Santa Cruz Valley National Heritage Area

Sosa-Carrillo House Grand Re-Opening
2026-04-25 10:00 - 13:00 (America/Phoenix) | 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.

ASARCO Discovery Center & Mine Tours
2026-04-25 09:30 - 10:30, 2026-04-24 09:30 - 10:30, 2026-04-23 09:30 - 10:30, 2026-04-22 09:30 - 10:30, 2026-04-18 09:30 - 10:30, 2026-04-17 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.

ASARCO Self Guided Center Tours
2026-04-25 09:00 - 17:00, 2026-04-24 09:00 - 17:00, 2026-04-23 09:00 - 17:00, 2026-04-22 09:00 - 17:00, 2026-04-21 09:00 - 17:00, 2026-04-18 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.

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!

Guided Birding Walks at Patagonia Sonoita Creek
2026-04-25 08:00 - 17:00, 2026-04-18 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.

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.

Highway Cleanup
2026-04-25 08:00 - 10:00 | 10501 N. Casa Grande Hwy (32.39729, -111.12557), 10501 N. Casa Grande Hwy (32.39729, -111.12557)
Join the Coalition for Sonoran Desert Protection for a highway cleanup within a wildlife corridor!
Help us collect trash along our adopted stretch of highway along the I-10 frontage road near Avra Valley Road and the Santa Cruz River wildlife ramp. Gloves, safety vests, snacks and drinks, trash bags, and pick-up sticks (grabbers) are provided. More specific information and directions will be sent in an email to all RSVPs.
Please bring a reusable water bottle and coffee mug. We recommend sun protection and long sleeves/pants.
This project is funded in part by the Santa Cruz Valley National Heritage Area. Thank you!
Physical requirements: Frequent bending and kneeling, walking in the sun for prolonged periods, walking on potentially uneven surfaces. Due to safety and ADOT regulation, volunteers must be 12 years or older.

Guided Birding Walks at Patagonia Lake State Park
2026-04-24 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​

Earth Day
2026-04-22 11:00 - 13:00 | Yoemem Tekia Cultural Center and Museum, 4721 W Calle Vicam, Tucson, 85757, United States
Visit the Yoemem Tekia Cultural Center and Museum for lunch and Earth day celebrations.
For more information, please call: 520-879-5776

4th Annual Climate Community Day - Pima Community College
2026-04-21 09:00 - 13:30 | Pima Community College – Downtown, 1255 N Stone Ave, Tucson, AZ, 85709
Join Pima staff, students and community members to build community, enhance awareness, empower action, and connect people with the
resources they need to create a more sustainable future. They hope to build community, enhance awareness, empower action, and connect people with the resources they need to take the next steps in creating a more sustainable future, through speakers, workshops, panels, roundtables, and showcases.
Where: Amethyst Room
Pima Community College
Downtown Campus
If you are interested in joining the SCVNHA with tabling, please email zabrina@santacruzheritage.org

Tubac Nature Center Bird Walk
2026-04-21 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.

The Arizona Trail: An 850-mile Mountain Bike Exploration of Climate Change
2026-04-18 14:00 - 15:00 | Tubac Presidio State Historic Park & Museum, 1 Burruel St, #1296, Tubac, A, 85646, United States
Along the 850-mile Arizona Trail from Utah to Mexico, climate change is reshaping ecosystems and communities across the Southwest. In fall 2025, Arizona Republic climate reporter and ecologist Joan Meiners spent seven weeks mountain biking the entire trail to document these changes and explore solutions with scientists, tribes, and local experts. Through vivid photos, video, and storytelling, this presentation traces Arizona’s most urgent environmental challenges and opportunities—mile by mile—from fire-scarred forests and deepening drought to renewable energy efforts and humanitarian issues at the border. This free program is made possible by AZ Humanities and space is limited. Please note, park admission is not included.

Native Nations Day
2026-04-18 10:00 - 15:00
This family friendly event celebrates 4000+ years of indigenous culture in Tucson through art, food, and performances.

Presentation:Brandon Varela, Director of the Old Pascua Museum and Yaqui Culture Center, will discuss the significance of the Deer Dance to the Yaqui (Yoeme) people.

