and space to simply be. This is a chance to unplug, breathe deeply, and align with the natural rhythms of the season—honoring growth, renewal, and the beauty of coming into full bloom. What’s included: Overnight campout (bring your own tent + bedding); Dinner + breakfast; Yoga + meditation Sound healing under the full moon; Firepit + s’mores; Optional tarot readings. Come as you are. Leave grounded, restored, and glowing. 18 and up event. Facilitators and Presenters: Jen Rischard, Katie Munger, Emily Dukes

AANHPI Heritage Month Celebration
2026-05-02 11:00 - 14:00 | Tucson Mall, 4500 North Oracle Road, Tucson, United States
Free community event in celebration of AANHPI Heritage Month. This event will be featuring an Asian gift shop, arts and crafts, and cultural performances.
Learn more and RSVP at tucsonchinese.org/aanhpiheritage

ASARCO Discovery Center & Mine Tours
2026-05-02 09:30 - 10:30, 2026-05-01 09:30 - 10:30, 2026-04-30 09:30 - 10:30, 2026-04-29 09:30 - 10:30, 2026-04-25 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.

Tour of Historic Canoa Ranch
2026-05-02 09:00 - 10:30 | Historic Canoa Ranch, 5375 I-19 Frontage Rd, Green Valley, AZ, 85614
Join a walking tour of the Canoa Ranch headquarters. Visit the historic buildings and corrals and enjoy the special exhibits of the people of Canoa. DIRECTIONS: Historic Canoa Ranch, 5375 S. I-19 Frontage Rd., Green Valley 85622 From Tucson – Take 1-19 south to exit 56 – Canoa Road. Go around the traffic circle until you are heading east. Turn left (north) on the east side frontage road for about ½ mile and turn at the Hacienda de la Canoa sign on your right. Please carry water and wear sturdy walking shoes.

Healing Herb Walk
2026-05-02 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.

Guided Birding Walks at Patagonia Sonoita Creek
2026-05-02 08:00 - 17:00, 2026-04-25 08:00 - 17:00 | Patagonia-Sonoita Creek Preserve Visitor Center, 150 Blue Haven Road, Patagonia, Arizona, 85624, United States
Join us for guided birding walks at Patagonia-Sonoita Creek Preserve in Southern Arizona on Saturday mornings, starting November 1st, 2025!
Learn about the resident and migrating birds, ranging from gray hawks to vermilion flycatchers to thick-billed kingbirds. Tours will also touch on the environmental history of the region surrounding the preserve. Birders of all levels are welcome.
The start time of the walks will vary depending on the point in the season, so be sure to check the sign-up form to see when they will begin each week. The fee is $8 per person, or $5 for Santa Cruz/Cochise County residents and TNC members. Free to Patagonia/Sonoita/Elgin residents and children under 17. Registration is required.
Please bring comfortable clothes and footwear to walk 1-2 miles, a water bottle, sun protection and snacks. We suggest bringing your own binoculars, but the preserve has a limited number available for checkout. Read more about preserve regulations here.
For more information, contact Preserve Manager Aaron at aaron.mrotek@tnc.org.

Brand New to Birding Field Workshop at Sweetwater Wetlands with Alex Patia
2026-05-02 06:00 - 08:30 | Sweet Water Wetlands, 2511 W Sweetwater Drive, Tucson, 85745, United States
Trip difficulty: Easy. Walking distance: About 1.3 miles. Trip Duration: 2-2.5 hours. Elevation gain: None. Ground condition: Groomed gravel trails. Drinking water and restrooms available at the park’s entrance. Benches are available at periodic intervals around the wetlands.
Are you new to birding and looking to learn some of the basics? Then this field workshop is for you! We’ll cover topics like how to use binoculars, finding birds, identifying birds by sight and sound, bird behavior, birding apps, and using field guides. The entire workshop will be conducted outside on a short walk around the birder’s paradise that is Sweetwater Wetlands. Binoculars and fields guides are available if needed, bring a journal and pencil if you want for some field sketching!
Limited to 12 participants. Sweetwater Wetlands is located at 2511 W Sweetwater Drive.
Leader: Alex Patia

Guided Birding Walks at Patagonia Lake State Park
2026-05-01 08:00 - 12:00 | Patagonia Lake, 400 Patagonia Lake Rd, Patagonia, AZ, 85624, United States
Guided bird walks are back!​ Join park rangers at the Birding Trail kiosk (next to campsite #12) for a ranger-led hike to learn about the diverse avian wildlife at Patagonia Lake and Sonoita Creek.
The event repeats each Friday at 9:00 a.m through April.​ For more information, These walks are limited to 15 people. Sign up in advance at the Visitor Center or by calling (520) 287-2791 or please visit https://azstateparks.com/patagonia-lake/events/bird-walk-patagonia​

