Houghton Neighborhood Association

Saguaro National Park

News Release

Saguaro National Park News Release

For Immediate Release
February 23, 2006
Contacts: Saguaro East - Melanie Florez (520) 733-5153
Saguaro West - Richard Hill (520) 733-5158

March Programs Offered at Saguaro National Park

Saguaro National Park is offering a series of programs this spring that will explore the wonderful natural and cultural history of the park. Spring’s temperatures make it a perfect time to take in a special lecture or join a walk presented by park naturalists and local experts. Programs will be offered in both the park’s west and east district. There is no charge for interpretive programs, but park entrance fees apply.


Special Programs offered at the Tucson Mountain District (Saguaro WEST) include:

March 4 7:30 a.m. Bird Walk
Join birding guide John Higgins on an early morning walk to see some of the twenty five species of birds that are year-round residents of Saguaro National Park. You may also see some of the “snowbirds;” various raptors and sparrows that visit the area during the winter months. After meeting at the Red Hills Visitor Center, the group will caravan to several nearby locations. The walking is easy, on flat but dirt and rocky trails. Persons of all ages, with or without bird watching experience, are welcome. Participants are encouraged to bring water and sun protection, as well as binoculars and bird guides if you have them. The walk usually lasts 2 hours. For more call 733-5158.

March 10 3:00 p.m. Wasson Peak Moon Hike
This 8 mile round-trip hike climbs 1700 feet to the highest point in the Tucson Mountains, arriving just in time to enjoy the 360 degree view of the sunset. The descent of the trail is solely under the light of the moon. The hike is at an easy pace, but is considered somewhat difficult due to rough terrain and hiking after dark. The hike takes 6½ to 7 hours. Advanced reservations are required, and can be made by calling 733-5158.

March 11 4:15 p.m. Sunset Hike
This hike climbs 700 feet to a ridgeline for the sunset, and descends the trail solely under the light of the moon. The hike takes approximately 3½ to 4 hours, and is 3½ miles in length. Advanced reservations are required, and can be made by calling 733-5158.

March 12 5:00 p.m. “Moon Take Night Make Day” Hike
This gentle, relatively flat 2½ mile hike, travels up a desert wash during the transition from day to night. The hike takes approximately 3 hours. Reservations are required, and can be made by calling 733-5158.

March 13 7:15 p.m. "Moonrise Over the Mountains" Patio Talk
This campfire style talk on the patio of the Red Hills Visitor Center allows a relaxing view of the full moon, as it rises above the cactus forest. No reservation is needed, but a lawn chair is desirable.

March 22 6:00 p.m. “Eating the Desert”
Cheri Romanoskie (founder of Cheri’s Desert Harvest) and Carolyn Niethammer (author of several cookbooks that use edible wild plants) team up to provide an interesting and tasteful evening program at the Red Hills Visitor Center on edible desert plants. Participants will have an opportunity to taste jellies, marmalades, honey and candy made from prickly pear cactus. There will also be a demonstration in the preparation of nopales (prickly pear pads) for use in salsa recipes, and delicious onion jam using prickly pear syrup. Ms. Niethammer will also be available to sign copies of her books after the program.

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Special Programs offered at the Rincon Mountain District (Saguaro EAST) include:

March 1 9:00 a.m. Desert Morning Hikes
Join a park naturalist for a three-hour hike exploring the wonders of Saguaro National Park. This guided hike is offered on Tuesdays, Wednesday and Thursdays in March. Reservations are not required.

March 3 7:00 p.m. Night walk
This easy, two-hour walk provides opportunities for exploring the desert at night. Wear comfortable walking shoes and bring water and a flashlight. This walk will also be offered on March 17th and March 31stat 7:00 pm. As group size is limited, advanced reservations are required and can be made by calling 733-5153.

March 7 9:00 a.m. Desert Bird Walk
Join a park naturalist for this easy 2-hour walk in search of desert birds. Bring your own binoculars and field guides. This program will also be offered on March 14, 21 and 28. Reservations are not required.

March 10 2:30 p.m. Sunset/Moonrise Hike
This strenuous seven hour, seven-mile hike climbs 1100’ into the Rincon Mountains. As group size is limited, advanced reservations are required and can be made by calling 733-5153. Participants will be mailed specific information about the program and what equipment or clothing to bring.

March 11 10:00 a.m. Sketching the Desert
This program introduces participants to the basics of capturing the desert’s beauty on paper along an easy trail. All sketching materials are provided. This program will also be offered on March 25th at 10:00 am. As group size is limited, advanced reservations are required and can be made by calling 733-5153.

March 14 7:00 p.m. “The Saguaro National Park Experience”
Join Student Conservation Association intern Josh Boles at the Rincon Mountain Visitor Center as he takes you on an E-ticket ride through the backcountry of Saguaro National Park. As group size is limited, advanced reservations are required and can be made by calling 733-5153.

March 22 7:00 p.m. “Petroglyphs & Pueblos - Exploring the Deep Past in Our Parks”
All across the west we find lonely remains of “those who’ve gone before.” Join park ranger Jeff Wallner for a journey from the Sonoran Desert to the Four Corners region in search of these ancient sites. As group size is limited, advanced reservations are required and can be made by calling 733-5153.

March 24 7:00 p.m. Star Party
Join a park naturalist for an introduction to astronomy and a look at the desert night sky. Telescopes and binoculars will be available. As group size is limited, advanced reservations are required and can be made by calling 733-5153.

March 28 7:00 p.m. “Much ado about Night Sky Pollution”
To see or not to see, that is the question. What can the average person do to save the night sky? Join Josh Boles for this Shakespearian styled program and learn about the causes and effects of night pollution, and what you can do about it. As group size is limited, advanced reservations are required and can be made by calling 733-5153.


Daily Programs

Both districts of Saguaro National Park also offer a daily schedule of naturalist programs, ranging from slide presentations to garden strolls, to 4-mile desert hikes. Contact either visitor center for current schedules.

Red Hills Visitor Center (Saguaro West) Rincon Mountain Visitor Center (Saguaro East)
2700 North Kinney Road 3693 South Old Spanish Trail
(520) 733-5158 (520) 733-5153



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