Greater Phoenix City Nature Challenge 2023
2023-04-28 - 2023-05-07 | Greater Phoenix Area
We encourage Phoenix Chapter members and nature lovers to participate in the City Nature Challenge 2023! This is a global effort to observe and document as much urban biodiversity as possible.
From April 28 to May 1, use iNaturalist to document as many plants, animals, and other living things that you can find. Join the City Nature Challenge 2023: Great Phoenix Area project to see all of the observations made by you and others.
From May 2-7, browse the project on iNaturalist to help to identify what others observed.
On May 8, worldwide results will be announced.
For more details, including instructions on how to use iNaturalist, please see the Greater Phoenix City Nature Challenge website.

2023 Center for Plant Conservation National Meeting
2023-05-04 - 2023-05-06 | Desert Botanical Garden, 1201 N. Galvin Pkwy, Phoenix, AZ, 85008, United States
Theme: “On the Horizon: Looking to the Future of Plant Conservation.”
Hybrid event, with in-person sessions held at Desert Botanical Garden in Phoenix, as well as online presentations.
See the Center for Plant Conservation website for more information.

Tonto Basin Field Trip: Botany, Burgers, and Brews!
2023-05-05 | AZ
May 5: First Friday Field Trip: “Botany, Burgers and Brews!”
Details to be announced.

Desert Horticulture Conference
2023-05-05 08:00 - 16:00 (America/Phoenix) | Tucson, AZ
3 concurrent tracks: Plants and Design, Plant Health, and Water/Urban Landscapes
For more details and to register, visit the conference website.

Public Tours of the Waterman Restoration Site in the Ironwood Forest National Monument
2023-05-06 08:00 - 10:00 | AZ
AZNPS will conduct public tours of the Waterman Restoration site on the first Saturday in March, April, and May. Tours will begin at 8:00 AM and all are welcome.
Directions: This site is near Tucson. From I-10 proceed exactly 19 miles west on Avra Valley Road (exit 242). Turn left at the Pioneer Sign and continue about 1 mile straight ahead, bearing left the whole way on the surfaced road.
Visit our AZNPS Waterman website page for updates and additional information.

Tucson Chapter Meeting
2023-05-11 19:00 - 20:30 | ENR Building, Room 215, University of Arizona, & on zoom
Thursday, May 11, 2023
Islands of the Sea of Cortés: Plant Dispersal Corridors
Alberto Búrquez, a researcher at the UNAM Sonoran Field Station in Hermosillo, will discuss of the genesis of the Sea of Cortés, the ocean basin that separates mainland Mexico from the Baja Peninsula. He will then discuss the ecological and evolutionary processes of biotic isolation and colonization of the Midriff Islands, processes leading to the unique plant and animal assemblages found on these islands.
The Sea of Cortés and its islands

White Mountain Chapter Plant Sale
2023-05-13 | Showlow Nature Center, 425 N Woodland Rd, Lakeside, AZ, United States
2nd Annual Native Plant Sale
Save the date for our upcoming native plant sale! This time we’ll be indoors and away from the high winds. We’re partnering up with the wonderful White Mountain Nature Center this year.

Flagstaff Chapter Meeting: Guest speaker Debbie DeWolf Allen
2023-05-16 19:00 - 20:30 | e Shepherd of the Hills Lutheran Church, 1601 N San Francisco St, Flagstaff, AZ, 86004, United States
Debbie will speak about The Brothers Boutelou and the Grass They Barely Knew: A Journey into Botany, History, Exploration, and Two Remarkable Men

Upper Gila Chapter Meeting
2023-05-18 19:00 - 20:30 | Eastern Arizona College, Discovery Park Campus, 1651 W. Discovery Park Blvd. Safford, AZ 85546, Safford, AZ, 85546, United States
Upper Gila Chapter
3rd Thursdays, 7:00 p.m.
Eastern Arizona College
Discovery Park Campus
1651 W. Discovery Park Blvd.
Safford, AZ 85546
The address will get you as far as the parking lot and main building, but to get to the meeting in the southern building you drive a route that’s posted for personnel only so hopefully this map helps. It’s possible to park in the main lot shown and walk to the building but much nicer to drive the whole way.

