Oro Valley is celebrating National Trails Day with a moonlight hike in Honeybee Canyon on Saturday, June 6.
Participants meet at Oro Valley Town Hall, 11000 N. La Canada Drive, at 7 p.m. Saturday, and carpool to the site before starting the three-mile round-trip trek.
Hikers can expect to see a variety of wildlife, according to Oro Valley Parks and Recreation spokeswoman Lynanne Dellerman.
"We'll see lots of birds – if we're quiet enough, there is an owl that's very loud, and we can hear him," said Dellerman.
The time of day and the setting may also draw terrestrial animals, said Dellerman.
"Because of the full moon, we may be exposed to javelina, lizards, other night critters," she said.
While taking in flora – creosote, mesquite and palo verde trees are plentiful – and fauna is one important part of the experience, education is also part of the evening, said Dellerman. Native American historian Jessica Campos is accompanying the group.
"She has studied and has great interest in native culture, and there are petroglyphs in the canyon," Dellerman said. "She's going to study the symbols and tell us what they mean. She will also tell us what Native Americans thought of the area, and sort of get us prepared for entering their territory."
The hike ends with snacks and water.
Pre-registration is required for participation and is available online at www.orovalleyaz.gov, then clicking the Parks and Recreation tab, or by telephone at 229-5050. The cost is $5.
The first 100 hikers to pre-register will receive a National Trails Day t-shirt.
"It's going to be a fun, moonlit hike," said Dellerman. "It's a great deal."
National Trails Day is sponsored by the American Hiking Society. It is intended to acknowledge trail work, and to educate people about hiking.
Moonlight hike in Honeybee Canyon
Saturday, June 6, 7 p.m.
Meet at Oro Valley Town Hall.
$5, to include a shirt, snacks, water.
