Your objective is to observe the plant life on this trail and take note of all "out of the ordinary" structures, plants, animals, or items. Be sure to read every sign as your follow along the trail. These signs are educational and answers to the questions may be found with-in the informational signage posted along the trail.

Before starting the trail, read the posted signage at the beginning. Read the "Know before You Go" information that is posted. This sheds light on what actions we can take in order to help protect the plant life here in Arizona when hiking any nature trail.

Begin hiking the trail. Your first stop is the Ocotillo plant which is labeled with signage. Observe the plant closely noting its color, posture, height, and it structure before answering question number one on the next page. On the back of the pamphlet you will find a picture of a healthy Ocotillo plant to compare this one to. After answering question number one, continue along the trail. Do not forget to read all of the signage.

When you reach sign number 12, labeled Foothills Palo Verde, you should reflect or discuss (with any members of your group) everything you have observed thus far. Compare the plant you see labeled with the plant on the back of this pamphlet. Keep in mind that factors which affect the plant life may include sunlight, air pollution (aircrafts/cars/smoking), water, and soil. Questions two and three pertain to signs you have passed earlier in the trail. After answering these questions, continue along the trail.

When you reach sign number 15, Velvet Mesquite, use the back of the pamphlet to decide how this plant particular restricts or limits the amount of sunlight of smaller plants, determine whether the plant is healthy or not, and answer questions four and five. When you and your group are finished, continue along the trail.

The Prickly Pear Cactus is your next stopping point. Here you and your group should carefully observe the plant, and its surroundings. Note any foot prints, litter, animals, etc. Answer question six and seven and continue along the trail.

Another great stop for reflection is the row of tree stumps. Keeping in mind that each plant competes with other plants for sun and water, answer questions eight and nine, then continue along the trail.

Observe briefly the playground. Answer question ten, and continue through the trail.

The barrel cactus is the last stop along the Urban Nature Trail. Observe the plant and compare it to the Barrel Cactus on the back of this pamphlet. Answers questions eleven through thirteen, and then answer the following question.

What are some cost-effective solutions to human destruction of nature which will not further destroy any other wild life or vegetation?

Finally, use your map to walk to the lake. Observe/discuss everything that comes to mind. Try to answer questions fourteen through seventeen.

1.) Describe the color, in detail, of the Ocotillo plant.

2.) What is the native vegetation often replaced with when humans move to the desert?

3.) When humans move to the desert they bring food and water with them. What else have you observed while on the trail which would not have been present had humans not interfered with nature?

4.) Are there any apparent efforts, so far including parts of the trail you may have already past, to reclaim disturbed areas? If yes, record what you notice.

5.) How does spreading seed to reclaim disturbed areas also positively impact the wildlife, such as birds?

6.) Does the plant appear healthy, why or why not?

7.) Does the habitat of the prickly pear cactus appear to be a high traffic area? What evidence is there of such traffic?

8.) How does removing trees from the environment effect wild life?

9.) How does removing trees from the environment affect plant life?

10.) Aside from the fact that building the playground has destroyed the environment, what other effects do you think are a cause of the playground?

11.) Does the plant appear to be healthy? Why or why not?

12.) What challenges are evident that the plant must overcome naturally for sunlight and water?

13.) Do you think that man-made water run-offs benefit or destroy plants in nature overall?

14.) What man made structures, roadways, vehicles, or other items have eroded this lake?

15.) Is the lake man-made?

16.) Does the lake appear to be a healthy environment for wildlife to reside?

17.) Approximately, how many aircrafts have flown overhead while you were completing this nature quest, and how do they contribute to the destruction of the wild life and plant life here at Papago Park?

ANWERS TO PAPAGO PARK NATURE QUEST

1. This Ocotillo plant appears to be healthy. It is vibrant in color. The bright green color of the plant signifies that this plant is thriving well.
2. Landscape from other lands often replaces the native vegetation when humans move to the desert.
3. (ANSWERS MAY VARY) Paved roadways, trail markings, signage, water hoses, piping, structures, etc. would not be present without humans populating this area.
4. Seeding has been spread throughout the off-trail area, water hoses are used to redistribute water, and educational signs have been posted in an effort to reclaim disturbed areas.
5. Hummingbirds are able to feed on the variety of seeds spread throughout the area, allowing them to benefit from reclaiming disturbed areas, such as, Papago Park Phoenix/Tempe.
6. This plant appears unhealthy. Its posture is flush with the ground instead of up-right, and it is brown in color.
7. (ANSWERS MAY VARY) Yes. Evidence includes; footprints, litter, and a nearby playground.
8. Removing trees from their natural habitat negatively affects wild life. Many different species depend on plants for food, shelter, and shade.
9. Removing trees from their natural habitat can benefit smaller plant life by eliminating competition for sunlight and water.
10. The playground attracts children who are curious creatures. Children are a high risk to plant life as they often fail to remain on the trail pathways.
11. The health of the Barrel Cactus is mediocre. For the most part, its color is vibrant, its posture is up-right (though it leans), and no erosion is evident.
12. The bigger plants around this plant create more competition for sunlight and water, which is detrimental to the barrel cactus' survival.
13. ANSWERS WILL VARY