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Explore the outdoors with ASU scientists


guests will have an up-close experience with wildlife
April 06, 2015

Springtime in Arizona is a great time to be outdoors – while the weather is still mild, the desert flowers in bloom and the wildlife out in full.

It's also a great time to join Arizona State University’s School of Life Sciences on Saturday, April 18 for its 10th annual ASU Explores Outdoors (formerly called SOLS Takes a Hike). Enjoy beautiful morning nature walks and get an up-close experience with Arizona’s diverse flora and fauna from our wildlife and life sciences experts.

Learn about birds, insects, reptiles, mammals, plants and more, from ASU scientists who study them. Life sciences professors and graduate students will also highlight the unique geography and plant life during several interactive tours. Microscopes will be set up to view microbes that live in the water, and live desert animals will be on display. Guests are sure see many animals and learn something new.

“We’re happy to share our knowledge with the public through exciting events such as ASU Explores Outdoors,” said Bert Jacobs, interim director of the School of Life Sciences. “Through it, folks can learn much about the animal and plant life that is native to Arizona by talking with many talented scientists from our school. We encourage families, students and especially visitors from out of town to join us for this wonderful event.”

Wear comfortable walking shoes and a hat, and bring water, sunscreen, a snack and binoculars for animal spotting. Several short walking tours will be offered, allowing guests to learn about different life science topics.

What: ASU Explores Outdoors
Where: Gilbert Riparian Preserve at Water Ranch, 2757 E. Guadalupe Rd., Gilbert
When: 9 a.m.-noon, April 18
Cost: Free, family-friendly event