Date: June 29, 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 summer 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; visitors should call the visitor centers for updates or reservations.
Naturalist Programs at Tucson Mountain District (West, 2700 N. Kinney Road):
August 1, 8, 15, 22, 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.
August 1, 7, 8, 14, 15, 21, 22, 28, 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 versionof Bingo! Get five in a row –down, across, or diagonally – and win a non-monetary prize. First come, first served. Wheelchair accessible.
August 5, 12, 19, 26 9:45a.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.
August 1, 6, 8, 13, 15, 20, 22, 27, 29 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.
August 7, 14, 21, 28 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 behaviors. Wheelchair accessible.
August 4, 18 11:15 a.m. Life Cycle of the Saguaro: Seed to Giant Walk: 45 minutes, 100 yards
Hear some astonishing reasons about why so few Saguaro seeds make it to fruition.
August 2, 3, 7, 9, 10, 14, 16, 17, 21, 23, 24, 28, 30, 31 10:15 a.m. Snakes Talk: 30 minutes
Explore the life and lore, myths and misunderstandings about one of the desert Southwest's most intriguing icons: the rattlesnake. Wheelchair accessible.
August 2, 3, 7, 9, 10, 14, 16, 17, 21,23, 24, 28, 30, 31 3:15 p.m. Homesteading Adventures Talk: 30 min
The Hispanic women from homesteading families in the Tucson area left records of their adventures, and a ranger reads some of these fascinating first-person accounts.Wheelchair accessible.
August 4, 18, 25 3:15 p.m. Whales in the Desert Talk: 45 minutes
Learn about the unique connection between whales and the Sonoran Desert. Wheelchair accessible.
Naturalist Programs at the Rincon Mountain District (East, 3693 S. Old Spanish Trail):
August 5, 12, 19, 26 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.
August 7 & 21 3:00p.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.
August 13, 20, 27 10:00 a.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! Wheelchair accessible.
August 14 & 28 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.
Visitor CenterLocations/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)
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, Western National Parks Association, and the Rincon Institute, visit these websites:
www.nps.gov/sagu
www.wnpa.org
www.friendsofsaguaro.org
www.rinconinstitute.org
