An informal drop-in session to chat with Ranger Steve about the geological, cultural and biological history of the Sonoran Desert will be held 2-4 p.m. Thursday, March 23, at the Nature Center at Usery Mountain Regional Park, 3939 N. Usery Pass Road in Mesa.

An interactive display will be available for visitors to get “hands on” with a variety of unique items found at Maricopa County parks such as cacti, rocks and Native American artifacts, according to a release.

Vehicle entry at the park costs $7. Usery Mountain Regional Park is open 5 a.m.-9 p.m. May 1-Oct. 31 and 6 a.m.-8 p.m. Nov. 1-April 30. Go to maricopacountyparks.net/park-locator/usery-mountain-regional-park.

The 3,648-acre park became part of Maricopa County’s regional park system in 1961. It is at the western end of the Goldfield Mountains, adjacent to Tonto National Forest. The park contains a large variety of plants and animals that call the lower Sonoran Desert home. Along the most popular feature of the park — the Wind Cave Trail — water seeps from the roof of the alcove to support hanging gardens of Rock Daisy. The Wind Cave is formed at the boundary between the volcanic tuff and granite on Pass Mountain. Breathtaking views from this 2,840-foot elevation are offered to all visitors.