OUTDOORS NATURE CONSERVANCY. Get back to nature and enjoy bird watching, guided tours and hikes at the Nature Conservancy's Patagonia-Sonoita Creek Visitor Center. Regular preserve hours are 7:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. Wednesday through Sunday. Take Highway 82 to Patagonia, head west on Fourth Avenue, and south on Pennsylvania. Call (520) 394-2400 for information. RIVER CHALLENGE. Learn about local history as well as the animals and plant life around the San Pedro River on one of the Friends of the San Pedro River's guided, interpretative hikes. Dress in sturdy, comfortable clothes and shoes and bring at least one quart of drinking water and some food. Don't forget your sunglasses, binoculars, camera, etc. Hikes will not be canceled because of the weather. On Saturday, October 12, go for a moderately difficult hike to the Lewis Springs area, which has running water. Meet at 8:15 a.m. at the San Pedro House, 9800 Highway 90, east of Sierra Vista. Pre-registration and prepayment is required. For information and registration, call (520) 459-2555. Ask about slower-paced, interpretive weekend walks for the whole family. TOHONO CHUL PARK. 7366 N. Paseo del Norte. 742-6455. Tohono Chul Park grounds are open from 7 a.m. to sunset daily. Exhibit hours are 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Saturday, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday. Admission is $2. Walk in the Park tours meet at 8 a.m. Tuesday and Saturday; and Art in the Park tours, docent-guided looks at gallery exhibits, are at 11 a.m. Thursday and Sunday. The park offers additional guided tours for your enjoyment. Call and ask for a complete schedule of daily events. Learn about what type of wildflower display will thrive in your backyard at 2 p.m. Tuesday, October 15, at Walk on the Wild Side: Wildflower Gardens at Home. There will be tips on planting and designing your display and seeds for sale. Then at 8 a.m. Thursday, October 17, put your new knowledge to the test at the Spanish Colonial Patio for seed planting. Bring work gloves and a stiff rake; breakfast will be provided by the Park. Cost is $2, free for members. Reservations are required. Call 742-6455 for Park information.

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