Apply here by January 24th!

When/What/Where: Saturday, January 31st, 2026 from 8am-4:00pm–

Bridging Schools and Parks is a collaborative project between Saguaro National Park & Ironwood Tree Experience (ITE), which encourages access to Saguaro National Park for the educational benefit of public high school teachers and their students.  This is a one-day program being offered on two separate days.

This 1-day professional development workshop will be led by Saguaro National Park and Ironwood Tree Experience staff at the Saguaro NP West (Tucson Mountain District). The workshop introduces high school teachers to guided community science activities, for use with classes that can be applied inside the Park, public lands, schoolyards, and community spaces. Additionally, participating teachers will receive a free class field trip, transportation funds, access to curriculum, and NPS staff support during field trips.

Who: Limited Space! This workshop is open to high school teachers. This may include administrators, though preference will be given to high school teachers who work with teenagers

Transportation: The program will begin and conclude at Ironwood Tree Experience (Historic Y, 738 N. 5th Ave, 85705 ). You are encouraged to carpool to ITE, from there we will provide a shuttle van from ITE to and from the program sites.

Compensation: All participating public school teachers will receive a $200 stipend for this workshop.

Questions? Email miranda@ironwoodtreeexperience.org

Additional Benefits: Become an Ironwood Tree Experience Keystone Educator through Professional Development workshops that provide advanced training in Sonoran Desert ecology and science, culture and history! ITE Keystone Educators are able to preregister for Field Studies for Schools classroom field trips, as well as receive advance information about future programs and internships, like Youth for Blue Skies, for your students!