Sonoran Reptiles Expo Returns to Tlaquepaque

Annual conservation event features live animals, hands-on activities, and educational displays from local wildlife groups.

Apr. 18, 2026 at 2:00pm

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A highly structured abstract painting in earthy tones, featuring sweeping geometric arcs, concentric circles, and precise botanical spirals, conceptually representing the diverse ecosystem of the Sonoran Desert.The Northern Arizona Conservation Expo celebrates the vibrant wildlife and natural wonders of the Sonoran Desert through interactive exhibits and educational displays.Sedona Today

The Northern Arizona Conservation Expo is returning to Tlaquepaque in Sedona, Arizona on Sunday, April 19th from 10am to 2pm. The free, family-friendly event will feature live animals, interactive exhibits, and educational displays from organizations like Sonoran Reptiles, Heritage Park Zoo, Northern Arizona University, and the Phoenix Herpetological Sanctuary.

Why it matters

The expo aims to raise awareness about local wildlife and conservation efforts in the Sedona area, providing a fun and engaging way for the community to learn about and support the protection of the region's natural resources and endangered species.

The details

Highlights of the expo include interactive activities from the Grand Canyon Wolf Recovery Project, a Speedball activity led by Friends of the Verde River, and live birds of prey from Liberty Wildlife. Sonoran Reptiles will bring a variety of native snakes and desert tortoises, as well as some exotic species. NAU's Garter Snake Program will also have a new display this year focused on the endangered narrow-headed garter snake found in Oak Creek Canyon.

  • The Northern Arizona Conservation Expo takes place on Sunday, April 19, 2026 from 10am to 2pm.
  • Last year's expo drew 3,000 attendees over the course of the day.

The players

Sonoran Reptiles

A local wildlife organization that focuses on native reptiles and will be bringing a variety of snakes and tortoises to the expo.

Heritage Park Zoo

A zoo in the Sedona area that will be showcasing live animals at the conservation expo.

Northern Arizona University

The university's Garter Snake Program will have a new display at the expo focused on the endangered narrow-headed garter snake found in Oak Creek Canyon.

Phoenix Herpetological Sanctuary

A wildlife conservation organization participating in the expo with educational displays and activities.

Brett Smith

The founder of Sonoran Reptiles, who says the expo is a great way for the community to learn about and support local wildlife and conservation efforts.

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What they’re saying

“It's a fun activity for the family, for the kids, or anyone who's just interested in wildlife or conservation in general. It's a great way to support a lot of these groups and really get their names out there in terms of what they're doing for conservation.”

— Brett Smith, Founder, Sonoran Reptiles

“Arrive early. Anytime we have live displays with animals, the animal wellbeing is always a concern. So as the day goes on, interactions with animals become less guaranteed, depending on if the group feels like their animals are getting stressed out.”

— Brett Smith, Founder, Sonoran Reptiles

What’s next

The Northern Arizona Conservation Expo will take place on Sunday, April 19, 2026 from 10am to 2pm at Tlaquepaque in Sedona, Arizona.

The takeaway

The annual conservation expo provides a fun and engaging way for the Sedona community to learn about and support the protection of the region's diverse wildlife and natural resources through interactive exhibits, live animal displays, and educational activities.