Meet at Catalina State Park : After the entrance proceed straight ahead to the end of the main road to the main parking area. We will meet up at the mosaic panel near the main kiosk. Wear sturdy hiking boots, a hat and bring plenty of water.
No RSVP required
There has been remarkable desert native plant resilience on Catalina State Park following the devastating Bighorn Fire of 2020. We will sample the habitats at the beginning of the Birder Trail and then proceed to walk the two-mile Canyon Loop Trail to see the remarkable tree and bush species shifts now happening in response to the Bighorn Fire. Along the Loop trail we will see the recovery of native grama grassland and the unique grass/fairy duster habitats associated with Mariposa Lily populations. We will walk along the base of Romero canyon and witness the impressive recovery of native riparian plants following both the Bighorn Fire and the multiyear AZNPS effort to suppress invasive species. Many late Spring wildflowers will be in bloom.
