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What's Going On At Saguaro National Park This Month?

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Curious about what you can do at Saguaro National Park in Arizona this month? Check out the following list of events.

Naturalist Programs at Tucson Mountain District (West, 2700 N. Kinney Road):

* Jan. 12, 4 p.m. Twilight Glow To Moon Shadows Hike: 3½ hours, 2½ miles roundtrip.

This easy hike bridges sunset and darkness. Hikers will experience the desert both in the twilight glow and in moon shadows. Reservations required; 520-733-5158

* Jan. 13 3:30 p.m. Sunset Hike Hike: 3 ¾ hours, 3 ½ miles roundtrip

This moderate hike gains 700 feet with most of the elevation change in switchbacks near the ridgeline. Hikers will watch the sunset before descending under moonlight. Reservations required; 520-733-5158

* Jan. 14 4:15 p.m. Moon Take Night, Make Day Hike: 3 hours, 2 ½ miles roundtrip

Visitors will enjoy the sunset before returning in the moonlight. This hike is considered easy but includes a few high-stepping rocky outcroppings in the wash. Reservations required; 520-733-5158

* Jan. 15 6 p.m. Moonrise Over The Mountain Campfire Talk: 45 minutes

Listen to music as you view the full moon rising over the mountains at the Red Hills Visitor center. Bring a lawn chair and warm clothing to enjoy this campfire program. No reservations required.

* Jan. 18, 19, 26 11:45 a.m. Neighborhood Characters Walk: 40 minutes, 100 yards

An easy morning walk in the Cactus Garden will bring visitors face to thorns with plants that remind them of people they know, including “Bill Gates.” Wheelchair accessible.

* Jan. 15, 22, 29 1:15 p.m. Against All Odds Talk: 30 minutes

A saguaro might produce 40 million seeds in its lifetime, but only one or two seedlings will survive into maturity.

Discover how the “deck is stacked” against their survival and what conditions are needed for growth into the majestic icon of the desert. Wheelchair accessible.

* Jan. 16, 23, 30 2:15 p.m. Geology of the Tucson Mountains Talk: 45 minutes

The Tucson Mountains used to be part of the Santa Catalinas. A geologist explains how they separated and what is shaping the Tucson Mountains today. Wheelchair accessible.

* Jan. 13, 20, 27 2:15 p.m. Puma: Predator, Prey, and Peril Talk: 45 minutes

Often called puma, cougar, or mountain lion, discover the true nature of this secretive, nocturnal and elusive predator. Explore the threats that this creature faces as it struggles to survive within an ever shrinking habitat. Wheelchair accessible.

* Jan. 21 10:45 a.m. Adaptations: Recipe for Survival 100-yard Walk

Take a walk in our Cactus Garden to discover some physical and behavioral adaptations of desert plants.

* Jan. 21 11:45 a.m. Life Cycle of the Saguaro: Seed to Giant Walk: 45 minutes, 100 yards

Hear some astonishing reasons about why so few Saguaro seeds make it to fruition.

Naturalist Programs at the Rincon Mountain District (East, 3693 S. Old Spanish Trail):

* January 17, 24, 31 1:30 p.m. Ranger’s Choice/Visitor’s Choice 1.5 mile Guided Walk

Here’s your chance to take a walk with a ranger with twenty years’ experience in the Sonoran Desert. Bring your favorite question or topic, or just enjoy the best stories of the day: wildlife, wildflowers, or wilderness, as the weather and the seasons change. Sturdy shoes and water are recommended.

* January 10, 17, 24, 31 3 p.m. History is a Work in Progress Presentation

Join us in the visitor center auditorium to explore the almost forgotten names of people and places from the late 1800s in the area of the Rincon Mountains. Wheelchair accessible.

* January 11, 25 2 p.m. Wilderness Ramble 1 mile Guided Walk

Here’s your chance to take a walk with a ranger with twenty years’ experience in the Sonoran Desert. Bring your favorite question or topic, or just enjoy the best stories of the day: wildlife, wildflowers, or wilderness, as the weather permits and the seasons change. Sturdy shoes and water are recommended.

* January 19, 26 8:30 a.m. Desert Bird Walk 1 mile Guided Walk

Join volunteer naturalist Vicki Powers for an easy 2-hour walk in search of desert birds. Wear comfortable walking shoes and bring water.

* January 12, 19, 26 10:00 a.m. The GIANT Cactus ¾ mile Guided Walk

Saguaro National Park is famous for its gigantic saguaros. Still, you have to know where to look to find a real giant among giants. The best way is to join a ranger for a walk along a desert wash for a lesson in trees of the desert and a look at the only tree-like cactus in the U.S. You’ll be surprised by the size! Sturdy shoes and water are recommended.

* January 12, 19, 26 2 p.m. Walk with the Past 1 mile Guided Walk

Join park staff as we step into the past to learn about the lives of the prehistoric Hohokam. Sturdy shoes and water are recommended.

* January 14, 21, 28 2 p.m. Reptiles & Amphibians of the Sonoran Desert Illustrated Talk

Join volunteer naturalist Bob Brandner for this 30-minute presentation to discover the fascinating world of reptiles and amphibians. Wheelchair accessible.

* January 15, 22, 29 1 p.m. The Saguaro Nursery ½ mile Guided Walk

The reports of the saguaro’s demise were greatly exaggerated! Take a stroll along a trail to see the next generation of young saguaros and the gradual renewal of the “Cactus Forest”

* January 24 7 p.m. Night Walk 1 mile Guided Walk

Join a park naturalist for this easy two-hour hike to explore and experience the Sonoran Desert at night. Dress for the weather, wear comfortable walking shoes, and bring water and a flashlight. As space is limited, advanced reservations are required, and can be made by calling 520-733-5153

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