Saguaro National Park News Release 19-22
June 2019
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.
June 6, 8, 13, 20, 22, 27, 29 11:15 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
June 3, 10, 11, 17, 18 2:15 p.m. Marvelous Mimicry Talk: 30 minutes
Not all is as it appears… Come learn all about the optical illusion that is mimicry and adaptation, of which has helped shape some of the life in the Sonoran Desert! Wheelchair accessible
June 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
June 19, 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 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. This program will show you how to collect and prepare prickly pear. Prepare for a sweet treat! Wheelchair accessible
June 4, 18, 11:15 a.m. Life Cycle of the Saguaro: Seed to Giant Talk: 45 minutes
Hear some astonishing reasons about why so few Saguaro seeds make it to fruition. Wheelchair accessible.
June 22 10:15 a.m. Scorpions of the Tucson Mountains and Avra Valley Talk: 45 minutes
Larry will share information on scorpions of the area, including the results of his three years of study. Also, he will discuss precautions and what to do if stung. No reservations necessary.
June 22 8:30 p.m. Scorpions of the Tucson Mountains and Avra Valley Field Trip Walk: 2 ½ hours
We will target scorpions, but we will also look for native snakes. Bring flashlight/headlamp, black light, (if you have them), close-focus binoculars, boots, water, camera, and cell phone. Meet at Red Hills Visitor Center. Reservations required; 733-5158
Naturalist Programs at the Rincon Mountain District (East, 3693 S. Old Spanish Trail):
June 1, 8, 15, 22, 29 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 3, 24 11:00 pam. It Takes a Community to Raise a Saguaro Presentation
Come explore the life of a saguaro, from seed to death, in this 30-minute presentation, Discover how the saguaro and other desert life are closely connected. Accessible Program
June 3, 24 2:00 p.m. Adventures of Thelma the Tortoise Presentation
Go on a fantastic trip across the Sonoran Desert with one adventurous tortoise who called Saguaro National park her home - until she set her eye on farther horizons! Accessible Program
June 5, 26 2:00 p.m. What’s New at Saguaro NP? Presentation
Saguaro National Park is best known for its variety of cactus, including the Giant Saguaro. Join park staff in the visitor center theater to take a look at the Rincon Mountains and the new plant species recently discovered up there. Accessible Program
June 22, 25 10:00 a.m. Desert Botany 101 Presentation
Join a park naturalist for a stroll through our Cactus Garden and learn the basics of desert botany. Accessible Program
June 22 2:00 p.m. Meet the Saguaro Garden Walk
June 30 11:00 a.m.
Get to know the world’s most famous cactus - and learn its fascinating life story in this place where we “celebrate saguaros"! Accessible Program
June 23 11:00 a.m. Is it a Cactus or A … sparagus? Garden Walk
We all know a cactus when we see it, right? Maybe not! Find out how our two families of spiny succulent plants are the same, but different. Accessible program.
June 26 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
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
Source: U.S. Department of the Interior, National Park Service
