PHOENIX – This April, Arizona State Parks and Trails has tips for how to be a better steward of the land and recreate responsibly. Parks across the state are hosting spring activities and Earth Day events that showcase the beauty of the outdoors and ways we can help preserve and protect it.

This is a great time of year to join Outdoors250 birding and trail events to learn more about the birds, geology, and ecosystems that make Arizona so special.

Head over to Dead Horse Ranch State Park in Cottonwood for the annual Verde Valley Nature and Birding Festival April 23-26. Catalina State Park in Tucson has announced new Owl Walks this month, starting on April 16. Red Rock State Park in Sedona offers Wednesday and Saturday bird walks all year long. Jerome State Historic Park is also offering geology presentations every Sunday throughout April.

Sonoran Desert Botany Hikes at Lost Dutchman State Park will be offered on April 3 and 17, and Tonto Natural Bridge State Park in Payson has new nature walks every Thursday morning.

On Saturday, April 18, Red Rock State Park is celebrating Earth Day with free admission and activities.

Catalina, Oracle, and Kartchner Caverns state parks will also be showcasing the night sky with star parties during the month. Kartchner Caverns and Oracle are both International Dark Sky Parks, and the night sky will be aglow with stars, planets and nebulas for you to explore through provided telescopes.

If you want to explore and discover natural beauty this month, hit the trails on your own at any of the more than 30 state parks! There are plenty of outdoor opportunities for campers, hikers, fishers, and more to enjoy nature throughout the state! Check out the events page to see more ways to learn and start your next adventure.

For information about the more than 30 Arizona state parks and natural areas, trails, the Off-Highway Vehicle Program, and State Historic Preservation Office, call 1-877-MY-PARKS or visit azstateparks.com.

PRESS CONTACT: Michelle Thompson at (480) 589-8877 - Email: pio@azstateparks.gov