Date: June 26, 2016
Contact: Richard Hill, (520)733-5158
Naturalist Programs at the Red Hills Visitor Center (West; 2700 N Kinney Rd. 85734)
July 1, 8, 15 10:15 a.m. and 2:15 p.m. What is the Reason for the Saguaro Fruit Harvest? Talk: 30 minutes
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.
July 2, 14, 21, 22, 29, 30 10:15a.m. ALSO 14, 22, 28, 29 2:15 p.m. Desert Dragons Talk:30 minutes
What's a desert dragon? Clue: It's not a bearded dragon and google isn't going to help much. Come discover these fascinating creatures and what's myth or fact in this fun and informative talk. Wheelchair accessible.
July 2, 9, 16, 23, 30 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. Wheelchair accessible.
July 3, 23 10:15 a.m. and 2:15 p.m. Cooking with Prickly Pear Demonstration:45 min
Learn how you can incorporate prickly pear into your diet. A live cooking demonstration will show you how to prepare and cook prickly pear. Prepare for a savory and sweet treat. Wheelchair accessible.
July 6, 13, 27 3:15 p.m. Against All Odds Talk: 30 minutes
A saguaro might produce 40 million seeds in its lifetime, but only one or two seedlings will survive into maturity. Discover how the "deck is stacked" against their survival and what conditions are needed for growth into the majestic icon of the desert.
July 20 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 mountain lion remains threatened by human encroachment. Wheelchair accessible.
July 1, 8, 15, 22, 29 3:15 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 push-ups or exhibit other odd behaviors. Wheelchair accessible.
July 7, 14, 21, 28 3:15 p.m. Kangaroo Rat: Super Survivor Talk: 45 minutes
Learn about the remarkable behavioral and physical adaptations these rodents possess that allow them to survive harsh desert environments. Find out how this nocturnal animal escapes predators, evades heat, and endures aridity. Wheelchair accessible.
July 12, 26 3:15 p.m. Meet the Cuckoo of the Desert: The Roadrunner Talk: 30 minutes
The Greater Roadrunner is a popular and charismatic member of the desert community. Join a park naturalist for a Power Point presentation about the natural history, behaviors, and other facts about this colorful creature. Wheelchair accessible.
July 5, 19 3:15 p.m. How Do They Do It? Walk: 15 minutes, 100 yards
Discover how the plants and animals of the Sonoran Desert have adapted to the harsh conditions of this unique environment. (This program also is offered in Spanish July 5, 19 at 12:15 p.m.) Wheelchair accessible.
July 2, 4, 11, 12,13, 20, 25, 26, 27, 30 2:15 p.m. Javelinas: Our Desert Neighbors Talk:30 minutes
Some times referred to as the "desert pig," the javelina is not a pig at all. Learn about this intriguing creature and how it survives in this arid environment. Wheelchair accessible. (This program also will be given in Spanish at 12:15 p.m. July 2, 23)
July 14, 21, 28 11:15 a.m. ALSO July 2, 16, 23, 30 3:15 p.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.
Daytime Walks
July 13, 27 10:15 a.m. Sonoran Secrets to Desert Survival Talk and Walk: 60 minutes, 200 yards
Beginwith comments on the shaded patio, then stroll a sidewalk next to the VisitorCenter and identify the most common hazards hidden in the desert, uncoversurvival strategies of native plants and animals, and acquire practical tips toensure your safety, particularly as temperatures rise with the approach ofsummer. Wheelchair accessible.
July 3, 11, 12,13, 20, 25, 26, 27 11:15 a.m. Spiny, Shady, and COOL! Walk: 30 minutes, 100 yards
Come for a short walk and discover the great variety of cacti that inhabit this unique and fascinating desert.
Spanish Language Programs
July 5, 19 12:15 p.m. ¿Como Pueden Sobrevivir? Walk: 15 minutes, 100 yards
(Spanish version of How Do They Do It?) Charla en Español donde discutiremos como las plantas y animales del desierto Sonorense se han adaptado a través de los años para poder sobrevivir y florecer en nuestro único y duro ambiente. Wheelchair accessible.
July 2, 23 12:15 p.m. Jabalíes, Nuestros Vecinos Del Desierto Talk: 30 minutes
(Spanish version of Javelina: Our Desert Neighbors)Usted está invitado a acompañar aun naturalista del parque durante su presentación "Jabalíes, Nuestros Vecinos del Desierto." A veces referido como el cerdo del desierto, averigüe por qué eljabalí no es un cerdo. Descubra la historia natural de este fascinante animal ycómo se las arregla para sobrevivir en este ambiente árido.Wheelchair accessible.
Visitor Center Information
Both visitor centers are open daily from 9:00am to 5:00pm, except Christmas Day.
Red Hills Visitor Center (Saguaro West)
2700 N Kinney Road Tucson, 85743
(520) 733-5158
Rincon Mountain Visitor Center (Saguaro East)
3693 S Old. Spanish Trail Tucson, Az 85730
(520) 733-5153
For more information about Saguaro National Park and some of its partners, please visit these websites:
www.nps.gov/sagu/getinvolved/supportyourpark/partners
www.wnpa.org
www.friendsofsaguaro.org
www.rinconinstitute.org
