Saguaro

Saguaro Saguaro National Monument Arizona ._ National Park Service U.S. Department of the Interior Official Map and Guide commonly climb above 100° F. Less than 12 inches of rain fall in a typical year. Between the summer and winter rainy seasons it is not unusual for months to pass without a drop of rain. The plants and animals able to survive in this environment, with adaptations specially designed for desert survival, make up one of the most interesting and unusual collections of life in the United States. This world awaits you in the desert plains, mountains, and foothills of Saguaro National Monument. The saguaro has been described as the monarch of the Sonoran Desert, as a prickly horror, as the supreme symbol of the American Southwest, and as a plant with personality. It is renowned for the variety of odd, all-too-human shapes it assumes, shapes that inspire wild and fanciful imaginings. Since 1933 this extraordinary giant cactus has been protected within Saguaro National Monument. Preserved along with it are many of the other members of the Sonoran Desert community—the other cacti, the desert trees and shrubs, and the animals. In lushness and variety of life, the Sonoran Desert far surpasses all other North American deserts. And yet, paradoxically, it is one of the hottest and driest regions on the continent. Summer midday temperatures quite ^2v:^J& For centuries peoples of the Sonoran Desert have used natural products of the saguaro. In the summer the saguaro provided a nourishing bounty of juicy, fig-like fruits. Native Papago Indians harvested them by knocking them off the tall cacti with long poles. From the fresh fruit the Papagos made jam, syrup, and, for their religious ceremonies, wine. So important was the fruit to the Papagos that the season of its harvest marked the beginning of their new year. The saguaro also provided seeds for the Papagos, and their chickens, to eat, and strong woody ribs— which the plant uses to support its huge w e i g h t to build shelters and fences. Many features assist the saguaro in storing and conserving that most precious of desert commodities—water. Accordionlike pleats allow the saguaro to expand and hold water collected through the roots. Spongy flesh in the trunk and branches serves as a reservoir where water is stored as a slow-to-evaporate gelatin-like substance. Unlike most plants, the saguaro has no conventional leaves, which would transpire large amounts of water. The food-making process of photosynthesis normally carried out by green leaves is performed in the trunkandbranches.Spines discourage animals from taking the cactus' moisture, shade the plant, and' shield it from drying winds. Waxy skin aids in reducing moisture los. The saguaro collects water with an efficient network of roots that lies within three feet of the surface and stretches as far as 100 feet in every direction. In a single rain,' fall, these shallow roots— i along with special small A variety of plants lives in the Sonoran Desert with the saguaro. There are more than 50 types of cacti, including (1) hedgehog cactus, (2) barrel cactus, (3) fishhook cactus, (4) teddybear cholla, and (5) pricklypear, which all, like the saguaro, are adapted to extreme heat and drought. There is (6) creosotebush, the most widespread of root hairs that grow in response to m o i s t u r e may soak up as much as 200 gallons of water, enough to last the saguaro a year. after a rainstorm only to drop them as moisture disappears, grows here, too, as does the paloverde (shown above with a young saguaro), with its small moisture-saving leaves. Annual flowers, such as the (9) desertmarigold, bloom in spring or summer when conditions are right. Although the desert community I predominates inSaguaroS nil Mnrth Arporirsm Hocort Matinnaj MrinnrpQnt plants, and (7) mesquite, a common desert tree. The(8)ocotillo, which sprouts leaves within days woodlands and forests grow on higher mountain slopes. itself night after night for about four weeks until as many as one hundred flowers have appeared on each saguaro. In the few hours the flowers are open a variety of flying animals will have succeeded in pollinating many of them. Whitewinged doves (shown above) and longnose bats —both summer migrants from Mexico—honeybees, and moths accidentally become powdered with sticky pollen as they feed on the sweet nectar inside the flower. As they travel from flower to flower, they transport the pollen, fertilizing as they go. In June and July the saguaro s fruit ripens. The sugary pulp of each fruit contains as many as 2,000 seeds. Javelinas, coyotes, foxes, squirrels and other rodents, harvester ants, and many birds feast on the fruit and seeds. i ne saguaro is like a muitistoried apartment complex: many animals live in close quarters and the occupants change constantly. Two common residents are the (10) Gila woodpecker and (11) gilded flicker. These birds dwell in nest holes they excavate in the trunk and larger branches of saguaros. The birds make new nest holes