You wouldn’t know it by looking at her now, but Mini was once roughing it on the streets as a stray. This domestic short-haired young adult cat was trapped at a feral feeding station even though she is obviously not feral. Then, as soon as she was rescued, she gave birth to four kittens. After a stay in a foster home, Mini’s kittens found homes, but Mini herself is still waiting for someone to make her a member of the family.

Avian wildlife lovers will enjoy this free 60-minute bird walk at Veteran’s Oasis Park, sponsored by the Desert Rivers Audubon. Rehabilitated owls, falcons and hawks will be onsite with Liberty Wildlife. Binoculars will also be available to aide bird watching.

Gilbert Family Bird Walks, hosted every third Saturday of the month, October through March, by Desert Rivers Audubon are back at Gilbert Riparian Preserve.

As we barrel down the two-lane road, historical markers tell us we are traveling along the original El Camino Real, the frontier wagon trail from Mexico City to Santa Fe. Dating to 1598, it is the oldest European-American trade route.

We wouldn’t know a Gila woodpecker from a Gilded Flicker, but we can tell you the East Valley is a bit of a hotspot for birders, who enjoying racking up wild bird sightings. Now, they can turn to more than a dog-eared old field guide when stalking avian life.

A cat with a mustache? That’s the distinctive Nico, a 4-year-old black and white feline that AZ RESCUE says is “full of mystery, intrigue, and a whole lot of mischief!” But that mischief can sometimes work to your advantage for Nico is a skilled bug hunter who can catch a fly faster than the stickiest spider web.

The gray stallion with the unlikely name Biff and his family were relaxing in the shade of the mesquite woods bordering the Salt River when I spotted a coyote about 40 yards away.

Celebrate one of Arizona’s top birding sites at the 2012 Feathered Friends Festival, a family-friendly event from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. March 24 at the Riparian Preserve at Water Ranch.

When it comes to camping close to home, Valley campers in the know have long pitched tents or parked RVs inside Maricopa County parks.

For years, the Gilbert Riparian Preserve has been home not only to birds and bird-watchers, but also feral cats, many of them former pets who were dumped there by irresponsible owners. Save the Cats Arizona has been trapping these felines and then putting them into foster homes for rehabilitation with the hope of future adoption. Now they need your help.

Saturday is National Trails Day, a time designated by the nonprofit American Hiking Society for the past 18 years to get Americans outdoors and into the natural spaces that spur adventure for some, soul-soothing tranquility for others.

Celtic music concert

Short on New Year’s resolutions? Take a cue from what our own East Valley has to offer, and resolve to live like a tourist in your own backyard. From getting back to nature (try bird-watching at Gilbert Riparian Preserve; spotting otters, beavers and eagles from a canoe on the lower Salt River near Mesa; or hiking at San Tan Mountain Regional Park) to going out on the town (think drinks and a show at Mesa Arts Center or fun, tasty dining in downtown Chandler), our nearest cities offer plenty to do. Here are our picks for four local things you should make a point to see or do in 2010.

We encourage readers to submit letters to the editor on issues of interest to East Valley residents. Submissions should be no longer than 300 words, factually accurate and original thoughts of the writer. Please be brief and include name, address, city and phone number for verification. Letters and comments may be edited for clarity and length.

Jim Ripley: Nothing is more precious in the desert than shade and water. Throw in the views of the Sonoran Desert, the bluff and mountains and you have Coon Bluff. I’ve seen many beautiful places, and this is one of them, I decided.

Evening tour of Riparian Preserve

Sedona is one of the most popular vacation destinations in the Southwest. Known for its magnificent views and glowing rock towers, it draws those seeking relaxation or adventure, wellness or the arts.

Introduction to bird-watching

Inside Arizona: I’ve found Lake Havasu City’s comfortable spring temperatures and festive atmosphere are most inviting to the Arizona tourist. After visiting this year-round boating destination, I discovered more to this beautiful Arizona city than spring break.

Are you a winter visitor looking for fun in the sun? Put Quartzsite on the top of your list. Are you a resident looking to experience some of Arizona’s unique charm? It doesn’t get any better than this.

I was horrified. My boss was, too, when I showed her what I found on the Web site of the Arizona Game and Fish Department. But this story is best told from the beginning.

George Guerrero hasn't been able to use a fishing pole he bought especially for Chandler's newest lake because a leak has kept the city from stocking it.