Eric Stitt
Desert tortoises are found throughout the Sonoran Desert.
This program brings late elementary, middle, and high school biology/science students into the field to mimic the experience of scientists radio-tracking one of the park’s signature species, the Sonoran Desert Tortoise (Gopherus agassizii). The program is designed to consist of two parts—a pre-visit to the classroom by park rangers, followed by a field trip to the west district of Saguaro National Park. Each part, however, can operate independently. The pre-visit is an hour-long program where students will learn about the desert tortoise, its habitat, and current conservation and tracking techniques. They will also be briefed on safety measures and park regulations as well as how to prepare for the field trip. This project is made possible due to funding provided by the Arizona Game and Fish Department Heritage Fund and the Friends of Saguaro National Park.
Once in the field, classes will be divided into smaller groups to provide for a more personal experience and to reduce stress on tortoises and other desert wildlife. The field trip will last between 3 and 4 hours. Students will track tortoise decoys by radio telemetry and use instruments (compass, GPS, thermometer, clinometer) to record data on the tortoise and its environment. Park rangers will facilitate the field experience and provide insight on a wide array of science-related topics, including but not limited to desert ecology, plant and animal adaptation and identification, and National Park Service objectives and conservation efforts.
Through this comprehensive experience, students will gain a greater understanding of the desert tortoise and Sonoran Desert ecology, as well as specific conservation issues concerning the fate of desert tortoises. Sign up today for this novel and impactful educational experience!
Pre-visit and field trip dates and times are negotiable and flexible, and field trips can be offered on weekends. This program is presented free of charge. Saguaro National Park also maintains funds to help defer transportation costs. When combined, the pre-visit and field trip satisfy the state science standards. For questions or to make a reservation, please contact Chip Littlefield at 520.733.5157, or by e-mail.
