Sonoran Studies: Trips, Tours & Classes for adults and families
These programs are offered to the public to create a better understanding of our Sonoran Desert through enjoyable and informative experiences, and provide opportunities to learn practical applications for working and playing in balance with our environment.
If you have considered taking our in-depth docent training program, but are not ready to commit the time, you may be interested in our new Sonoran Desert Naturalist Certificate program (Learn more).
Cancellation Policy
For part or full day classes, a full refund less 25% cancellation fee will be given. For multi-day programs specific cancellation fees apply. No refunds can be made within 7 days of any program.
Holiday Gift Certificates
How about a Sonoran Studies Gift Certificate? View the details page for more information and to purchase your gift certificate.
May 17, 2008 - May 17, 2008
Traverse grasslands, oak-hackberry thicket, oak-pine woodlands and riparian areas studying the characteristic vegetation of each and observing both breeding and migrant birds and butterflies. Birds that we might see include the Elegant Trogon, Red-faced Warbler, Arizona Woodpecker, Acorn Woodpecker, Magnificant Hummingbird, Sulphur-bellied Flycatcher, Red-facaed Warbler, Mexican Jay, Bridled Titmouse and Painted Redstart. Common butterflies of the area include the Arizona Sister, Two-tailed Swallowtail and Red-spotted Purple.
Holiday Gift Certificates
Jun 1, 2008 - Jan 1, 2010
Have you been looking for that unique gift? Consider an ASDM Sonoran Studies gift certificate. It's easy, just go to our website. Choose the program you would like to give, click on it, request that the program be given as a gift certificate and ...
Jun 7, 2008 - Jun 7, 2008
Time travel with the Irish bog oaks, bristlecone and ponderosa pines on this tour of the world-renowned University of Arizona's Tree Ring Laboratory. Find out what trees tell us about fire history, drought, climate change, public health and how they have been used in archeological dating of Pueblo ruins. We will meet at the University of Arizona, near the Football stadium.
Jun 28, 2008 - Jun 28, 2008
The Sonoran Desert silently celebrates its new year with the swelling of the saguaro's rosy fruits. Join us to gather and prepare saguaro fruits in the traditional O'odham. manner, using a harvesting pole made from the ribs of the giant cactus, then cooking the fruit until it thickens into a rich, sweet syrup. We will learn about other desert plants that were important food sources for native peoples and about the animals who use the saguaro for food and shelter. We will travel in museum vans to a desert site a few miles distance from the museum for collecting, and then return for the food processing. Includes a native foods lunch.
Photo by Robert Graf
Jul 26, 2008 - Jul 26, 2008
They use night as their cover and are shrouded in mystery and misunderstanding. But we'll throw some light on one of the most intriguing desert animals - bats! Learn how they make our desert more beautiful and more livable. Join us as we separate fact from fiction on the 28 different bat species in Southern Arizona, then take a trip out onto the ASDM grounds to study the animals in action!
Aug 23, 2008 - Aug 23, 2008
Tucson is the sun capital, right? Find out how you can reduce your utility bills by tuning into the sun's seasonal path. This tour will take you to residences where the owners do just this. Visit the Solar Store, Civano and Armory Park del Sol, the largest sustainably built in-fill project in the country. Meet with utility, policy, and engineering experts. Includes a delicious solar-oven cooked Sonoran lunch. This course is co-sponsored by the Tucson Botanical Gardens.
Juan Quezada making a pot
Sep 13, 2008 - Sep 17, 2008
Celebrate Mexican Independence Day in the famous pottery village of Mata Ortiz, Chihuahua. Visit potters in their homes and watch them work, using the same techniques employed by the ancient inhabitants. This is a unique opportunity to experience the village and purchase pottery directly from the artists. Visit the ruins of Paquime, the archaeological site that inspired Juan Quezada to reinvent the pottery process that became a local industry. This trip takes place over Mexican Independence day which is a day of fiesta. There will be a parade, rodeo, dances and general merry-making. Price is all inclusive, based on double occupancy. Transportation is ...
Oct 18, 2008 - Oct 19, 2008
Have you ever thought that you would like to become more knowledgeable about your desert surroundings? This two-day natural history course is the answer. Through indoor lectures and outdoor hikes, both on the museum grounds as well as in the Tucson Mountains, we cover the following topics: definition of a desert biome, climate of the Sonoran Desert, geology of the Southwest and southern Arizona in particular, Sonoran Desert flora, fauna and ecology, environmental issues and conservation initiatives of the region, and human history of the region.
This course is introductory level, and it is a requirement for those who are pursuing our Naturalist Certificate program.
Decorated Altar
Oct 26, 2008 - Nov 2, 2008
Immerse yourself in the culinary and cultural traditions, folk arts and archaeology, and lively celebrations of the Days of the Dead in Southern Mexico. The colonial city of Oaxaca lies in a mountain-rimmed valley about 300 miles southeast of Mexico City at an elevation of 5,200 feet. With the blending of Old World tradition and living native cultures, the region is known for its outstanding baroque architecture, indigenous artisans' villages, magnificent archaeological sites, museums, contemporary art galleries and culinary traditions. With its spring-like climate, the pace is relaxed and unpretentious.
This tour is truly a feast for the senses. Enjoy vast colorful markets bursting with dazzling arrays of dried chiles, fresh herbs, colorful vegetables, tropical fruits and fresh-cut flowers for your room. Visit the great ruins of Monte Alban, the ancient city of the Zapotecs. With the historic colonial city as our base, we will journey to nearby villages, meet indigenous artisans and witness their use of native materials to create whimsical carvings, ancient- styled pottery, ceramic folk art and their world-famous hand-woven textiles. Tour Oaxaca's impressive ethnobotanical gardens to learn more about the history and use of native and cultivated plants of the region.
And during this festive time of Dias de Los Muertos (Days of The Dead), richly colored flowers liberally adorn gravesites, pungent incense fills the air and music and candles light ...