each spring, and they often make and reject several cavities in one nesting season before settling in one and raising a tamny. i n e i r i n dustriousness leaves many holes for other animals, who are quick to move in. The birds who compete for the homes include (12) sparrow hawks, (13) Lucy's warblers, (14) cactus wrens, (15) Western kingbirds, (16) phainopeplas, elf owls (shown above), (17) screech owls, and (18) purple martins. (19) Honeybees also inhabit some holes. For residents, the holes are a retreat from desert temperature ex- tremes, vveil-msuiaiea oy thick walls, the holes are as much as 20°F cooler in summer and 20°F warmer in winter than outside. Other saguaro dwellers live not in holes but in bulky nests. These include (20) red-tailed hawks and (21) Harris hawks. Desert animals are well adapted to life in their demanding environment. Many avoid the heat of day by venturing out only at night. These nocturnal animals include the (22) cactus mouse and (23) Western diamondback rattlesnake. Other creatures restrict their activities to cooler morning and evening hours. (24) Gambel's quail, (25) roadrunners, and other birds feed at these times, as do many reptiles, including the (26) desert tortoise and (27) Gila monster. Animals who are out at midday have special adaptations for dissipating heat. One such animal, the jackrabbit (shown above), radiates heat from its oversized ears. Desert creatures also have ways of dealing with the acute shortage of water. During droughts (28) javelinas eat succulent pricklypear pads. The (29) kangaroo rat never needs to drink a drop of water, getting all it needs from seeds it eats. Some animals, like the (30) cactus wren, use desert plants to their advantage. This bird builds its nest in the spiny cholla, where its nestlings are well protected. The flowers of the saguaro—big, bold, and numerous—bloom and color the desert in late April, May, and June. Each blossom opens in the cool of night a few hours after sunset. By the next afternoon, the flower has wilted, the brief period of bloom ended. The spectacle repeats Color illustrations by Robert Hynes The Life of the Saquaro The Struggle For Survival Begins T h e saguaro b e g i n s its life as a shiny black s e e d no b i g g e r t h a n a p e r i o d on this page. B u t w h a t it lacks in size it m o r e t h a n m a k e s up f o r in n u m b e r s . O n e s a g u a r o p r o d u c e s tens of t h o u s a n d s of s e e d s in o n e year, and as m a n y as 4 0 m i l l i o n in a l i f e t i m e of 175 to 2 0 0 years. But f r o m t h e start t h e o d d s against survival are great. O u t of all t h e seeds that o n e s a g u a r o p r o d u c e s in its life, p r o b a b l y o n l y o n e will live t o a d u l t h o o d . Seeds and y o u n g saguaros have the best chance for survival if t h e y are "cared for" by nurse trees such as p a l o v e r d e and m e s q u i t e . S a g u a r o s e e d - lings that g r o w u n d e r t h e s e s h e l t e r i n g plants are s h a d e d f r o m the d e s e r t ' s i n t e n s e sunlight, blanketed from winter cold, and hidden from r o d e n t s , b i r d s , a n d o t h e r animals that eat t h e m . R o c k s p r o v i d e similar p r o t e c t i o n for y o u n g sag u a r o s . S a g u a r o s do best o n b a j a d a s — g e n t l y s l o p i n g o u t w a s h plains at t h e f o o t of d e s e r t mountains. Growth of a G r e e n Giant A s a g u a r o s g r o w t h is e x t r e m e l y slow. G r o w t h o c c u r s in spurts, w i t h most of it t a k i n g place in t h e s u m m e r rainy seas o n each year. By t h e e n d of a y e a r t h e saguaro s e e d l i n g m a y m e a s u r e o n l y % i n c h . After 15 years, t h e saguaro may be barely o n e f o o t tall. B y 5 0 years t h e saguaro can be as tall as s e v e n feet. After a b o u t 75 y e a r s it may s p r o u t its first b r a n c h e s , or "arms." T h e b r a n c h e s b e g i n as p r i c k l y balls, t h e n e x t e n d out and u p w a r d . T h i s is also t h e stage of life w h e n t h e saguaro b e g i n s to f l o w e r and p r o d u c e fruit a n d s e e d . B y 100 years, t h e s a g u a r o may have r e a c h e d 25 feet. S a g u a r o s that live 150 y e a r s or m o r e attain t h e g r a n d e s t sizes, t o w e r i n g as h i g h as 5 0 feet and w e i g h i n g 8 t o n s — a n d s o m e t i m e s m o r e — d w a r f i n g e v e r y o t h e r living t h i n g in t h e d e s e r t . T h e s e are the largest cacti in t h e U n i t e d States. Their h u g e bulk is s u p p o r t e d by a s t r o n g but f l e x i b l e c y l i n d e r - s h a p e d f r a m e w o r k of long w o o d y ribs. g r e a t l y o u t n u m b e r e d t h e g r o w t h of n e w y o u n g saguaros. W h a t has c a u s e d t h e d e c l i n e in t h e s e areas? Death . . . and Rebirth Saguaros may d i e of o l d age, but t h e y also d i e of o t h e r causes. A n i m a l s eat t h e s e e d s a n d s e e d l i n g s , l i g h t n i n g and w i n d s kill large