Times Spent Outdoors: Priceless!
Times Spent Outdoors: Priceless!
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Recently, small brush fires have started popping up around the valley. In late June, a five-acre brush fire exploded into a 2,500-acre wildfire in a matter of hours. This wildfire, now known as the Diamond Fire, borders McDowell Mountain Regional Park, which is managed by Maricopa County. " ... working closely with Scottsdale Fire Department, we evacuated and closed McDowell Mountain Regional Park to protect visitors and staff," said Maricopa County Supervisor Thomas Galvin, who represents... Full story
Who's ready to enjoy a free night's stay in one of Maricopa County's regional parks? Starting October 1, the Maricopa County Parks and Recreation Department is bringing back its popular Buy One, Get One camping promotion! The promotion allows park visitors who pay the camping fee for one night, or more, at a participating desert mountain county park to receive one night of equal or lesser value for free during that same stay. "This Buy One, Get One camping promotion allows our residents to... Full story
The Maricopa County Parks and Recreation Department initiated its annual fire ban at the first of May. “Given the abundance of rain we’ve received this year, we’ve had an outstanding wildflower season. Unfortunately, as the blooms and brush die off and dry out, the parks are left with dangerous levels of fuel loads on the ground that can ignite a wildfire with just a small spark. As a land manager, we believe the decision to implement sooner rather than later is the responsible thing to do to... Full story
Beginning October 1, Maricopa County's Parks and Recreation Department will bring back the popular Buy One, Get One camping promotion! The promotion allows park visitors who pay the camping fee for one night, or more, at a desert mountain county park to receive one night of equal or lesser value for free during that same stay. "The Board takes a lot of pride in our parks system because it showcases so beautifully what is unique about living in the Sonoran desert," said Chairman Steve Chucri,... Full story
The Maricopa County Parks and Recreation Department initiated its annual fire ban on May 1. Now, the department is taking additional steps to protect the parks due to the extremely dry conditions. The first week in June, Parks and Rec also added this: Smoking in Maricopa County parks will be prohibited, except within an enclosed vehicle or at developed recreation sites such as parking lots, picnic ramadas or campsites. "We've added the smoking restriction to our fire ban in hopes of lessening... Full story
Fee machines have been installed and are available to pay fees for overnight camping on the Mesa, Cave Creek, Globe and Tonto Basin ranger districts. Timber Camp Campground, on the Globe Ranger District, and Burnt Corral, Cholla, Frazier Horse, Schoolhouse and Windy Hill campgrounds are currently open on the Tonto Basin Ranger District. The Tortilla Campground on the Mesa Ranger District opened for the winter on Oct.1. Fee machines are available at the Tortilla, Burnt Corral, Cholla,... Full story
Beginning October 1, Maricopa County's Parks and Recreation Department will bring back the Buy One, Get One campaign! The campaign allows park visitors who pay the camping fee for one night, or more, at a desert mountain county park to receive one night of equal or lesser value for free at any of the county's desert parks during that same stay. "We take a lot of pride in our park system because it showcases so beautifully what's unique about living in the desert southwest," said Chairman Denny... Full story
What goes on at the watering hole at Cave Creek Regional Park doesn't necessarily always stay in the park. That's right, it could end up on Facebook! So, the parks critters should always make sure they're minding their Ps & Qs, and smile big for the camera as they take their wildlife selfies. It All Started With A Habitat Several years ago, the park constructed a habitat for their resident desert tortoise, Piccolo. Along with a variety of vegetation, and a den for hibernation, the habitat... Full story
Popular recreation sites on the Tonto National Forest near Phoenix are either opening for the season, or closing for the season, depending on the location. The Mesquite and Horseshoe campgrounds and Fisherman's Point (also known as Catfish Point) re-opened for the winter on Oct.1. These three areas are on the Cave Creek Ranger District near Horseshoe Lake. They are popular camping spots for fisherman. On the Mesa Ranger District, seasonal reductions in services at some developed recreation sites... Full story
(Phoenix, AZ - February 18, 2016) - For the entire month of March 2016, the State Historic Preservation Office (SHPO)/Arizona State Parks (ASP) is coordinating activities throughout the state for the 34th annual celebration of Arizona Archaeology and Heritage Awareness Month (AAHAM). These events will focus on efforts to preserve our past by protecting our cultural resources. AAHAM combines education with entertainment to reach both adults and children in an effort to teach responsible... Full story
Beginning October 1, Maricopa County's Parks and Recreation Department will bring back the Buy One, Get One campaign! The campaign allows park visitors who pay the camping fee for one night, or more, at a desert mountain county park to receive one night of equal or lesser value for free at any of the County's desert parks during that same stay. "This is the seventh year the department has offered the Buy One, Get One promotion," said Chairman Steve Chucri, Maricopa County Board of Supervisors, D... Full story
