Saguaro National Park News Release
June 2018
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 June 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 (520) 733-5158 for updates the day of the program.
In addition to the daily programs, the following longer special guided hikes are offered as listed below.
June. 6, 13, 20, 27 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
June. 1, 8, 15, 22, 29 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. 3, 10, 17, 24 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
June. 2, 7, 9, 14, 16, 21, 23, 28, 30 10:15 a.m. Living With GiantsTalk: 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
June. 5, 12, 19, 26, 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
June. 7, 14, 21, 28 11:15 a.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
June. 9, 23 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):
June 1, 15, 29 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
June 2, 9, 16, 23, 30 1:00 p.m. The Point of the Matter is Cactus Presentation
Cacti are uniquely equipped to thrive in the desert environment and every year bloom with spectacular flowers. We will look at the ones in Saguaro NP using a stunning photo gallery and learn a few of their uses for those living here and beyond. Accessible Program
June 8, 22 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
June 26 2:00 p.m. When It Rains, It Pours Presentation
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
June 26, 29 10:00 a.m. Desert Botany 101 Garden Walk
Join a park ecologist to discuss plant adaptations to life here in the desert. This is a short stroll in our cactus garden. Accessible program
June 27 7:00p.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. Sturdy walking shoes, water and a flashlight are recommended. Reservations are required. Call the Visitor Center at (520) 733-5153.
June 27 9:30 a.m. Showers of Saguaros Presentation
The majestic Saguaro depends on the billions of tiny raindrops shed by the mighty summer monsoon storms for its long-term survival. Accessible Program
June 30 10:00 a.m. Easy Being Green Garden Walk
In the desert, you’d think it’s not easy being green. But there are plants everywhere in the Sonoran desert! We’ll give you a model that shows how every plant survives in this land of little rain.Accessible program
Both visitor centers are open daily from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm, except Christmas Day.
Source: U.S. Department of the Interior, National Park Service
