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Dennis Begin
Saguaro National Park, AZ
Near Gates Pass in Saguaro West National Park
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Dennis Begin
Saguaro National Park, AZ
Cactus in Saguaro West National Park
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Dennis Begin
Saguaro National Park, AZ
Visitor Centre at Saguaro East National Park
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Dennis Begin
Saguaro National Park, AZ
Arms grow after 70 years
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Dennis Begin
Saguaro National Park, AZ
Cactus in Tortolita Mountains
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Patricia Talbot
Saguaro National Park, AZ
The Twins in Saguaro East National Park
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Dennis Begin
Saguaro National Park, AZ
Close up of the spines of a Saguaro cactus
Story & photos by Dennis Begin
The Saguaro Cactus or ‘carnegiea gigantea' is synonymous with Arizona and the bloom is the state flower. According to folklore, the local Tohono O'odham Native American people consider the cactus to be a spiritual member of their tribe because the saguaro resembles a man standing. Saguaro cacti grow in areas that are hilly, rocky, arid, and below 1220 m (4,000 ft), which are all descriptions that accurately describe the Sonoran Desert. The saguaro needs 30 cm (12 in) of precipitation per year, or approximately 750 litres, to survive. As a result, the saguaro grows very slowly, reaching up to 18 m (60 ft) in height and lives about 200 years. The arms start to grow around 70 years, but the plant does not reach maturity for 125 years. The saguaro is an interesting plant, although many people know very little about this ‘monarch of the desert.'
Some interesting facts include:
- The saguaro starts from a seed and can take 15 years to reach 30 cm (12 in) height.
- The young plant grows under the protection of larger plants like the Palo Verde.
- The pleats expand and contract to store and then use water. The plant's root system, equal to its height, must draw enough water to survive the dry summer heat.
- The reddish flower/fruit at the top can be eaten and be made into jams, jellies, and syrups.
- The black holes are called “saguaro boots” and are home to many, including the Gila Woodpecker and the Screech Owl.
- The inside or flesh of the cactus looks like a spongy melon, with a waxy outer skin that prevents moisture from evaporating.
- The saguaro cannot withstand temperatures below zero for extended periods as the plant freezes, the arms droop and then the plant dies.
- The pleats hold the spine or sharp needles, which protect the plant. - After the saguaro dies, the ribs can be used to make furniture.
- The saguaro is not an endangered species, but it is protected by law.
Two Parks
There were originally two Saguaro Parks, one in the Tucson Mountain District (West) and the second in the Rincon Mountain District (East). It was President Herbert Hoover who, in 1933, proclaimed Saguaro a National Monument. Both parks became projects of the CCC (Civilian Conservation Corporation) and were built during Roosevelt's New Deal in the 1930s. The parks were designated as wilderness areas, but open to the public for picnics, hiking, and some camping. In 1994, both parks were taken over by the US National Park Service.
Saguaro East
Saguaro National Park East is located in the foothills of the Rincon Mountains. The park has 14 km (8.3 miles) of paved road called Cactus Forest Drive, allowing touring of the park by car. Informational billboards and viewpoints (overlooks) can be found along the route. Some hiking trails include the Cactus North Trailhead, the Tanque Verde Ridge, and the Loma Verde Trailhead. The Visitor Center offers a fifteen-minute film about the park, as well as a naturalist-guided tour of the desert plants. There is an entrance fee for going into any US National Park.
Saguaro West
Saguaro National Park West is located just beyond the Tucson Mountains. Climbing up Gates Pass, the vast number of saguaro is just an indication of what lies ahead. The Red Hills Visitor Center offers exhibits, video, an observation deck and a gift shop. There is an 8 km (5 mi) paved road called Bajada Loop Drive. Close to the Visitor Center, hiking trails include the Cactus Garden Trail, the Desert Discovery Nature Trail, and the Valley View Overlook Trail. Signal Hill Trail leads to the Hohokam petroglyphs, where they left their visual history.
The objective of the US National Park Service is to preserve the ecology of the environment and stabilize the growth of the beautiful saguaro. Individuals can contribute by taking the time to visit and enjoy these wonderful parks.