Houghton Neighborhood Association

Saguaro National Park News Release

April Programs Offered at Saguaro National Park

Saguaro National Park News Release

For Immediate Release
March 27, 2006
Contacts: Saguaro East - Melanie Florez (520) 733-5153
Saguaro West - Richard Hill (520) 733-5158


April 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 at both the park’s west and east districts. There is no charge for interpretive programs, but park entrance fees apply.

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

April 1 6:30 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. After meeting at the Red Hills Visitor Center, the group will caravan to several nearby locations. The walking is considered 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 information call 733-5158.

April 6 6:00 p.m. “Two Years Under Glass: Life In the Biosphere”
Dr. Linda Leigh is one of the original designers and builders of the wilderness biomes of Biosphere 2. She traveled to rainforests, savannahs, oceans and deserts of the world to collect the plants and animals for the glass structure that would be her home from 1991 through 1993. Come hear Dr. Leigh's slide-illustrated presentation describing the challenges of designing and building Biosphere from the bottom up, and the lessons learned from her two years of life under glass.

April 9 3:15 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. Advance registration is required; call 733-5158 to sign up.

April 10 4:30 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. Advance registration is required; call 733-5158 to sign up.

April 11 5:15 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. Advance registration is required; call 733-5158 to sign up.

April 13 7:30 p.m. "Moonrise Over the Mountains" Patio Talk
This campfire style talk on the patio of the Red Hills Visitor Center allows for a relaxing view of the full moon, as it rises above the cactus forest. Advance registration is not necessary, but a lawn chair is desirable.

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

April 3 7:00 p.m. “Birding 101”
From hats to habitat, wings to warbles, bills to binoculars, join Park Ranger Susan Keys in the visitor center auditorium to learn basic bird identification techniques, equipment and resources. Gain insight into the unique and enjoyable world of bird watching. This session is geared towards beginners and is held in a relaxed atmosphere.
Advance registration is recommended; call 733-5153 to sign up.

April 4 9:00 a.m. Desert Morning Hike
Join a park naturalist for a three-hour, 4-mile hike exploring the wonders of Saguaro National Park. This guided hike is offered on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays, through April 15.

April 4 9:00 a.m. Desert Bird Walk
Join a park naturalist for this easy 2-hour walk in search of desert birds. Bring your binoculars and field guides. This program will also be offered on April 11 and 18.

April 6 7:00 p.m. “On the Road to (and in) Saguaro National Park”
National Park Foundation Transportation Scholar Dick Schaffer will share the results of his study of the park’s roads and trails, and his recommendations for keeping these areas accessible to all. Meet in the visitor center auditorium. Advance registration is recommended; call 733-5153 to sign up.

April 8 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 April 22. As group size is limited, advance registration is required; call 733-5153 to sign up.

April 10 7:00 p.m. “Birding 102”
Participants will learn more advanced bird identification techniques. Join Park Ranger Susan Keys as the group focuses on difficult to identify bird species using class practice and additional resources. This is a great program for those who want to improve their birding skills. Meet in the visitor center auditorium. Advance registration is recommended; call 733-5153 to sign up.

April 14 7:00 p.m. Night Walk
This easy, 2-hour walk provides opportunities for exploring the desert at night. Wear comfortable walking shoes and bring water and a flashlight. This program will also be offered April 28. As space is limited, advanced registration is required; call 733-5153 to sign up.

April 21 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, advance registration is required; call 733-5153 to sign up.

April 27 7:00 p.m. “History-Mystery Evening: Celebrating National Parks Week”
The written story of the United States, from Christopher Columbus to September 11, can be explored in your National Park System. Join Park Ranger Jeff Wallner in the visitor center auditorium for this slide show with a twist. It’s a history quiz for all ages! Advance registration is recommended; call 733-5153 to sign up.


Daily Programs

Both districts of Saguaro National Park 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
Tucson, AZ 85743 Tucson, AZ 85730
(520) 733-5158 (520) 733-5153