Date: May 23, 2016
Contact: Richard Hill, (520)733-5158
Naturalist Programs at Tucson Mountain District (West: 2700 N. Kinney Rd, Tucson Az. 85743)
June 4, 11, 18, 25 10:15 a.m. Living With Giants Talk: 45 minutes
June 2, 9, 16, 23, 30 11:15 a.m. 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.
June 4, 11, 25 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 a non-monetary prize. Wheelchair accessible.
June 1, 8, 15, 22, 29 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. Wheelchair accessible.
June 8, 22 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.
June 3, 10, 17, 24 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.
June 9, 16, 23, 30 11:15 a.m. Synergy in the Desert: The Sonoran Habitat Talk and Walk: 45 minutes
For all of life, "the whole is greater than the sum of the parts" is true. The iconic Saguaro is the focal point for a discussion of how the parts of the Sonoran Desert work together to create a rich living desert that is unique in the world.
June 1, 15, 29 2:15 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.
June 14, 28 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 traits and facts about this colorful creature. Wheelchair accessible.
June 7, 21 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 June 7, 21 12:15 p.m.) Wheelchair accessible.
Daytime Walks
June 1, 15, 29 10:15 a.m. Sonoran Secrets to Desert Survival Talk and Walk: 60 minutes, 200 yards
Begin with comments on the shaded patio, then stroll a sidewalk next to the Visitor Center 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, particularly as temperatures rise with the approach of summer. Wheelchair accessible.
Spanish Language Programs
June 7, 21 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.
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, Az 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