Prescott Chapter Field Experience to the Alligator Juniper
2023-06-17 07:30 - 11:30 | AZ
Saturday, June 17th, 7:30 AM – 11:30 AM
Natural History Institute hosts a Prescott Chapter of Arizona Native Plant Society field experience to the Alligator Juniper that serves as a Granite Mountain Hotshot crew memorial. Join us on this Father’s Day to visit what is sometimes referred to as the “Grandfather Juniper.” Bring snacks, water and be prepared to walk up to 5 miles.
PrescottNativePlantSociety@gmail.com

Flagstaff Chapter Meeting
2023-06-20 19:00 - 20:30 | AZ
Tuesday, June 20, 7:00 PM: LoriAnne Barnett Warren and Madeline Burton.
Arizona’s Magnificent Trees
The Arizona Magnificent Tree Program, managed by the Arizona Department of Forestry and Fire Management, recognizes trees in our state that are the largest of their species, both here and nationwide, as well as those that have cultural significance to our community members. Each year we accept nominations for new trees that qualify, using all of the champions to tell a story about the value of trees in our communities and forests. This presentation will provide an overview of our program, share how to nominate a tree, and highlight some of the amazing trees in and around Flagstaff. We will also share how you can be involved with the program as a nominator or a certified tree measurer! Join LoriAnne Barnett Warren, the Urban and Community Forestry Program Manager at the Department of Forestry and Fire Management,
and our Urban Forestry Specialist, Madeline Burton, for insight into this one-of-a-kind program.

The meeting is held via Zoom. Request to be on the chapter email list to receive information regarding the zoom link. naris123@cs.com

Prescott Chapter Meeting
2023-07-15 08:00 - 13:00 | Highlands Center for Natural History, 375 S. Walker Rd., Prescott, AZ, 86303, United States
Saturday, July 15, 8:00 – 1:00 PM
Highlands Center for Natural History hosts a Prescott Chapter of Arizona Native Plant Society guided walk and workshop. Learn more about the parsley and carrot plant family with a short stroll followed by a hands-on investigation at the Discovery Gardens ramada. Bring snacks, water and be prepared to walk up to one mile.

Flagstaff Chapter meeting via Zoom
2023-07-17 19:00 - 20:30 | via Zoom
Tuesday, July 18, 7:00 PM: Nora Ventrella. Rare and Restoration Plants of the Navajo Nation: Conservation Activities of the Navajo Natural Heritage Program
Nora Ventrella has been the botanist for the Navajo Natural Heritage Program with the Navajo Nation Department of Fish and Wildlife for the past 6 years. As a part of this program she collects, manages, and disseminates information on threatened and endangered plant species on Navajo lands, and is the curator of the Navajo Nation herbarium located in Flagstaff. This talk will cover monitoring and conservation efforts by NNHP focused on threatened and endangered plants of the Navajo Nation. This talk will also focus on seed-banking and plant propagation activities conducted by the newly created Diné Native Plants Program, a tribally-run restoration program focused on bringing native and culturally-important plants back to tribal lands. Nora has her master’s degree in plant biology and conservation from the joint program between Northwestern University and the Chicago Botanic Garden. Her research background focused on Colorado plateau flora, invasive species, local adaptation, and seed-sourcing for restoration
Register in advance for this meeting at:
https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZMuc-iprTIsGtwHuaXeTxp0l575nT-3MBIT

After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the meeting.

Arizona Native Plant Society talks are free and open to the public. See aznps.com to become a member.

The Facebook Event page if you wish to register that way is:
https://fb.me/e/5ScgwnhAf

Request to be on the chapter email list for information re Zoom link for meetings.naris123@cs.com

Cancelled! Pinaleño Mountains Saunter will be rescheduled
2023-07-29 08:00 - 17:00 | AZ
On Saturday, July 29, 2023, the Upper Gila Chapter will host a Pinaleño Mountains Saunter to explore wildflowers and other plants in the area between Shannon Campground, located in Engelmann spruce and Douglas fir habitat, and Heliograph Peak at 10,022′.