saguaros, and s e v e r e d r o u g h t s w e a k e n and kill all ages. The saguaro is v u l n e r a b l e d u r i n g e v e r y stage of its life. B i o l o g i s t s b e l i e v e k i l l i n g freezes are t h e n u m ber o n e c a u s e of s a g u a r o deaths in t h e park. T h e saguaros h e r e are at t h e e x t r e m e n o r t h e r n and eastern e d g e of their range, w h e r e t h e c o l d est winter t e m p e r a t u r e s most often occur. M a n , t o o , has p l a y e d a part in t h e d e c l i n e . L i v e s t o c k g r a z i n g , w h i c h c o n t i n u e d f r o m t h e 1 8 8 0 s until 1958, d e v a s t a t e d s o m e forests. M a n y s e e d lings w e r e k i l l e d o u t r i g h t by t r a m p l i n g or w e r e unable to f i n d s u i t a b l e places to g r o w b e c a u s e W h e r e t h e r e is a balance of life and d e a t h , saguaro forests t h r i v e . B u t in s o m e forests in S a g u a r o National M o n u m e n t d e a t h s have the g r o u n d had b e e n c o m p a c t e d and nurse trees killed. T o d a y , w i t h grazing e l i m i n a t e d , r e c o v e r y appears to be u n d e r w a y in several areas, w h e r e t h o u s a n d s of y o u n g saguaros h a v e t a k e n h o l d a n d are t h r i v i n g . Still, natural f o r c e s , v a n d a l i s m , and c a c t u s r u s t l i n g — t h e t h e f t of saguaros for use in l a n d s c a p i n g — c o n t i n u e to t a k e a toll o n t h e p a r k s s a g u a r o forests. Saguaro: A Park Guide Planning Your Visit Saguaro National Monument is one park divided into two sections—Saguaro West, to the west of Tucson, and Saguaro East, to the east. Each has places to obtain park information. Both have scenic drives, trails, and picnic areas. Neither have lodges or campgrounds. For detailed descriptions of what to see and do in each section, see "Touring Saguaro West" and "Touring Saguaro East" below. For more information write: Saguaro National Monument, 3693 South Old Spanish Trail, Tucson, AZ 857305699; or call (602) 883-6366 (Saguaro West) or (602) 296-8576 (Saguaro East). Saguaro's Desert Climate The desert season many people feel is "just right" is from October through April, when high temperatures are in the 60s and 70s°F. Nighttime temperatures during this time can fall below freezing. The hottest period is from May through September, when highs average in the 100s°F. Still, at night, temperatures drop by as much as 30°F, and high in the Rincon Mountains it is cooler, too. Rainy seasons occur twice a year—in short but violent thunderstorms between July and September and in gentle rains from November to March. Otherwise, sunshine prevails. Saguaro West For Your Safety Hiking and other strenuous activities in extreme heat can be hazardous. Pace yourself and rest often. Carry water (at least one gallon per person per day is recommended) and drink even when you don't feel thirsty. • Beware of painful close encounters with cacti and other prickly plants. Be especially careful nearcholla cactus spines, which, with just the slightest touch, can become embedded in your skin. If a cactus joint attaches itself, use two sticks, a pocket comb, or other object as a lever to flip it away. • The park is a sanctuary for living things. Leave plants and animals undisturbed. To avoid encountering poisonous rattlesnakes, Saguaro National Monument Arizona scorpions, or Gila monsters, carry a flashlight at night and avoid putting your hands and feet under rocks or in other hidden places. All types of weapons are prohibited. • During thunderstorms both lightning and flash floods pose threats. Avoid open and low-lying areas. • Park roads are designed for sightseeing. Obey speed limits. Driving off the road is prohibited • Pets must be leashed at all times. They are not allowed on trails. National Park Service U.S. Department of the Interior The Park Saguaro National Monument consists of two sections, Saguaro West and Saguaro East. The two areas, separated by the city of Tucson, are about 25 miles apart. Together Saguaro West and the much larger Saguaro East (both shown below in more detail) preserve 83,576 acres of the life and landscape of the Sonoran Desert, including the park's namesake, the saguaro. Saguaro East Persons planning to hike or ride a horse on the longer park trails should carry a topographic map. Touring Saguaro East Touring Saguaro West Saguaro West, also known as the Tucson Mountain Unit, embraces a wide variety of Sonoran Desert life against the backdrop ot the rugged Tucson Mountains. It is open 24 hours a day. Information Center The Red Hills Information Center has brochures, books, maps, trail and drive guides, exhibits, and rangers who can discuss plans and interests with you. Schedules of park activities, which include half-day guided hikes, nature walks, and talks, are posted. Most activities are conducted from December through April. ert Discovery Nature Trail loops )4 mile along the gently sloping bajadas at the foot of the Tucson Mountains. Another