News Release

July Program Schedule Press Release

Date: June 26, 2018
Contact: Richard Hill, 520-733-5158
Contact: Melanie Florez, 520-733-5153

Naturalist Programs at Tucson Mountain District (West District), 2700 N. Kinney Rd.:
Programs are offered on most days in the morning at 10:15 and/or 11:15, and in the afternoon at 2:15 and/or 3:15 and last 30 to 45 minutes. Topics include mountain lions, lizards, coyotes, javelinas, kangaroo rats, insects, birds, survival strategies, the saguaro cactus, and other topics related to the desert. All programs are subject to change. Call the visitor center at [phone] for updates the day of the program.

July. 4, 11, 18, 25 10:15 a.m. Mountain Lions: Beyond the Myth Talk: 45 minutes
Envision a puma stalking its prey, then uncover the true nature of this elusive but essential predator. Misunderstood, maligned, and nearly eradicated by settlers, the cougar remains threatened by human encroachment. Wheelchair accessible

July. 6, 13, 20, 27 2:15 p.m. Lizards are Hot, Lizards are Cool Talk: 30 minutes
Lizards are small denizens of the desert that are a critical component of our desert community. Find out what it means when they do pushups or exhibit other odd behaviors. Wheelchair accessible

July. 1, 8, 15, 22, 29 3:15 p.m. Cooking With Prickly Pear Talk: 30 minutes
Learn how you can incorporate prickly pear into your diet. This program will show you how to collect and prepare prickly pear. Prepare for a sweet treat! Wheelchair accessible

July. 5, 7, 12, 14, 19, 21, 26, 28, 10:15 a.m. Living With Giants Talk: 45 minutes
The saguaro celebrates events and faces challenges throughout its life. A biologist explains how it provides shelter and substance for wildlife; when it flowers; its growth patterns; and how it fights for survival against drought, lightning, frost, and other dangers. Wheelchair accessible

July. 3, 10, 17, 24, 31 2:15 p.m. Raptors! Talk: 30 minutes
Southern Arizona and the Sonoran Desert Region are renowned for the large variety of animal and plant species, especially birds, that can be found in the area. Among the most fascinating of those are the raptors, top predators of the avian world, who either live here year-round, or migrate through the area. Wheelchair accessible

July. 3,17, 31 11:15 a.m. Life Cycle of the Saguaro: Seed to Giant Talk: 45 minutes
Hear some astonishing reasons about why so few Saguaro seeds make it to fruition. Wheelchair accessible.

July. 5, 12, 19, 26, 11:15 a.m. What is the Reason for the Saguaro Fruit Harvest? Talk: 30 min
For over a hundred years the Tohono O’odham have harvested the saguaro fruit every summer. Come participate in a cultural experience and learn about this enriching tradition. Wheelchair accessible


Naturalist Programs at the Rincon Mountain District (East, 3693 S. Old Spanish Trail): 
July 1, 5, 8, 12, 13           10:00 a.m.                 Is it a Cactus or A … sparagus?       Garden Walk
     15, 22, 26, 29
We all know a cactus when we see it, right? Maybe not! Find out how our two families of spiny succulent plants are the same, but different. Accessible program

July 1, 5, 6, 8, 12, 13 2:00 p.m.      The Changing Cactus Forest Presentation
     15, 20, 22, 26, 27, 29
Change is constant – and accelerating – in the area of Saguaro National Park called the Cactus Forest. We’ll take a look at the forest then and now, and consider how the future will shape what your grandchildren see here. Accessible Program

July 2, 9, 23              2:00 p.m.      The Adventures of Thelma the Tortoise        Presentation
Go on a fantastic trip across the Sonoran Desert with one adventurous tortoise who called Saguaro National park her home – until she set her eye on farther horizons! Accessible Program

July 6, 10, 17, 10:00 a.m.     Desert Botany 101    Garden Walk
    19, 20, 24, 31                                                                 `
Join a park naturalist on a short stroll to explore the complex ecology of the park and how plants survive this harsh climate. Accessible program

July 7, 10, 14,                  2:00 p.m.               When It Rains, It Pours        Presentation
    17, 21, 24, 28, 31
The life-saving rains of the Sonoran Desert can be fickle. Join us to explore the how’s and why’s of our monsoon season. Accessible Program

July 4, 11, 18, 25                       9:30 a.m.    Showers of Saguaros Presentation
The majestic Saguaro depends on the billions of tiny raindrops shed by the mighty summer monsoon storms for its long-term survival.  Accessible Program

July 6           3:00 p.m.      A Century of Tales                Presentation
Join us as we review a century of fun and interesting stories from those who lived and worked in what today is Saguaro National Park. Accessible Program

July 7, 14, 21, 28      10:00 a.m.              Easy Being Green Garden Walk
In the desert, you’d think it’s not easy being green. But there are plants everywhere in the Sonoran desert! We’ll give you a model that shows how every plant survives in this land of little rain. Accessible program

July 7, 14, 21, 28      1:00 p.m.   The Point of the Matter is Cactus      Presentation
Cacti are uniquely equipped to thrive in the desert environment and every year bloom with spectacular flowers. We will look at the ones in Saguaro NP using a stunning photo gallery and learn a few of their uses for those living here and beyond. Accessible Program

July 13, 27                3:00 p.m.     Creating Saguaro National Park     Presentation
Saguaro National Park has a unique and interesting history. This theater presentation will highlight the commitment, compromise, and decisions that created the Park. Accessible program




Red Hills Visitor Center (Saguaro WEST)              Rincon Mountain Visitor Center (Saguaro EAST)

2700 North Kinney Road                                                        3693 South Old Spanish Trail

Tucson, AZ 85743                                                                                 Tucson, AZ 85730
[phone]                                                                                                   [phone]