Date: October 23, 2014
Contact: Melanie Florez, (520) 733-5153
Contact: Richard Hill, (520) 733-5158
Saguaro National Park is offering a variety of hikes and talks this fall that explore the park's wonderful natural and cultural histories. Program listings also are available on the park's website, www.nps.gov/sagu, or visit us on Facebook. Interpretive programs are free, but park entrance fees apply. Program schedules are subject to change; call the visitor centers for updates or reservations.
Naturalist Programs at Tucson Mountain District:
(West, 2700 N. Kinney Road)
November 3, 17, 24 - Puma: Predator, Prey, and Peril
2:15 p.m. Talk: 45 minutes
Often called puma, cougar, or mountain lion, discover the true nature of this secretive, nocturnal and elusive predator. Explore the threats that this creature faces as it struggles to survive within an ever-shrinking habitat. Wheelchair accessible.
November 7, 8, 14, 15, 21, 22, 28, 29 - Snakes of Saguaro NP
2:15 p.m. Talk: 30 minutes
Saguaro National Park is home to 26 known species of snakes, including 7 venomous snakes. Why so many? What do they do and what do they eat? What precautions do I need to take when visiting the Park? Wheelchair accessible.
November 8 - Bird Walk
9:45a.m. 30 minutes plus optional additional 30 minutes, ½ mile
Join us for a 30-minute walk in the sandy wash behind the Visitor Center to see what woodpeckers, sparrows and other birds live there among the cacti and shrubs. We will learn how they find food, water and shelter. For those who are interested in more, we will drive 2 miles to Sus Picnic area (restrooms available) with its rocky canyon and hills for another 30-minute walk to see what wrens, hawks and other birds live there. Easy walking on sand and dirt road. Birders and non-birders of all ages are invited.
November 4, 11, 18, 25 - Synergy in the Desert: The Sonoran Habitat
1:15 p.m. Easy Walk: 45 minutes
For all of life, "the whole is greater than the sum of the parts" is true. The iconic Saguaro is the focal point for a discussion of how the parts of the Sonoran Desert work together to create a rich living desert that is unique in the world.
November 7, 21, 28 - Lizards are Hot, Lizards are Cool
1:15 p.m. Talk: 30 minutes
Frequently overlooked, discover how these small denizens of the desert become a critical component of our desert community. Wheelchair accessible.
November 4, 11, 18, 25 - How Do They Do It?
2:15 p.m. Walk: 15 minutes, 100 yards
Discover how the plants and animals of the Sonoran Desert have adapted to the harsh conditions of this unique environment. Wheelchair accessible.
November 4, 11, 18, 25 - Whales in the Desert
3:15 p.m. Talk: 45 minutes
Learn about the unique connection between whales and the Sonoran Desert. Wheelchair accessible.
November 25 - Adaptations: Recipe for Survival
10:45 a.m. Easy 100 yard Walk*
Take a walk in our Cactus Garden Walk to discover some physical and behavioral adaptations of desert plants.
November 25 - Life Cycle of the Saguaro: Seed to Giant
11:45 a.m. Easy Walk: 45 minutes
Hear some astonishing reasons about why so few Saguaro seeds make it to fruition.
Naturalist Programs at the Rincon Mountain District:
(East, 3693 S. Old Spanish Trail)
November 3, 4,10, 11, 13, 17, 18, 20, 21, 24, 28 - Sonoran Lifestyle
10:00 a.m. 1 mile Guided Walk
Join a park naturalist on this 2-hour, 1-mile walk to discover how plants and animals adapt to life in the desert. Wear comfortable walking shoes and bring water.
November 21 - Creating Saguaro National Park
3:00 p.m. Presentation
Join staff in the visitor center auditorium to discover how abuse, failure, politics, commitment, recovery and the Tucson Garden Club all played a part in creating today's Saguaro National Park.
Wheelchair accessible.
November 11, 18, 25 - Reptiles & Amphibians of the Sonoran Desert
2:00 p.m. Illustrated Talk
Join park naturalist Bob Brandner for this 30-minute presentation to discover the fascinating world of reptiles and amphibians. Wheelchair accessible.
November 13 - StarParty
7:00 p.m. Illustrated Program & Activity
Join park naturalists for an introduction to astronomy and a look at the desert night sky. Telescopes and binoculars will be available. Reservations required. Call 733-5153. Wheelchair accessible.
November 28 - History is a Work in Progress
3:00 p.m. Presentation
Join us in the visitor center auditorium to explore the almost forgotten names of people and placesfrom the late 1800's in the area of the Rincon Mountains.
Wheelchair accessible.
November 14 & 28 - Night Walk
7:00 p.m. 1 mile Guided Walk
Join a park naturalist for this easy two-hour hike to explore and experience the Sonoran Desert at night. Dress for the weather, wear comfortable walking shoes, and bring water and a flashlight. As space is limited, advanced reservations are required, and can be made by calling 733-5153.
November 21 - Desert Bird Walk
8:00 a.m. 1 mile Guided Walk
Join volunteer naturalist Vicki Powers for an easy 2-hour walk in search of desert birds. Wear comfortable walking shoes and bring water.
November 29 - Drive-Thru Geology
2:00 p.m. One Hour Auto Tour
Hop in your car for a journey through 25 million years of earth history…in one hour! We'll observe the varied landforms of the desert –bajadas, washes, outcrops –and find out why geology students from around the world come to see the Rincon Mountain foothills. (Hint: it's the mylonitic gneiss!)
November 30 - The GIANT Cactus
11:00 a.m. ¾ mile Guided Walk
Saguaro National Park is famous for its gigantic saguaros. Still, you have to know where to look to find a real giant among giants. The best way is to join a ranger for a walk along a desert wash for a lesson in trees of the desert and a look at the only tree-like cactus in the U.S. You'll be surprised by the size! Sturdy shoes and water are recommended
Visitor Center Locations/Phone Numbers:
Both visitor centers are open daily from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., except Christmas Day.
Red Hills Visitor Center (Saguaro WEST)
2700 North Kinney Road
Tucson, AZ 85743
(520) 733-5158
Rincon Mountain Visitor Center (Saguaro EAST)
3693 South Old Spanish Trail
Tucson, AZ 85730
(520) 733-5153
For more information about Saguaro National Park and some of its partners, Friends of Saguaro National Park, and Western National Parks Association, visit these websites:
www.nps.gov/sagu
www.friendsofsaguaro.org
www.wnpa.org
