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## Saguaro National Park News Release

*For Immediate Release*

April 20, 2007

Contacts: Saguaro East - Melanie Florez (520) 733-5153

Saguaro West - Richard Hill (520) 733-5158

**May 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 districts. There is no charge for
interpretive programs, but park entrance fees apply.

**[Special Programs offered at the Tucson Mountain District (Saguaro
West) include:]{.underline}**

**May 5 6:00 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. Meet at the Red Hills Visitor Center, located at
2700 North Kinney Road. 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, sun protection,
binoculars and bird guides if you have them. The walk usually lasts two
hours. For more information call 733-5158.

**May 18 1:00 - 4:30 p.m**. **Science Symposium**

Nine researchers who have worked in Saguaro National Park will present
short summaries of their work during this afternoon gathering. Topics
include saguaros, bobcats, bats, historic structures built by the
Civilian Conservation Corps in the 1930s, the Tohono O'odham saguaro
fruit harvest, and others. The program will be held in the auditorium of
the Red Hills Visitor Center at 2700 North Kinney Road. Refreshments
will be served during a mid-afternoon break. Advance reservations are
recommended, and may be made by calling 733-5158.

**May 18 6:00 p.m. Twilight Hike**

The hike is considered easy, on relatively flat terrain. The first half
of the hike is up a sandy wash. After sunset the group will return on a
trail in the fading daylight. The hike is about 2 miles in length and
takes about two hours. As space is limited, advance reservations are
required and can be made by calling the visitor center at 733-5158.

**May 19 3:00 p.m. Skunks of Saguaro NP: Who are they and where are they
going?**

Did you know we have four different species of skunks in southeastern
Arizona? Come learn about who they are, where they live, their
interactions with us, and their ability to travel long distances across
the desert! Presented by Mags Rheude, he is a graduate student at the
University of Arizona studying skunks and their migration abilities in
southeastern Arizona, including Saguaro National Park. Come learn about
these fascinating and stinky creatures!

**May 25 6:00 p.m. Twilight Hike**

The hike is considered easy, on relatively flat terrain. The first half
of the hike is up a sandy wash. After sunset the group will return on a
trail in the fading daylight. The hike is about 2 miles in length and
takes about two hours. As space is limited, advance reservations are
required and can be made by calling the visitor center at 733-5158.

-more-

**[Special Programs offered at the Rincon Mountain District (Saguaro
East) include:]{.underline}**

**May 11 1:00 - 4:30 p.m**. **Science Symposium**

Nine researchers who have worked in Saguaro National Park will present
short summaries of their work during this afternoon gathering. Topics
include plant and animal inventories, saguaros, frogs and birds using
riparian habitats, desert tortoises, tree squirrels, and others. The
program will be held in the Great Room at the Academy Village Community
Center, 13701 East Old Spanish Trail. Refreshments will be served during
a mid-afternoon break. Advance reservations are recommended and may be
made by calling 733-5153.

**May 11 7:00 p.m. Night Walk**

This easy, two-hour walk provides opportunities to explore the desert at
night. Wear comfortable walking shoes and bring water and a flashlight.
As space is limited, advance reservations are required and can be made
by calling the visitor center at 733-5153.

**May 17 7:00 p.m. History of the Rincon's**

Join cultural landscape historian Robin Pinto in the visitor center
auditorium for a trip back in time to meet the early settlers of the
Rincon Valley and Tanque Verde areas. Advance reservations are
recommended, and can be made by calling (520) 733-5153.

**May 19 7:30 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 reservations are required, and can be
made by calling the visitor center at 733-5153.

**May 25 7:00 p.m. Night Walk**

This easy, two-hour walk provides opportunities to explore the desert at
night. Wear comfortable walking shoes and bring water and a flashlight.
As space is limited, advance reservations are required and can be made
by calling the visitor center at 733-5153.

**[Visitor Center Locations/Phone Numbers]{.underline}**

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

For more information about Saguaro National Park and some of its
partners, Friends of Saguaro National Park and the Western National
Parks Association, visit these websites:

[www.nps.gov/sagu](http://www.nps.gov/sagu).

[www.friendsofsaguaro.org](http://www.friendsofsaguaro.org/)

[www.wnpa.org](http://www.wnpa.org/)

07-19