Maricopa County Parks and Recreation keeps the regional parks busy with a schedule of events and activities for residents to enjoy.

From 7 to 9 p.m. on Sunday, Sept. 22, McDowell Mountain Regional Park will host a stargazing event for a limit of 20 people.

Join Ranger Kevin for an evening of summer stargazing. Clear skies permitting, there will be viewing of a selection of objects through a portable telescope. Possibilities include planets, galaxies, nebulae and star clusters.

Some major constellations will be identified using a laser pointer, and there will be stories connected to them.

This is a family friendly program. Restrooms are available nearby, but bring plenty of water but no pets for this activity.

The location for the event is the North Trailhead (about a 10-minute drive past the park entrance). Registration is required. To register, call the Nature Center at (602) 506-2930 ext. 3 with name, phone number and number of people attending. If after registering it becomes necessary to cancel, call the Nature Center ASAP so someone on the waiting list can be contacted. Registration for this program closes on Friday, Sept. 20.

McDowell Park will host a “ask a ranger discovery station” from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. on Friday, Sept. 20.

Got a burning question about the Sonoran Desert? Looking for a new trail recommendation? Want to know more about the Maricopa County Regional Park system? Ask Ranger Kevin.

Come meet Ranger Kevin and bring those burning desert questions. Try to stump the ranger. Impress friends and enemies alike with new-found knowledge.

There will also be a table full of interesting objects like bones, feathers, snake sheds, cactus boots and much more for visitors to touch and inspect. No registration required, just drop in at the Nature Center, main lobby.

Join Ranger Kevin for a “creatures of the morning walk” from 7 to 9 a.m. on Friday, Sept. 20. Go along with the ranger for an early morning walk in search of wildlife.

Enjoy a roughly three-mile hike on the scenic North Trail. Be on the lookout for all kinds of wildlife along the way. Some animals that may be out and about include mule deer, javelina, squirrels, rabbits, various species of birds and perhaps a reptile or two.

The trail is rated easy, with very little loose rock, uneven terrain and elevation change. Wear sturdy closed-toe shoes and bring plenty of water. Hats and sunscreen are also recommended. Restrooms are available near the trailhead. No pets for this activity. The North trailhead is about a 10-minute drive past the park entrance.

There is a limit of 20 participants for this activity. To register call the Nature Center at (602) 506-2930 ext. 3 with a name, phone number and number of people attending. Call the Nature Center ASAP if canceling so those on the waiting list may be contacted. Registration for this program closes Wednesday, Sept. 18.