McDowell Mountain Regional Park plans activities

McDowell Mountain Regional Park adjacent to Fountain Hills has several activities planned for visitors in the coming week.

A full moon hike is planned for Thursday, July 18, to begin at 7 p.m. This event is limited to 15 people, so registration is required and closes  Tuesday, July 16.

This nighttime walk with Ranger Jacque under the near full moon will provide the mysterious sounds of the desert, and possible encounters with creatures of the night.

This moderate out-and-back hike follows a 1 to 1.5-mile section of Pemberton Trail toward Pemberton Pond. Plan to hike for two hours and for a total distance of 2 to 2.5 miles. Wear sturdy shoes, bring water and cash per vehicle for the self-pay station. Small hand-held flashlights and blacklights are okay. Refrain from using headlamps, and no pets please. Registration is required.

The meeting location is the Trailhead staging area at Pemberton trailhead, south access.

The hike is limited to 15 participants. To register, call the McDowell Nature Center at (602) 506-2930,  ext. 3 with name, phone number and number of people attending.

If it is necessary to cancel after registration call the Nature Center ASAP so those on the waiting list may be contacted. Registration for this program closes on Tuesday, July 16.

A Discovery Station event will be held on Saturday, July 20, beginning at 9:30 a.m.

Skulls, bones, furs, scales – what do clues left behind by desert creatures tell about their ways of life? Ranger Jacque will have displays and open questions and answers to discuss curious adaptations of common desert dwellers.

Enter the world of the Sonoran Desert with this educational table, “Skins and Skulls.” Discover the biodiversity of this unique ecosystem with a hands-on learning experience. This activity is for all ages. The exhibit is a non-structured come and go display table. Ranger Jacque will be on hand for questions in the nature center between 9:30 and 11 a.m. Stop any time.

Early Saturday morning, July 20, Ranger Jacque will introduce visitors to the peaceful quiet time of a desert morning. The ranger will lead a four-step process.

The Quiet Hour process can help reduce the stresses of everyday life. It blends nine techniques or influences that research indicates have a calming or uplifting effect. This seated program is for all abilities, ages 12 and up.

Meet the ranger near the restrooms at the Trailhead Staging Area at 6:30 a.m. and find a quiet spot from there. For maximum comfort, wear comfortable clothing and shoes, bring water, and a yoga mat or towel to sit on. No pets. No registration required.