Events

Every Saturday at 9:30 a.m.

Join us for a tour around the Deer Valley Petroglyph Preserve to learn all about the plants and animals of the Sonoran Desert and how indigenous people have historically lived off the land for generations!

February 21 | March 21 | April 18

9 a.m. - 11 a.m.

Help care for the Preserve and protect our local ecosystem by volunteering to remove invasive plants along the trail. This hands-on event focuses on Globe Chamomile, also known as Stinknet, a highly invasive species that threatens native plants, wildlife habitat, and increases wildfire risk.

Originally from South Africa, Stinknet spread to Arizona in the 1990s and expanded rapidly after several wet monsoon seasons. Although it may appear harmless, it outcompetes native vegetation, can trigger allergic reactions, and is difficult to remove without proper techniques.

The Deer Valley team will provide on-site training on safe and effective removal methods. No prior experience is necessary—just a willingness to learn and contribute. Join us for a meaningful day outdoors and play a direct role in preserving the health of the Preserve. We are offering four days to help with this project! Visit the link below to sign-up!

March 21st | 10 a.m. - 1 p.m.

Randy Kemp (Euchee Tribe of Oklahoma/Mvskoke Nation of Oklahoma/Choctaw Nation of Oklahoma) retired from Arizona State University as an Environmental Graphic Designer, Sr. with 30 years of experience. He is an Alumnus of the Katherine K. Herberger College of Arts at Arizona State University in Tempe, a recipient of a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree specializing in Painting and Printmaking.

Randy also earned an Associate of Arts degree from the reputed Bacone Junior College in Muskogee, Oklahoma. There he studied under the artistic leadership of prominent Artist and instructors; W. Richard West, Sr., and Ruthe Blalock Jones.

Randy is a multidisciplinary artist whose work includes painting, printmaking, mixed media, performance art, Storyteller, recording and an awarded flute player. His artwork has been exhibited in prestigious museums, galleries and private collections throughout the world.

March 21st | 10 a.m. - 1 p.m.

Salt River Pima-Maricopa Indian Community member August Wood is a local traditional artist who creates baskets and clay pots. He is returning to the Deer Valley Petroglyph Preserve to teach about clay pottery making. Learn from August the traditional techniques used in making clay pottery by utilizing natural materials commonly used by the Akimel O'odham.

March 21st | 10 a.m. - 1 p.m.

Step into the deep history of the Sonoran Desert during a special Timequake event. This engaging, hands-on activity invites visitors to connect ancient ingenuity with modern sustainability. Together, we’ll explore how generations of valley residents have drawn on the land’s resources to cultivate food, manage water, and generate energy in ways that sustain desert life. Explore Deer Valley not only as a record of history, but as a living source of inspiration for imagining resilient futures in the desert.

March 21st | 10 a.m. - 1 p.m.

Mother-daughter-duo Lucy and Antoinette Pinon are returning to the Preserve to demonstrate how they make their traditional PeePosh pottery!

March 28th | 10 a.m. - 1 p.m.

Join us for an engaging visit from Liberty Wildlife! Liberty Wildlife is a non-profit organization that works to rehabilitate injured birds in Arizona. They work with anything from pigeons and quails to hawks and owls. Come visit to learn more about and meet native birds here in Arizona!