The walk to the peak is approximately one mile but participants can turn around at any time along the way if time or mobility limits the full hike. It will be a slow walk with many stops to admire and discuss plants that we encounter. Shannon Campground is at the headwaters of Marijilda Creek and received quite a bit of snow this winter so the vegetation is very healthy. The trail to Heliograph follows Forest Road 352, which is gated at the entrance to Shannon, allowing only hiking, biking, and horseback travel to the peak.

If you would like to join us, meet at the Graham County Fairgrounds parking area that’s close to U.S. 191 south of Safford at 8:00 a.m. and we’ll try to carpool from there.

The foray is free for Arizona Native Plant Society members, $5 for nonmembers.

For the day, wear sturdy hiking shoes/boots, a hat and other sun protection of your choice; bring a lunch, plenty of water, perhaps insect repellant and hiking poles if you use them. Well-behaved or leashed dogs are welcome. Check weather forecast to see if raingear might be needed.

I posted a slide show from a September 2019 AZNPS walk at https://www.facebook.com/photo?fbid=3139623596061025&set=oa.266342171152388

if you’d like to start learning some of the plants we might see in earlier stages of their development.

Grass Identification Class (Day 1)
2023-08-11 09:00 - 15:00 | University of Arizona Herbarium, Herring Hall
This is a two-day combination lecture and hands-on workshop for students serious about doing grass identification work. The goals are to impart sufficient knowledge for students to make wise decisions regarding collection of grasses, to provide complete information on grass morphology, and to teach the use of keys for identification of most Arizona species. Handout materials, dissecting scopes, tools, and pressed grass specimens for study will be provided. The first day will be lecture mixed with hands-on work. The second day can be for review if needed or desired and questions, plus working with keys from various references.
Instructor: Mike Bauer
Sponsors: University of Arizona Herbarium and Arizona Native Plant Society
When: August 11 and 25, 9:00 AM to 3:00 PM
Where: University of Arizona Herbarium, Herring Hall
Cost: $25
Registration contact: Doug Ripley (jdougripley@gmail.com)

Flagstaff Chapter Meeting, Potluck and Plant Swap
2023-08-11 16:00 - 18:00 | The Museum of Norhern Aizona, Flagstaff, Arizona
Potluck & plant swap at the Museum of Northern AZ Colton Community Garden.
See members live and in-person! We’ll meet to swap native plants, native seeds, and botany books. Bring a dish to share. No alcohol, please.
See the flyer for directions to event location: AZNPS August Social Flyer 2023

Southwest Horticulture Annual Day of Education (SHADE) Conference
2023-08-18 06:30 - 16:00 | Glendale, AZ
The Arizona Nursery Association is hosting their annual all day education event featuring 4 tracks with 6 sessions each:

Tree & Plant
Pest Management
Water Management
Design

Also featuring a 50 vendor marketplace with the best new products and plants for the Southwest.
CEUs: AzDA, PMD, APLD, ASLA, ISA, and IA
For full details, see the SHADE conference website.

Tucson Chapter Monsoon Mixer
2023-08-18 18:30 - 20:30 | Mercado Annex, 267 South Avenida del Convento, Tucson, AZ, United States
This year’s AZNPS Tucson chapter Monsoon Mixer is scheduled for August 18th at 6:30pm at the MSA Annex at 267 South Avenida del Convento, Tucson, AZ 85745. Put the date on your calendars, and keep an eye out for further updates. This will be a plant swap like last year, so set aside native plants, native plant literature, and seed to exchange. Membership is not required to attend this event.

