Visitors to Estrella Mountain Regional Park can get up close and personal with some of Arizona’s most misunderstood wildlife during two venomous creature-themed events on Wednesday, July 2.

Led by a local ranger, the morning Discovery Station: Venomous Creatures will run from 9 to 10 a.m. at the park’s Nature Center. The drop-in-style event offers a chance to meet live animals, ask questions, and learn about desert critters like scorpions and snakes before hitting the trails.

The informal program is designed for visitors who prefer a more flexible, interactive experience before the full educational session later in the day.

That session, the Venomous Creatures Lunch and Learn, will be held from noon to 1 p.m. in the Nature Center classroom and is limited to 20 participants. Registration is required and closes on June 30. Attendees are encouraged to bring their lunch and enjoy a cool indoor break while hearing about animals including Gila monsters and rattlesnakes.

Both events aim to educate the public about the role venomous creatures play in the desert ecosystem, while promoting safe and respectful wildlife observation. The events will be held at Estrella Mountain Regional Park, 14805 W. Vineyard Ave., in Goodyear.

In addition to the July 2 programs, Estrella Mountain Regional Park is participating in Eco-BLITZ, a citizen science initiative from the Maricopa County Parks and Recreation Department. Using the free iNaturalist app, visitors can help document biodiversity by photographing and identifying plants and animals found in the park.

Participants are encouraged to take multiple in-focus photos of each species without disturbing the environment and upload them to the app. The observations help the county build plant and animal inventories across regional parks.

The featured species for July is the coachwhip, a long, slender snake named for its braided-whip-like appearance. Found throughout the Southwest, coachwhips are nonvenomous and prey on insects, birds, small mammals, and even other snakes.

For those interested in contributing to Eco-BLITZ, a smartphone with a camera is all that’s needed. Entry fees apply, though an annual pass provides discounted access.

Visit maricopacountyparks.net for more details on the July 2 events or the Eco-BLITZ program.