OUTDOORS

Garden tours return to Tovrea The Phoenix Parks and Recreation Department offers visitors this fall and winter a chance to explore the renovated Carraro Cactus Garden surrounding the landmark Tovrea Castle. Visitors can register online by going to castle’s webpage at www.phoenix.gov/parks/tovrea.html. Participants can join 90-minute guided tours on selected Saturdays starting Sept. 27 through late December. There will be two 1-hour guided tours on selected Saturdays with a maximum of 20 people per tour. The tours cost $15 per person; proceeds will help to fund future castle and garden rehabilitation and improvements. The tours will only cover the grounds and do not include access to Tovrea Castle, which is closed as part of ongoing rehabilitation and renovation. Walking tours are appropriate for youth ages 8 and above with mild grade variations on garden trails. On tours, visitors will see the Carraro and Tovrea Cactus Gardens, outbuildings, machine shop, cactus propagation beds and exterior castle views. For online registration, go to www.phoenix.gov/parks/tovrea.html, or call 602-256-3222 for further information. Evening hikes to enjoy a little cool While night temperatures are still well above comfortable, they are still better than the daytime! So why not get your exercise while enjoying the beautiful nighttime desert landscape.     The Phoenix Parks and Recreation Department hosts a “Loopy Friday Night Happy Hour Hike” for experienced hikers 6:30-8:30 p.m. Sept. 12 (Program #50956). You’ll hike two different loops (both include a view), for a total of 4-plus miles on rolling, rocky and steep terrain. Meet by the front doors of the North Mountain Visitors Center, 12950 N. 7th St. Call 602-495-5540 for information. A Sunset Moonrise Hike will take place 5:30-8 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 11, in the Dreamy Draw Recreation Area (Program #50957). The moon rises before the trek begins and the sun will set just after you get on the trail. This loop hike will cover approximately 5 miles of moderate to difficult level. Meet in the upper ramada at the Dreamy Draw Recreation Area, 2421 E. Northern Ave. Call 602-262-7901 for information. Cost for any hike is $5 adults and $1 for seniors and youth. All participants must register online using class number at www.phoenix.gov/PARKS under “Classes and Programs.” Annual Public Lands Day on Sept. 27 The Phoenix Parks and Recreation Department and the U.S. Bureau of Land Management are teaming up to host the 11th annual local celebration of National Public Lands Day, Sept. 27 from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. at South Mountain Park/Preserve, 10919 S. Central Ave. Participants in the free event will have a chance to enjoy live animals up close; take a hike; attend special demonstrations; learn about proper nutrition and healthy activities and much more. Dozens of outdoor recreation and public land agencies will be on hand. Visitors also can purchase food and beverages. General information is available online at http://phoenix.gov/PARKS/npld2008.html.

 

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