Birding/Nature: Sweetwater Wetlands & Silverbell Lake - 2/24/2026
Cost: $10
Sweetwater Wetlands and Silverbell Lake (formerly Christopher Columbus Park) are two of the top birding areas in the Tucson metro area. This water-rich streamside riparian zone supports a huge variety of wildlife, including dragonflies, raccoons, hawks, bobcats and dozens of other species that make the wetlands their full- or part-time home. Recent sightings include an Orange-crowned Warbler, a Black-tailed Gnatcatcher, a Cassin's Kingbird and a Spotted Sandpiper, just to name a few. The various types of waterfowl are always a treat!
Paths are flat and either decomposed granite or gravel.
If you have binoculars, you may want to bring them along. A small notebook and pen or pencil would be useful to record your sightings. Be sure to wear comfortable clothes and shoes. A hat and water are suggested.
Lunch will be at Brother John's Beer, Bourbon and BBQ, located at 1801 N Stone Avenue in Tucson. For information and menu, click here.
Meet at the Photography Club lobby at 8:30 AM for departure at 8:45 AM. Please wear your GVR Photography or Camera Club badge, if you have one. For those carpooling, $5.00 is an appropriate amount to reimburse your driver.
GVR requires that every person participating in club's field trips must sign a waiver absolving GVR of any liability. You will be required to sign the waiver at the Photography Club before the trip departs if you haven't already signed one.
Denise LeCount-O'Brien will be our trip leader. For questions email Denise at rurt2dede@gmail.com or call 309-830-0177.
Last date to cancel for a refund is February 12, 2026.
If you need to cancel, please contact the Field Trip Coordinator Lynn Rozema at 719-351-5193 or email lrozema51@gmail.com as soon as you know you are unable to attend. We may have people on the wait list that can take your place.
NOTICE:
Be sure to have your GVR card with you for each and every field trip. Without it, you won't be allowed to go on the trip. No refunds will be granted for failure to comply with this requirement. To protect GVR and club member benefits, GVR has implemented a new process that requires each field trip participant to come into the club and scan his/her GVR card to confirm eligibility. We no longer have the option of typing in your name or GVR number – only the physical GVR card will do.
We will no longer meet in the parking lot. We will meet in the GVR Photography Club where you will scan your GVR card confirming your eligibility to go on the trip. We’ll also review important/late-breaking information, pair up drivers and riders, provide driving directions, and give participants a chance to visit the restrooms prior to departure. Again, be sure to have your GVR card with you.
All participants need to be responsible for an assessment of their mobility and health issues relating to field trips. Some trips may not be appropriate, but you must make that determination. However, the trip leader may deny participation in a specific field trip to anyone deemed not suitably prepared or able to walk with the group.
The club strives to provide several field trips specifically designed for members with physical limitations.
In order to participate in this event, you must be a member of the GVR Photography Club and GVR.
The GVR Photography Club is located in the Recreation Village of Santa Rita Springs.