Gardens of Canoa Ranch
2026-05-01 08:00 - 09:30 | Historic Canoa Ranch, 5375 I-19 Frontage Rd, Green Valley, AZ, 85614
Enjoy a guided tour of the gardens of Historic Canoa Ranch. Join Raydine Taber from the Green Valley Gardeners to explore the variety of themed gardens within the ranch headquarters. DIRECTIONS: Historic Canoa Ranch, 5375 S. I-19 Frontage Rd., Green Valley 85622 From Tucson – Take 1-19 south to exit 56 – Canoa Road. Go around the traffic circle until you are heading east. Turn left (north) on the east side frontage road for about ½ mile and turn at the Hacienda de la Canoa sign on your right. Please carry water and wear sturdy walking shoes.

ASARCO Self Guided Center Tours
2026-04-30 09:00 - 17:00, 2026-04-29 09:00 - 17:00, 2026-04-28 09:00 - 17:00, 2026-04-25 09:00 - 17:00 | ASARCO Mineral Discovery Center, 1421 W Pima Mine Rd, Sahuarita, 85629, United States
Since we opened our doors in 1997, the ASARCO Mineral Discovery Center & Mine Tours’ vision has been to educate communities on the vital importance of the copper mining industry to our civilization, to educate students and teachers in earth sciences, and to preserve Arizona’s mining history.
We invite you to take our free self-guided tour of the center’s indoor and outdoor exhibits, which walks through the copper transformation process. Afterward, peruse the Company Store for unique and educational gifts.

Santa Cruz River Research Days
2026-04-30 09:00 - 12:00, 2026-04-29 09:00 - 17:00, 2026-04-28 13:00 - 17:00 | Pima Community College – Downtown, 1255 N Stone Ave, Tucson, AZ, 85709
This FREE event is a venue for learning about research and conservation efforts while exploring the Santa Cruz River’s natural and cultural resources. With this year’s theme, A Watershed of Protection, we’re highlighting several public land protection and management efforts that have helped protect the river and its surrounding watershed over the last 25 years. With diverse speakers and real-time English–Spanish translation, we aim to inspire new research questions, strengthen your professional network, catalyze collaborative projects, and foster awareness of research and conservation efforts. Registration and program is available on the event page but includes two days of presentations and a guided hike in the Borderlands Wildlife Preserve.

Sosa-Carrillo House Grand Re-Opening
2026-04-25 10:00 - 13:00 | Sosa-Carrillo House, 151 S Granda, Tucson, AZ, 85701, United States
Los Descendientes de Tucson is celebrating the reopening of the Sosa-Carrillo House after 2 years of rehabilitation. Event remarks begin at 11am followed by light bites in the back patio. Visitors are encourage to walk through the house and see the new and expanded exhibits on the history of the barrio, the Sosas and Carillos, the Tohono O’odham and Pasqua Yaqui tribes, and art from Ruben Moreno.

Peña Blanca Family Outdoor Day
2026-04-25 09:00 - 13:00 | Pena Blanca Lake, Pena Blanca Lake Road, Nogales, 85621, United States
This family-friendly community event is designed to connect residents with the outdoors while highlighting the incredible natural resources we have right here in our region. Families will be able to fish for free!
Other activities being planned include:
-Free fishing with borrowed poles and free bait bags
-Guided nature walks (Friends of the Madera Canyon)
-Food trucks
-Dirt Bike demonstrations (Trail Riders of Southern Arizona)
-Outdoor recreation and educational booths
-Celebrity Guests include Smokey the Bear and Woodsy the Owl!
If you are interested in volunteering with SCVNHA at this event, please email: zabrina@santacruzheritage.org

America Semiquincentennial and the Town of Oro Valley
2026-04-25 09:00 - 12:00 | Steam Pump Ranch, 10901 North Oracle Road, Oro Valley, 85737, United States
This is the last time to visit the season-long celebration of the America Semiquincentennial journey with the Oro Valley Historical Society in the Pusch House Museum at historic Steam Pump Ranch. America Semiquincentennial and the Town of Oro Valley connects national, state, and local stories of perseverance. Volunteers will be available, and tours are complimentary with appreciated donations. We will return to the Ranch for our new season starting in September and look forward to seeing you then – history loves company!

Archaeology Day
2026-04-25 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.
