Love wildflowers? Then consider heading to Saguaro National Park in Arizona early next month to help Tucson botanical experts perform a species inventory of blooming wildflowers in the national park.

The Wildflower mini-Blitz will be held on March 7, from 8 a.m. to 12 noon in both the Rincon Mountain District (east) and Tucson Mountain District (west). Reservations are required and spots are limited so don't wait, spaces are going fast! The event is free and park entrance fees are waived for all registered participants.

The strong winter rains promise to give the park one of the most stunning wildflower seasons in years. Participants will learn to identify wildflower species blooming in Saguaro National Park. In addition, they will have the opportunity to assist botanists by photographing wildflowers, finding flower species not yet recorded, and counting the number of flowering plants present along the trail.

There will be five botanist-led groups spread across the park's two districts, two in Rincon Mountain District and three in the Tucson Mountain District. Participants can choose which hike is best suited to their interests and ability. All hikes will require walking for four hours at a leisurely pace on unpaved paths.

Registration opened this past Saturday and closes on March 2. Reservations should be made by calling the Rincon Mountain Visitor Center at 520-733-5153, between the hours of 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., or you can e-mail the park.

If you are not able to join one of the inventory hikes, there will be wildflower themed programming offered at both visitor centers throughout the day, open to the general public included with park admission.