Roadside Grasses, including the newly discovered roadside Trailing Grama
2023-08-20 08:00 - 10:00 | AZ
Sunday 20 August
8am to 10am
Meet on the north side of the Trader Joe’s Parking area on the SE corner of Magee/Oracle
Limit: 12 participants
RSVP to tucsonaznpstrips@gmail.com
Roadsides are unlikely but surprising places to find dozens of native (and non-native) grasses. Join John Scheuring on a driving grass tour of roadside basins briming with various grass species. This will be a great way to learn our common grasses by seeing them side-by-side in bloom. We will also see Trailing Grama Grass (Bouteloua diversispicula), the newly discovered roadside species common in Sonora that had only been previously found in Arizona in one remote area of Ironwood Forest. We will not park or walk on busy roadways but bring a reflective vest if you have one.

Book Discussion: Around the World in 80 Plants
2023-08-20 14:00 - 15:30 | via Zoom
Join in this summer as the Phoenix Chapter reads and discusses Around the World in 80 Plants by Jonathan Drori.
We will discuss our thoughts at a virtual Chapter meeting on Sunday, August 20th at 2:00 PM. All Arizona Native Plant Society members and friends are welcome to attend!
We’ll begin the virtual meeting with 15 minutes of networking and socializing, enabling participants to seek tips and recommendations from members on topics related to native plants. Next, we’ll share AZNPS announcements.
Then, we’ll discuss the book. If you would like to participate, please read it prior to our meeting date. It is available at several library districts (though you may need to request a hold). It is also available through online retailers and possibly at local bookstores.
To attend the meeting, register via Zoom.

Sabino Canyon Herp and Plant Trip
2023-08-20 18:00 - 20:00 | AZ
Sunday, August 20th
6pm-8pm
Meet at the Sabino Canyon Visitors Center
RSVP to nativeplantstucson@gmail.com

Join Tucson Herpetological Society President Robert Villa and AZNPS Tucson Chapter President Jack Dash on a natural history walk in Sabino Canyon. We will be looking out for reptiles, amphibians, plants, and whatever else we happen across. This trip is open to members of THS and AZNPS and is free (however Sabino Canyon does charge an $8 parking fee).

Despite our lack of reliable rainfall this summer Sabino Canyon should hold some interesting species for us to discuss. We will be hiking in the evening so flashlights/blacklights are encouraged for the walk back to the parking lot. Remember to bring plenty of water.

Grass Identification Class (Day 2)
2023-08-25 09:00 - 15:00 | University of Arizona Herbarium, Herring Hall

Prescott Wildflower Celebration
2023-08-26 08:00 - 12:00 | AZ
City of Prescott Community Nature Center and Highlands Center for Natural History hosts a Prescott Chapter of Arizona Native Plant Society community and family-friendly Wildflower Celebration event.
Participants can expect to go on short guided walks and engage with hands-on learning activities. Bring snacks, water and be prepared to walk up to one mile.
PrescottNativePlantSociety@gmail.com

Lower Carrie Nation Trail Plant & Nature Walk Madera Canyon
2023-08-26 08:00 - 13:00 | AZ
Saturday, August 26, 8:00 am- 1:00 pm
Leader: Doug Moore. Friends of Madera Canyon Naturalist
Limit: 10 participants; AZNPS members only
on the Wrightson loop drive)RSVP to tucsonaznpstrips@gmail.com Meet at Mt. Wrightson Picnic Area: 3rd upper right-side parking lot (with 1st restroom on the Wrightson loop drive)
Morning plant/nature walk on the beautiful lower Carrie Nation Trail, hiking up to & just above the “big rock” at the 2nd stream crossing seeking wildflowers, plants, birds, butterflies, & more We will watch for Elegant Trogon, Chiricahua Mountain Larkspur, Charles Mason’s Ragwort, Huachuca Mountain Addersmouth, Orchids, & other monsoon specialties along the trail.
Description: Approx. 1.75 miles roundtrip; moderate to difficult hiking on uneven, rocky ground w/ steady elevation gain & a stream crossing. The trail is mostly shaded, but the weather may be warm. Must be able to hike/stand for several hours & negotiate long downhill returning to parking area. Participants need to be in good physical shape & health for this activity!
Bring: water, good hiking shoes or boots, walking stick/poles, binoculars, sunscreen, sun hat & trail snacks for stop at the top. Optional: hand-held camera. Note: May need to return to parking lot immediately in the event of thunderstorm & lightening.