short trail, the Valley View Overlook Trail, is a )4-mile roundtrip with spectacular views of mountains-and-plains scenery and extensive saguaro forests. Longer trails penetrate the wild country of the Tucson Mountains and their foothills. Because these trails intersect one another, you can make your hike as long or short as desired. Horseback riding is permitted on all trails. It is recommended that you stay on trails; abandoned mine shafts make off-trail exploration hazardous. Camping is not permitted. Scenic Drive The 6-mile Bajada Loop Drive passes through dense saguaro forests. This graded dirt road begins 1)4 miles from the information center. A guidebook is available. Persons with motorhomes or trailers should check road conditions before starting the drive. Picnic Areas Four picnic areas are located along park roads. A fifth, in the backcountry, can be reached only by trail. All trash must be packed out of this site. Each area has tables, grills, shade ramadas, and pit toilets. Trails A hike in Saguaro West can be a stroll on a nature trail or a day-long wilderness trek. Within J4 mile of the information center are two nature trails. The Cactus Garden Trail, located at the center, follows a level paved walkway through a collection of desert plants. The Des- Nearby Places of Interest Located south of Saguaro West, the Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum has a live collection of about 200 desert animals and 300 kinds of plants. Also to the south is Tucson Mountain County Park, which has hiking and horse trails and a campground. Saguaro East, also called the Rincon Mountain Unit, encompasses an aging saguaro forest at the foot of the majestic Rincon Mountains, as well as an exceptional variety of other desert communities. It is open daily. Trails More than 75 miles of trails wind through the desert-and-mountain country of Saguaro East. Short hikes will introduce you to both the plant and animal life of the Sonoran Desert. The %-mile-long paved Desert Ecology Trail, dependable. Each person should carry at least one gallon of water per day. iSffiBfifiWiSiSiMlmiffiiiEB Because many ot the trails of Saguaro East intersect one another, trips of varying length can be planned. Horseback riding is permitted on all trails except the Tanque Verde Ridge Trail and the Rincon Peak Trail. Some steep, rocky trails are not recommended for horses; ask at the visitor center for more information. Before hiking or horseback riding into the Rincon Mountains, check with a park ranger on trail conditions. In Saguaro National Monument several desert plant communities grow from the hot. dry desert lowlands to the cooler, moister mountain peaks. In Saguaro West, lowland communities of desert scrub—where the saguaro appears in exceptionally fine stands—and desert grasslands occur. Saguaro East, with its wider range of elevations, has all the communities shown here. This area has one of the most diverse assortments of plants in the Southwest. Visitor Center At the visitor center, you will find books, brochures, maps, trail and drive guides, exhibits, and a slide program about the saguaro and the Sonoran Desert. Rangers are available if you have questions about what to see and do. Schedules of ranger-guided walks and other park activities that are offered in the winter are posted. The center is open daily. Scenic Drive The 8-mile-long Cactus Forest Drive winds through the heart of an extensive saguaro forest and offers a close leisurely look at a variety of Sonoran Desert life. This oneway road, which begins at the visitor center, is paved. A guidebook is available. Another essential item is drinking water because sources of water in the desert are scarce and un- Elevations (in feet) located along Cactus Forest Drive, is a brief exploration of the desert's diversity. Wayside exhibits are located along the trail. Many other trails along the scenic drive are suitable for short hikes into the nearly pristine desert environment of this area. For information on these trails, stop at the visitor center. Several longer hiking trails penetrate the vast wilderness of the Rincon Mountains and their foothills. This is a part of the park few people experience, because it is accessible only by foot or on horseback. It is quite unlike the lowland cactus deserts, in the Rincon Mountains, woodlands of scrub oak and pine and forests of ponderosa pine and Douglas-fir similar to those of the northern United States and southern Canada prevail. Backcountry camping is allowed, but only at designated sites. Backcountry use permits must be obtained at the visitor center in advance of an overnight trip. Picnic Areas There are two picnic areas in Saguaro East, both located along Cactus Forest Drive. Each has picnic tables, fire grills, pit toilets, and shade ramadas. They do not have drinking water. Nearby Places of Interest Coronado National Forest, which surrounds Saguaro East on the north, east, and south, has campgrounds, hiking trails, and picnic areas. V7GPO 1989-242-345/80137