At Lake Pleasant park:
HISTORY: 1-2 p.m. Thursday, Feb 8. Meet a ranger and learn about the history of the dams, recreation in the area and historical landmarks of the region.
BACK IN HISTORY HIKE: 9 a.m.-2 p.m. Friday, Feb 9. Go back in history with a ranger as he guides hikers on four trails. This hike is about 7 miles and will take about five hours. Stops will be made at several points along the way. Bring a snack, water and good hiking shoes.
BALD EAGLES OF LAKE PLEASANT: 1-2 p.m. Friday, Feb 9. Learn how bald eagles manage at the park, where they might be seen, how many nests are at Lake Pleasant and more.
ARCHERY 101 CLASS: 10-11:30 a.m. Saturday, Feb 10. Learn how to shoot an arrow with a bow and hit the target. For ages 8 years old and older.
EARLY WILDFLOWERS: 10-11 a.m.; noon-1 p.m. Saturday, Feb 10. Join a volunteer naturalist as he guides guests on a short hike looking at desert flowers and other trailside items.
To reach the park, take the Lake Pleasant Access Road to South Park Road to the Discovery Center in Peoria.
At White Tank park, 20304 W. White Tank Mountain Road, Waddell.
DESERT AWAKENS: 9-11 a.m. Thursday, Feb 8. Join park volunteer Cindy Smith to explore various park trails and look for signs of spring. Each hike will be 2-3 miles at a leisurely pace.
OUTDOOR PHOTOGRAPHY: 11 a.m.-noon. Thursday, Feb 8. Learn about camera operations, picture composition, lighting effects and other essentials. The first portion of the program will be classroom instruction in the Nature Center classroom. Then, a short walk along a park trail will allow participants to practice skills.
NATURE DISCOVERY HOUR: 10-11 a.m. Friday, Feb 9. A ranger leads visitors on a hike examining the geology of the White Tanks.
STRENUOUS HIKE: 8-11 a.m. Saturday, Feb 10. This 9.3-mile hike is strenuous and for in-shape hikers who are familiar with hiking on primitive trails and are able to hike the distance.
SONORAN CRAFT, STORY TIME AND PLAY: 10:30-noon. Wednesday, Feb 14. A variety of Sonoran Desert-themed, age-appropriate board books, puzzles, stuffed animals and coloring sheets will be available for children.