A Morning Stroll in a Happily Recovering Desert at the Waterman Restoration Site
2023-09-02 08:00 - 10:00, 2023-09-03 08:00 - 10:00 | AZ
Saturday-Sunday September 2 and 3,
8:00 – 10:00 AM
Bring water, camelback recommended
Wear sturdy boots and long pants
Open to the Public
Please rsvp to tucsonaznpstrips@gmail.com
Directions : Turn west at I-10 Avra Valley Road exit 242
Drive west exactly 19.5 miles
Turn left immediately after the HOLCIM sign
Drive straight ahead 1 mile, bearing left all the way
Meet at the first turn-out

The Waterman Restoration site on Ironwood Forest National monument is now in full desert recovery with over 110 native plant species and a gradually increasing number of insects, birds, small mammals, reptiles and even visits of desert sheep. In the mid-2000s this same site was known as the “Mother of all Buffelgrass Patches.” After generous recent rains, the desert is now coming alive. Perennial plants are leafing out and new plants are emerging underfoot. We will stroll through a desert in various stages of restoration, walking among mid-size and newly emerging desert trees, ocotillos, and bushes; learning how to identify them in different phases. We will learn about many overlooked plants that are powerful restoration agents and soil builders. We will see plant succession in action among trees and shrubs. We will also see how simple water harvesting techniques have brought life-giving moisture to the landscape and healed areas that had been bare and apparently “sterile.” Best of all, we will discover new things from participants who happen to see something unexpected or who have knowledge or observations to share with the group. This will be an opportunity to enjoy the desert together and learn from one another!

Bisbee Bloomers Garden Tour
2023-09-02 08:00 - 16:00 | AZ

September Plant Walk at Catalina State Park near Tucson, 6:30am
2023-09-09 06:30 - 10:00 | Catalina State Park
It’s been a tough monsoon season, but there are still some things out there flowering. Lyn Loveless will lead a leisurely plant walk around the Canyon Loop trail (about 2.5 miles) to see what we can find. We’ll meet at the trailhead mosaic at 6:30 am. The hike is mostly level, with one descent of stairs halfway through. Bring water, wear sunscreen and a hat, and dress for conditions. We should be done by 10 am.
The trip is open to anyone who is interested, but please register at nativeplantstucson@gmail.com so we know how many to expect.

Free Native Plant Gardening Workshop (Phoenix)
2023-09-14 18:00 - 19:30 | AZ
Free in-person workshop “Native plant gardening: Bringing the Sonoran desert to your outdoor spaces” at the South Mountain Community Library.
See the event flyer for more information. Registration is not required.

Tucson September Chapter Meeting - Arizona Fireflies, presented by Dr Joseph Cicero
2023-09-14 19:00 - 20:30 | ENR Building, Room 215, University of Arizona, & on zoom
Arizona FIREFLIES: Summertime in the South or on the East Coast is synonymous with fireflies. As darkness falls children have collected them in jars and turned them into summertime lanterns. But fireflies in Arizona? Believe it or not – yes! Dr. Joe Cicero will present the three kinds of fireflies that occur in our state, the life cycles of these insects, how they communicate by way of luminescence, how their habitat is in jeopardy, where in Arizona you can see them, and what other kinds of luminescing insects occur here.
Fireflies in the Arizona Evening
Dr. Joe Cicero has a PhD in Entomology from Gainesville, Florida and a MS from the University of Arizona. He professes expertise in insect faunistics, the evolution of insect ontogeny, and external and internal insect anatomy, with secondary studies in botany and electron microscopy. Additionally he has specializations in several insect groups including bioluminescent, flightless and wood boring species. Dr. Cicero has hiked the mountains and valleys of southern Arizona and California for many years identifying and characterizing the region’s fireflies and glowworms.