Beginning Oct. 1, Maricopa County's Parks and Recreation Department will bring back the Buy One, Get One campaign. The campaign allows park visitors who pay the camping fee for one night, or more, at a desert mountain county park to receive one night of equal or lesser value for free at any of the county's desert parks during that same stay. "This is the sixth year the department has offered the Buy One, Get One promotion, and it is by far, one of the Parks Department's most popular campaigns.... Full story
Are catfish limits too liberal at Arizona Lakes? Would you like to see more opportunity to catch Arizona’s native trout species? In order to best manage fish populations, simplify and streamline regulations, and incorporate public request, the Arizona Game and Fish Department is evaluating these fishing regulation changes. The department is conducting a series of public meetings during July to provide information on the proposed fishing regulation changes and solicit comment. The meeting s... Full story
When conditions are right, you don't have to go far from Phoenix to see spectacular wildflower displays. We've had some decent rains this winter, so this might be one of those years. One place you should definitely try is Cave Creek Regional Park. The park has over 11 miles of trails, and the hikes range from less than a quarter mile in length to almost six miles. We hiked the Overton Trail and part of the Go John in early April one year and the flowers were incredible - in places, the blossoms... Full story
While the National Park Service is being forced to turn visitors away due to a government shutdown, Maricopa County’s regional park system is welcoming individuals seeking recreational experiences in the Sonoran Desert. “While the folks in Washington remain at odds, we’re doing our jobs and will continue to remain open to the public. Not only are we here to provide services to our regular visitors, we’re also here to serve visitors who have been displaced by the shutdown of the National Park Se... Full story
Beginning Oct. 1, Maricopa County’s Parks and Recreation Department will bring back the Buy One, Get One campaign! The campaign allows park visitors who pay the camping fee for one night, or more, at a desert mountain county park to receive one night of equal or lesser value for free at any of the county’s desert parks during that same stay. “This is the fifth year the department has offered the Buy One, Get One promotion and it is by far, one of the Parks Department’s most popular campaig... Full story
Join Maricopa County’s Parks and Recreation Department on Thursday, Sept. 12 at 6 p.m. for an open house at Lake Pleasant Regional Park’s Operations Building as staff share the final draft of the parks Trails Master Plan. “As a fourth-generation Arizonan who has lived in the West Valley for many years, I’m really excited about this project! Currently, the park has two trails, Pipeline Canyon and Roadrunner. Combined, these trails are 2.8-miles in length. However, the department is proposi... Full story
This is a series of programs that will feature plants and animals that call the Sonoran Desert, “home”. We will learn how these plants and animals have adapted to such a harsh environment and “their place in the sun”. We may venture outside, so be prepared for an adventure! Meet in the Nature Center. Watch the park’s website for more information, updates or changes, prior to the event. Date: 9/7/2013 Time: 4:00 PM - 5:00 PM Duration: 1 hour Speaker: Ranger Mark & Special Guests! Registrat... Full story
(Maricopa County) Join Maricopa County’s Parks and Recreation Department on Thursday, September 12 at 6 p.m. for an open house at Lake Pleasant Regional Park’s Operations Building as staff share the final draft of the parks Trails Master Plan. “As a fourth-generation Arizonan who has lived in the West Valley for many years, I’m really excited about this project! Currently, the park has two trails, Pipeline Canyon and Roadrunner. Combined, these trails are 2.8-miles in length. However, the dep... Full story
(Phoenix) – Beginning October 1, Maricopa County’s Parks and Recreation Department will bring back the Buy One, Get One campaign! The campaign allows park visitors who pay the camping fee for one night, or more, at a desert mountain county park to receive one night of equal or lesser value for free at any of the county’s desert parks during that same stay. “This is the fifth year the department has offered the Buy One, Get One promotion and it is by far, one of the Parks Department’s most popu... Full story
Phoenix) – The Maricopa County Parks and Recreation Department will initiate its annual fire ban on Tuesday, May 28. “This winter, portions of the Valley received a significant amount of rain. While the showers produced a beautiful wildflower season, they also increased fuel loads of ground coverage and brush in the parks which intensifies the possibility of wildfires. As a precaution, the department will initiate its annual fire after Memorial Day weekend,” said Maricopa County Parks and Recre... Full story
This summer there’s a “cool” chance to experience the wonders of the Sonoran desert while escaping the heat. Cave Creek Regional Park will be offering a variety of programs early in the morning, late in the evening or in the luxury of our air-conditioned Nature Center. Hikes/programs are canceled if heavy inclement weather is imminent. If possible, canceled hikes will be posted on the Web site. www.maricop.gov/parks/cave_creek Please join in for exciting ranger-guided hikes and famil... Full story
