Sonoran Conservancy of Fountain Hills (SCFH) has many popular hikes and programs planned for the new season.

Those feeling a bit sluggish following the hot summer and want to be more active and learn more about the desert and mountain surroundings, there are some good opportunities on this schedule.

There are hikes and educational opportunities allowing people to get out and explore new places and meet new people who have the same interests. Some of the perennial favorites like the Easy Pace hikes and the night Stargazing hikes are back, and in December there is a new hike at the Hawksnest Loop and exploration of the Needle Rock area. 

The complete schedule and details of events through the end of the year can be found at scfh.org/events. Here is a partial list of activities through November.

Wednesday, Oct. 23, What’s in My Pack and Intro to Desert Safety.

Wednesday, Oct. 23, Moonless Stargazing Hike.

Friday, Nov. 1, Fountain Hills Hiking Challenge Kick-off and Lake Overlook Trail Hike.

Saturday, Nov. 2, The 7 Principles of Leave No Trace.

Wednesday, Nov. 6, North Leg and Western Trail Hike*.

Thursday, Nov. 7, First Quarter Moon Stargazing Hike.

Friday, Nov. 8, Partners and Parasites - Plant and Animal Interactions.

Monday, Nov. 11, Bring Your Kids to Hike Day.

Tuesday, Nov. 12, Ridgeline Loop Hike*.

Thursday, Nov. 14, Birds - Sighting and Identification.

Monday, Nov. 18, Sonoran Trail Hike - Cut-off and Full Loop*.

Wednesday, Nov. 20, Easy Pace Hike at Sunrise - North Leg Trail*.

Monday, Nov. 25, Andrews-Kinsey to the Hitching Post Hike*.

Friday, Nov. 29, Walk Off the Turkey - Golden Eagle to Adero Canyon Trailhead, loop or one-way Hike*.

(*) hikes are part of the FH Hiking Challenge.

Additional details for these events as well as registration information can be found at scfh.org.

The Times Independent invites readers to submit their civil comments on this issue. Email AZOpinions@iniusa.org. Bob Burns can be reached at bburns@iniusa.org.