Naturalist Programs at Tucson Mountain District (West, 2700 N. Kinney Rd.):
Sept. 1, 15, 29 3:15 p.m. Whales in the Desert Talk: 45 minutes
Learn about the unique connection between whales and the Sonoran Desert. Wheelchair accessible.
September 8, 22 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. Wheelchair accessible.
Sept. 1, 15 12:15 p.m. ¿Como pueden sobrevivir? (Spanish version of "How Do They Do It?".)
Charla en Español donde discutiremos como lasplantas y animales del desierto Sonorense se han adaptado a través de los años para poder sobrevivir y florecer en nuestro único y duro ambiente.
September 5, 12, 19, 26 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.
September 4, 5, 11,12, 18, 19, 25, 26 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. First come, first served. Wheelchair accessible.
Sept. 2, 16, 23, 30 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.
Sept. 3, 5,10, 12, 17, 19, 24, 26 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.
September 4, 11, 18 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.
Sept. 1, 15, 29 11:15 a.m. Life Cycle of the Saguaro: Seed to Giant Walk: 45minutes, 100 yards
Hear some astonishing reasons about why so few Saguaro seeds make it to fruition.
September 4, 11, 13, 14, 18, 20, 25, 27, 28 10:15a.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.
September 4, 11, 13, 14, 18, 20, 25, 27, 28 3:15 p.m. Homesteading Adventures Talk: 30 minutes
The Hispanic women from homesteading families in the Tucson area left records oftheir adventures, and a ranger reads some of these fascinating first-personaccounts. Wheelchair accessible.
Sept. 1, 8, 15, 21,22, 23, 29 2:15 p.m. Neighborhood Characters Walk: 30 minutes, 100yards
On an easy walk in the Cactus Garden you will meet desert plants that may remind you of people you may know, including "Bill Gates." Wheelchair accessible
Sept. 2, 3, 5, 9, 10, 12, 16, 17, 19, 24, 26, 30 3:15p.m. Javelina: Our Desert Neighbors Talk: 30 minutes
Sometimes referred to as the "desert pig, "find out why the javelina is not a pig at all. Learn about this intriguing creature and how it survives in this arid environment.
Naturalist Programs at Rincon Mountain District (East, 3693 S. Old Spanish Trail):
Sept. 2, 5, 9, 12, 16, 30 11:00 a.m. Flash, Whoosh, Gush, and Growth: Sonoran Desert Monsoon Rain*
5, 12, 19 1:00 p.m. Presentation
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.
Sept. 10, 17, 24, 10:00 a.m. Cactus Caravan AutoTour
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.
September 12 10:00 a.m. Build-A-Cactus Workshop Actvity
Join park staff on the visitor center patioto learn about the park's wide variety of cactus while making your own miniature pinata version of the iconic saguaro! Children of all ages and parents are welcome. Reservations are recommended and can be made by calling (520) 733-5153. Wheelchair accessible.
September 16 2:00 p.m. Sharing the Desert's Stories Activity
September 19 10:00a.m.
Children 5 to 10 years of age and parents are invited to come join us in the visitor center auditorium as we bring some of the Sonoran Desert;'s stories to life. This month's theme will be The Desert Night Sky. Reservations are recommended and can be made by calling (520)733-5153. Wheelchair accessible.
September 19 3:00p.m. Celebrate International Observe the Moon Night Presentation
Join with sky observers all over the world to celebrate our nearest neighbor in space -- Earth's Moon! Casual telescope viewing of the moon and sun will take place at the Visitor Center from 3 to 6in the afternoon. After dark, more scopes, binoculars, and family-friendly activities will add to the "luna-cy." No reservations required. Wheelchair accessible.
September 25 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
Source: U.S. Department of the Interior, National Park Service
