Adopt-an-Area

Photo of a volunteer on the hillside, removing invasive buffelgrass.

Frank Staub

Adopt-an-Area Program

Adopt a part of the park to protect from invasive plants

 

Resource staff and volunteers use hand tools to remove invasive buffelgrass from a hillside.

NPS

Saguaro National Park is looking for volunteers who want to adopt a piece of the park as their very own--to cherish and protect its plants and animals from invasive plants, especially buffelgrass.

Adopt-An-Area program is for people who are interested in taking care of their own area of the park on their own time. This allows for deeper connection with the land and an impactful way of taking care of it.

We are seeking motivated individuals who are comfortable hiking off trail, invested in the land, ready to learn new skills and don’t mind getting their hands dirty.

Volunteers will be properly trained on GPS, mapping, plant identification, safety and much more to make sure they feel confident going out into the field.

Wide variety of areas available for adoption: eastside, westside, flat, steep… You pick it!

Your group or club can adopt an area.

For more information email e-mail us

 

Making a real difference

Left image
An area within the park, in 2024, infested with invasive buffelgrass causing harm and potential fire hazards to the surrounding area.
Credit: NPS

Right image
The same area in 2026, with thriving native vegetation throughout.
Credit: NPS

The comparison above shows the incredible thing that happens when there is consistent and dedicated care of the land with the removal of invasive plants, life in the desert thrives. 

A couple of volunteers adopted an area in the park and have been managing the removal and monitoring of invasive plants for years.  As they continuously returned to their initial management area, they saw less new invasive growth allowing the desert floor to fill the space with lush native vegetation.  

Volunteers play a significant role in helping the Sonoran Desert stay a rich and diverse place.