News Release

Saguaro National Park August Program Schedule

Date: July 25, 2018

Saguaro National Park News Release                                 

For Immediate Release
August   2018                                                                                                                                                               
Contacts:   Saguaro West - Richard Hill [phone], 2700 N. Kinney Rd.
                  Saguaro East - Melanie Florez [phone], 3693 S. Old Spanish Trail
 
Saguaro National Park August   Program Schedule
Saguaro National Park is offering a variety of walks and talks 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 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.
 
Aug. 1, 8, 15, 22, 29  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
 
Aug. 5, 12, 19, 26  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
 
Aug. 2, 4, 9, 11, 16, 18, 23, 25, 30  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
 
Aug. 7, 14, 21, 28  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
 
Aug. 1, 2, 8, 9, 11, 15, 16, 23, 24, 25, 30    2:15 p.m. Creepy Crawlers: The Silent - Majority   Talk: 30 minutes
Learn about some of our most feared and misunderstood arthropods who call this park home. Come discover how essential they are for our desert community and why we shouldn’t fear these mostly harmless creatures. Wheelchair accessible
 
Aug. 7, 13, 20, 27  10:15 a.m. Picture This..Life Through A Different Lens    Talk and Walk: 45 minutes.
Experience the desert from a whole new view with this interactive photography program; designed to present the basics of photoghaphy while envoking emotional connections with the desert.
 
Aug. 11, 25   7:00 a.m. Stroll Among the Saguaros    Walk: 2 hours, 1.5 miles
Join a park ranger for a gorgeous morning walk and discover the many species of desert plants (and animals, if they appear) that adapt and thrive in this unique environment. This easy walk; goes down a gentle grade and returns up a sandy wash. Closed-toe shoes, a hat, a snack and water are required. Ages 8 and older. Reservations required; 733-5158
 
 
 
Naturalist Programs at the Rincon Mountain District(East, 3693 S. Old Spanish Trail):    
Aug. 1, 3, 7, 8,10, 14     10:00 a.m.        Desert Botany 101       Garden Walk
         15, 17, 23, 31                                                                    
Join a park naturalist on this fitness hike to explore scenic Saguaro National Park. Sturdy hiking shoes, water and a trail snack are recommended. Accessible program
 
Aug. 1, 4, 7, 8                      2:00 p.m.               When It Rains, It Pours  Presentation
         14, 15, 18, 25                                                                               
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
 
Aug. 2, 4, 5        10:00 a.m.    Meet the Saguaro          Garden Walk 
         9.12, 18
Get to know the world’s most famous cactus – and learn its fascinating life story in this place where we “celebrate saguaros”! Accessible program
 
Aug. 2, 3, 5, 9   2:00 p.m.          The Changing Cactus Forest   Presentation
         10, 12, 17, 31
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
                       
Aug. 3, 17         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
 
Aug. 10, 24       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
 

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
[phone] 


Rincon Mountain Visitor Center (Saguaro EAST)
3693 South Old Spanish Trail
Tucson, AZ 85730
[phone]

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