Saguaro National Park News Release
July 2017
Contacts: Saguaro West - Richard Hill (520) 733-5158, 2700 N. Kinney Rd.
Saguaro East - Melanie Florez (520) 733-5151, 3693 S. Old Spanish Trail
Saguaro National Park July Program Schedule
Saguaro National Park is offering a variety of walks 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 District), 2700 N. Kinney Rd.:
July 5, 12, 19, 26 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
July 7, 14, 21, 28 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 pushups or exhibit other odd behaviors. Wheelchair accessible
July 6, 13, 20, 27 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 2, 9, 16, 23, 30 3:15 p.m. Cooking With Prickly Pear Talk: 30 minutes
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 sweet treat! Wheelchair accessible
July 6, 13, 20 27 11:15 a.m. also July 1, 8, 15, 22, 29 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
July 4, 11, 18, 25 3:15 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
July 11 10:15 a.m. also July 4, 11 2:15 p.m. What is the Reason for the Saguaro Fruit Harvest? Talk: 30 min
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 26, 28, 29 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
Naturalist Programs at the Rincon Mountain District (East, 3693 S. Old Spanish Trail):
July 1 & 22 1:00 p.m. A Sticky Situation at Saguaro Presentation
July 12 11:00 a.m.
Here at Saguaro National Park East we have over thirty species of cacti and each is beautiful in its own way. Finding them all is hard, but we will look at them in a stunning photo gallery and learn a few uses these plants have for those living here and beyond. Wheelchair accessible
July 1, 8, 15, 22, 29 2:00 p.m. The Second Hundred Years Presentation
Join us for a look at more than a hundred years of park history as we contemplate a new century of protection by your National Park Service.
July 2, 9, 16, 23, 30 2:00 p.m. The Changing Cactus Forest Presentation
Our Cactus Forest has changed greatly over the years - and change is coming even faster now. See what our grandparents saw, and think about what our grandchildren might see.
July 5, 11, 12, 25, 26 10:00 a.m. Monsoon Rains in the Desert Easy Walk
Join a park naturalist to learn the vital role monsoon rains play in the lives of Sonoran Desert plants, animals and humans. Wheelchair accessible
July 5 & 26 11:00 a.m. Flash, Whoosh, Gush &Growth: Monsoons Presentation
July 15 1:00 p.m.
The summer heat and humidity bring the mighty and sometimes destructive monsoon rain. Saguaros, toads, and others depend on these drenching afternoons to begin a new season of life in the dry desert. A fabulous video opens this theater presentation. Wheelchair accessible
July 5, 11, 12, 25, 26 2:00 p.m. Exploring the Saguaro Wilderness Presentation
Saguaro National Park includes over 70,000 acres of wilderness within its boundaries. Explore what’s “up there" with a park naturalist. Wheelchair accessible
July 6, 13, 20 2:00 p.m. Yesterday, Today and Saguaro Presentation
Climate change has come to the National Parks. Let’s discuss what’s happening today, and learn about a specific threat to our Sonoran desert and the Saguaro cactus.
July 7, 14, 21, 28 2:00 p.m. Fifty States, Fifty Parks Presentation
From Yellowstone to Lady Liberty … and 48 places in-between! We’ll celebrate your National Park System and help you find a nearby park.
July 8 & 29 1:00 p.m. The Point of the Matter is Cactus Presentation
July 19 11:00 a.m.
Cacti are much more than strange plants with spines. They are uniquely equipped to thrive in the desert environment, and every year bloom with spectacular flowers. This theater presentation will highlight these survival marvels with a beautiful photo gallery. Wheelchair accessible
July 8 7:00 p.m. Full Moon Hike 2-mile, 2-hour Guided Hike
Explore the Sights and Sounds of the Sonoran Desert as it comes to life under the full moon. Wear sturdy walking shoes and bring water and a flashlight. Reservations are required and can be made by calling (520) 733-5153.
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
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