Performances:Yaqui Deer Dancers from the Old Pascua community

Demonstrations/vendors may include:Pottery, silversmithing, gourd making, basket making, digital arts, flintknapping, and much more!

Food:Sherri’s Frybread with sweet and savory toppings.

Included in regular admissionFor more information visit:http://www.tucsonpresidio.com/living-history-days…/

Presidio Museum196 N. Court AveTucson, Az85701

Earth Day Yoga
2026-04-18 09:30 - 11:00 | Santa Rita Lodge , Madera Canyon, 1218 S Madera Canyon Rd, Madera Canyon, AZ, 85614, United States
Join yoga instructors, Sarah Bayze & Jen Rischard, in this 90 minute all-levels yoga class exploring Virya in honor of Earth Day! Virya = right effort. How we use our energy matters, for our bodies and our planet. Virya is effort guided by wisdom. Earth Day reminds us that our effort matters — how we walk, what we consume, how we move — all of it is energy in relationship with the Earth.
A fusion of Vinyasa and Hatha yoga styles and a soothing sound bath to support your savasana, this class is appropriate for all levels and modifications will be offered. This event will benefit Friends of Madera Canyon in honor of Earth Day.

Boat Tours at Patagonia Lake State Park
2026-04-18 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.

America Semiquincentennial and the Town of Oro Valley
2026-04-18 09:00 - 12:00 | Steam Pump Ranch, 10901 North Oracle Road, Oro Valley, 85737, United States
As America’s Semiquincentennial celebration continues, the Oro Valley Historical Society presents the third part of its annual exhibit at the Pusch House Museum in Steam Pump Ranch. America Semiquincentennial and the Town of Oro Valley reflects on the nation’s founding struggles, Arizona’s path to statehood, and the Town’s own early challenges. Volunteers will be on hand to share more, and free tours are offered with donations gratefully accepted.

Fort Lowell Park Walking Tour
2026-04-18 09:00 - 11:00 | Fort Lowell Museum, 2900 N Craycroft Rd, Tucson, 85712, United States
Before Davis Monthan, there was Fort Lowell! This walking tour covers the history of the land, people, and fort structures that played a huge part in the development of modern Tucson during the Apache Wars, America’s longest-running military conflict. This 2-hour leisurely walk is just under a mile. It will feature the adobe ruins of fort structures such as the Quartermasters Building, Officers’ Quarters, Post Barracks and the Fort Hospital. Admission to the museum is included with the tour.
Be prepared to be on your feet. No public water or restrooms are available at the museum, but the park offers fountains and public restrooms (next to the parking lot, by the Craycroft entrance).
Begins and ends at the Fort Lowell Museum

Buy tickets here: https://tucsonpresidio.com/civicrm/event/register/?id=1193&reset=1

Earth Day of Connection & Rio Relay
2026-04-18 08:00 - 11:00 | Bonita Park, 20 N Bonita Ave, Tucson, 85745, United States
Join community members, local organizations, land management agencies for a day of fun and stewardship!
Days of Connection celebrating Earth Day and the RioRelay is taking place at Bonita Park right-off of the Santa Cruz River. Join the Pima County Connecting Children to Nature Coalition, Tucson Clean and Beautiful, Pima County, Sonoran Institute, Tucson Water, United Way and other partners as we come together to celebrate Earth Day through a day of fun, stewardship and connecting with nature and community!
Earth Day of Connection is happening on Saturday, April 18th between 8AM-11AM at Bonita Park located at 20 N Bonita Ave, Tucson, AZ 85745.
These experiences bring together local groups and individual passionate about the natural world and environmental stewardship. At this Day of Connection you can expect to;

Enjoy music, snacks and beautiful green space with a broad community of stewardship and nature lovers.
Steward the Santa Cruz by picking up trash with TCB and Sonoran Institute or learn to identify and remove invasive giant reed (Arundo donax) with specialists from Tucson Bird Alliance.
Experience the on-going neighborhood conservation and restoration efforts in the area being lead by Friends of Favor Celestial and Watershed Management group.
Connect with Educators with Pima County Conservation Lands and Resources and Regional Flood Control District to learn more about what our county is doing to conserve and celebrate our public lands.
