Tucson Weekly: Listings: Outdoors (October 16

OUTDOORS
BIODIVERSITY HIKE. Explore Cienega Creek, one of Arizona's treasured riparian areas, from 9 a.m. to noon Sunday, October 19, with the Southwest Center for Biological Diversity's rivers coordinator, Dave Hogan. Call 623-5252 for directions and information.
Listings DESERT ARCHAEOLOGY TOURS. The Center for Desert Archaeology offers whole- and half-day tours of local archaeological treasures, including: the Romero Ruin Tour, a look at the remnants of the four great cultures that once inhabited the Catalina State Park area; the Rock Art Tour, an in-depth look offering hikers a chance to visit petroglyph sites near Tucson; and the Downtown Tucson Tour, featuring more than 30 centuries of history. Half- and full-day tours available for individuals and groups. Wear long-sleeved clothing and a hat, and make sure you've got sturdy shoes with ankle support and good traction. Water is provided. Call 885-6283 for information.
DIG IT. Old Pueblo Archaeology Center, a nonprofit corporation, offers opportunities for you to dig with archaeologists at the Sabino Canyon Ruin, where Hohokam Indians lived 650 to 1000 years ago. Experience the thrill of discovering buried pottery and other items left behind by prehistoric Arizonans, as the professionals show you how archaeologists excavate, interpret, and care for ancient finds. Reservations are required, fee includes tax-deductible donation to help fund the research. Archaeologist-guided tours of the ruin are also available. Call 798-1201 for information.
FALL HIKE SERIES. The Friends of the San Pedro River, the Bureau of Land Management, and the San Pedro Riparian national Conservation Area present their Fall Hike Series. All hikes will be led by a trained guide, and are a great opportunity to learn about local history, animals, plants, and birds along the San Pedro River. On October 18, hike to the Presidio Santa Cruz de Terrenate. This strenuous five-mile hike takes you to this unfinished Spanish presidio beginning at 8 a.m. Hikers are asked to bring a minimum of one-quart of water, food, hat, sunglasses, binoculars and a camera, if desired. Hikes are not appropriate for pets or young children. Cost is $5, and pre-registration is required. Call 1-520-459-2555 for registration and information.
OUTDOORS CONFIDENCE. Enjoy a weekend camping and fishing trip to Parker Canyon Lake on Saturday, October 18. Outdoor Confidence provides all food, fishing and camping equipment. Call 884-9394 for reservations and information.
SCENIC SANTA RITAS. Join Save the Scenic Santa Ritas group for a hike in the Coronado National Forest, along a portion of the Arizona Trail, on Sunday, October 19. This trail winds through the grasslands and juniper forests in the southern end of the proposed Rosemont Ranch Land Exchange area. SSSR will give informal presentations on the land exchange, the NEPA process, the Arizona Trail, and how you can participate in this public process. Call 623-2872 or 624-2107 for meeting time and place.
TOHONO CHUL PARK. 7366 N. Paseo del Norte. 742-6455. Look for the Birds of Tohono Chul, with this docent-led birdwatching tour at 8 a.m. Monday, Wednesday, Friday and Saturday. Walk in the Park tours, an overview of the Park's 48 acres and its flora and fauna, are offered at 9 a.m. Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday, and at 1 p.m. Sunday. Art in the Park tours, docent-guided looks at gallery exhibits, are at 11 a.m. Thursday and Thursday, and at 2 p.m. Sunday. The park offers additional guided tours for your enjoyment. Grounds are open from 7 a.m. to sunset daily. Exhibit hours are 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Saturday, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday. Admission is $2. Call 742-6455 for park information and daily events schedule.