Children in kindergarten through sixth grade, accompanied by an adult, can head out to Sabino Canyon on Saturdays through March 12 for junior ranger programs presented by the Coronado National Forest, Santa Catalina Ranger District.
One-hour presentations are at 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. in the Visitor Center conference room in the Visitor Center, 5700 N. Sabino Canyon Road.
The program is free, but it costs $5 per visit to enter the Sabino Canyon area or $20 per year.
The program includes an overview of life in the Sonoran Desert, with a focus on how plants, animals and humans have adaptedto this arid climate.
Then, a short slide show is followed by activities that include sharing a "bag of tricks" for surviving in the desert, matching picture cards with real plants to learn their identification and characteristics, and measuring saguaro cacti.
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The session concludes with a quarter-mile hike on Bajada Nature Loop Trail. Safety in the desert also is emphasized.
Children who complete the program will be awarded a Sabino Canyon Junior Ranger certificate.
Participants should be prepared for the hike by bringing water, sunscreen and a hat and wearing appropriate shoes (no flip-flops or sandals).
For more information, call the Visitor Center at 749-8700.
