The city of Phoenix invites residents on Saturday, Nov. 14 to join the Nature Fest 2026 at the Rio Salado Habitat Restoration Area.

This fun and free community event celebrates urban wildlife and nature in our own backyard. Come learn about the Salt River’s diverse ecosystem, volunteer to protect the unique habitat and enjoy family-friendly outdoor activities designed for all ages.

The event runs 9 a.m. – 1 p.m. at the Rio Salado Habitat Restoration Area, Northeast 7th Avenue Trailhead, 2801 S. 7th Ave. The Salt River Clean-up begins at 8 a.m..

"The Rio Salado is an environmental and cultural treasure in our community, and Nature Fest is a great way to celebrate our connection to the river,” stated Mayor Kate Gallego in a news release. “Right off the South-Central Light Rail extension, you can support a river clean-up, enjoy family-friendly activities, and meet many organizations who work every day to make our city more sustainable."

This event is staged along the Salt River, a culturally significant natural resource to the Valley and home to a variety of interesting wildlife. There are more than 45 local partners participating with interactive activities including live wildlife encounters, art projects, guided walks, volunteer opportunities, food, games and more.

"Nature Fest PHX celebrates the incredible natural spaces that connect us as a community, with the Salt River being one of our City's greatest natural and cultural assets,” stated Vice Mayor Kesha Hodge Washington in the news release. “I encourage Phoenicians to attend and hopefully feel inspired to invest and help preserve our natural habitats.”

The event is hosted by the City of Phoenix with partners U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Arizona State University, Rio Reimagined, The Nature Conservancy, Link Logistics, Waste Management, Salt River Project, Wilson and Company Engineering and Keep Phoenix Beautiful.

SCHEDULE OF EVENTS

Food trucks arrive at 9 a.m. and will be on site until 1 p.m.

• 8-9 a.m.: Salt River Clean Up — Volunteers remove trash and invasive species from river area
• All morning: Art Zone crafts and activities including nature collages with local artist MaryHope Whitehead Lee, nature-themed face painting, kids arts & crafts table and making native seed balls with city of Phoenix Parks and Recreation Department.
• 9:10-9:40 a.m.: Bird Singing and Dancing by the River
• 9:50-10:20 a.m.: Snakes and Scorpions with Maricopa County Parks
• 9:50-10:10 a.m.: Volunteer Planting for Pollinators
• 10:30-11 a.m.: Salt River Pima Maricopa Indian Community Traditional Dancers
• 11:10-11:40 a.m.: Live Wildlife with Phoenix Herpetological Society
• 11:50 a.m. – 12:20 p.m.: Live Wildlife — Raptors with Wild at Heart
• 11:50 a.m. – 12:10 p.m.: Volunteer “Planting for Pollinators”
• 12:30-1 p.m.: Live Wildlife with Phoenix Zoo

For details, visit www.phoenix.gov/naturefestphx.

Editor's note: The above was republished from a city of Phoenix news release.