March 2015 Program Schedule

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Date: April 17, 2015
Contact: Saguaro East - Melanie Florez, (520) 733-5153
Contact: Saguaro West - Richard Hill, (520) 733-5158

Saguaro National Park is offering a variety of hikes and talks this spring 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):

May 1, 2, 8, 9, 15, 16, 22, 23, 29    11:15 a.m.     Play Sonoran Desert Bingo!        Game: 1 hour
Learn about the plants and animals of the Sonoran Desert while enjoying a rousing version of Bingo! Get five in a row – down, across, or diagonally –and win anon-monetary prize. First come, first served. Wheelchair accessible.

May 6, 13, 20, 27    9:45 a.m. Sonoran Secrets to Desert Survival Walk: 60 minutes, 250 yards
Stroll the Cactus Garden and identify the most common hazards hidden in the desert, uncover survival strategies of native plants and animals, and acquire practical tips to ensure your safety. Wheelchair accessible.

May 7, 14, 21, 28 10:15 a.m. The Plants Tell All Hike: up to 1 hour, up to 1/2 mile
Plants are the foundation of the web of life. Join a park naturalist to learn the secrets of what ties together the plants and animals of the Sonoran Desert. Plant survival, insects and spiders, birds and mammals -- nothing is off limits to questions. Wear closed-toed shoes and a hat, and bring water. NOTE: In case of hot weather, an indoor program may be substituted.

May 2, 9, 16, 23 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.

May 1, 8, 22 3:15 p.m. Snakes of Saguaro National Park Talk: 45 minutes
May 15            10:15 a.m.
Saguaro National Park is home to 26 known species of snakes, including 7 venomous snakes. A park ranger who also is a herpetologist will give answers to many questions, including, "Why so many?" "How do so many different snakes live in the same area?" Discover precautions to take when visiting the park or any desert area as the weather gets hotter and the snakes are active. A live, non-venomous snake will be present – but contained. Wheelchair accessible.

May 10, 17, 24, 25 10:15 a.m. Neighborhood Characters Walk: 45 minutes
See if you recognize plant versions of your friends, relatives, and neighborhood stores during a walk in the Cactus Garden. You may even meet "Bill Gates!" Wheelchair accessible.

May 2, 23, 29 2:15 p.m.  The CCC in the Tucson Mountains  Talk: 45 minutes
The Civilian Conservation Corps was launched in the midst of The Great Depression as an employment program to take young men off the streets and give them jobs restoring the country's depleted soil and forest resources. Much of this involved building the infrastructures of public facilities in the Tucson area, including many of the stone structures and trails at Saguaro National Park and Tucson Mountain Park. Wheelchair accessible.

Naturalist Programs at the Rincon Mountain District (East, 3693 S. Old Spanish Trail):

May 1, 15, 29 3:00 p.m.     History is a Work in Progress presentation
Join us in the visitor center auditorium to explore the almost forgotten names of people and places from the late 1800's in the area of the Rincon Mountains. Wheelchair accessible.

May 2, 10, 14 2:00 p.m. Cactus Caravan Auto Tour
Begin your exploration of the Cactus Forest Drive with a park ranger and become familiar with some of the common cacti. A great introduction to the park! Program is accessible.

May 2 1:00 p.m. Meet the Hohokam*       Presentation
Join a park ranger in the visitor center auditorium for a hands-on introduction to the prehistoric people who once called Saguaro National Park home.

May 2     3:00 p.m.     Medicinal Plants of the Desert* Garden Walk
Learn about some of the native plants that are both easy on the eye and can make you feel better as well.

May 3, 4, 6, 10, 11 11:00 a.m. Naturalist Table  Patio Talk
13, 18, 25, 27
Join a park naturalist on the visitor center patio to explore a variety of natural history topics. Wheelchair accessible.

May 5, 12 10:00 a.m. A Taste of the Desert     Garden walk
Join us for a stroll through our cactus garden and learn what plants can be used for food, clothing, medicine, shelter and much more. Wheelchair accessible.

May 6, 13, 20, 27 9:00 a.m. Sonoran Lifestyles
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.

May 6, 13, 20, 27 11:00 a.m.      Flash, Whoosh, Gush, and Growth: Sonoran Desert Monsoon Rain*
The summer heat and humidity bring the mighty and sometimes destructive monsoon rain. Saguaros, frogs, and others depend on these drenching afternoons to begin a new season of life in the dry desert. Wheelchair accessible.

May 8, 22 3:00 p.m.      Creating Saguaro National Park  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.

May 15 7:00 p.m. Night Walk 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.

Visitor Center Locations/Phone Numbers:
Both visitor centers are open daily from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm, except Christmas Day.

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
(520) 733-5158                                                    (520) 733-5153

For more information about Saguaro National Park and some of its partners, Friends of Saguaro National Park, Western National Parks Association, and the Rincon Institute, visit these websites:

www.nps.gov/sagu                                               www.wnpa.org
www.friendsofsaguaro.org                                   www.rinconinstitute.org



Last updated: April 25, 2015

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Mailing Address:

3693 S Old Spanish Trail
Tucson, AZ 85730

Phone:

520 733-5153
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