Saguaro National Park

by | Jan 14, 2011 | Arizona Trip 2010, Botany, Field Trips, Nature, Science | 3 comments

“S is for Saguaro (suh-WAHR-o), the cactus with branches like arms.
It can live for centuries in the desert. Sharp spines protect it from harm.”
~ G is for Grand Canyon : An Arizona Alphabet

Our last field trip, during our visit to Arizona this past November, was to the Saguaro National Park.

“Enormous cacti, silhouetted by the setting sun, for most of us the Giant Saguaro is the universal symbol of the American West. And yet, these majestic plants are only found in a small portion of the United States. Saguaro National Park protects some of the most impressive forests of these sub-tropical giants, on the edge of the modern City of Tucson.” ~ Saguaro National Park Website

When we arrived to the park, we headed to the visitors center to pick up activity booklets and check out discovery packs (containing a variety of tools to assist in completing the 12-20 page desert-themed workbooks) for the Junior Ranger Program.   Even though the program is geared towards children ages 5 and up, they were kind enough to let Snuggles participate as well!

Our next stop was the picnic area, where we ate lunch and got started with some of the assignments in the activity booklets. 

Hubby and the boys then went exploring (they were searching for a saguaro to study) while the girls and Snuggles stayed with me, close to the picnic area, observing all the wildlife.

We then all headed into the park, as “Desert Detectives,” searching for certain plants, animal tracks, nests or nibble marks on cactus, and other clues that animals leave behind.   We also had fun looking for, and identifying, some of the birds in the park including Gambel’s Quail, Cactus wrens, Red-Tailed Hawks, Cardinals and Turkey Vultures.  We even saw a couple Roadrunners! 

Twinkle Toes was very happy when she “finally” found an animal hole and was able to check it off her list!

It was so neat to see all the different cacti and even a few “skeletons.”

Hubby also took a picture of all of us next to the cactus we choose as our “family favorite:”

After completing the workbooks, and answering some question from a Park Ranger, all the children were awarded official Saguaro National Park Junior Ranger certificates and badges.

Well, with our late start in school this past fall, traveling in November, and then our Christmas break, we may not be as far along in this year’s science textbook as I would like, but I am thankful for all the extra learning opportunities our children have had this year! 
To follow up our field trip we’ve been doing a bit of reading and coloring:

America's Deserts: Guide to Plants and Animals Cactus Desert (One Small Square) Desert Giant: The World of the Saguaro Cactus (Tree Tales) Cactus Hotel (An Owlet Book)Deserts   Cactus Soup A Desert Scrapbook: Dawn to Dusk in the Sonoran Desert Cactus Cafe a Story of the Sonoran DesertThe Cactus Coloring Book (Colouring Books)

3 Comments

  1. PWadleigh

    I think it is great you visited a national park with your kids and participated in their junior ranger program! My husband and I LOVE the national parks and always take the kids whenever we can. At this point my oldest daughter (9) has 16 junior rangers badges/patches. She is so proud of them! I have no doubt that children develop a love of science, their country, and the natural world because of these programs. The national parks are such a treasure and source of beauty, thanks for sharing your photos!

    Reply
  2. fadfd

    This is one of the best ways to learn. Hands on science 🙂

    Reply
  3. Tammy

    Thanks for sharing about your trip. I will be in Tucson in a few weeks and will have to check this out. I also didn't know that children could earn ranger badges through the national parks. I think our family has a new vacation goal!

    Reply

Submit a Comment

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Prayer of Mothers

Father in heaven, grant me the grace to appreciate the dignity which you have conferred on me. Let me realize that not even the Angels have been blessed with such a privilege—to share in your creative miracle and bring new Saints to heaven. Make me a good mother to all my children after the example of Mary, the Mother of your Son. Through the intercession of Jesus and Mary I ask your continued blessings on my family. Let us all be dedicated to your service on earth and attain the eternal happiness of your kingdom in heaven. Amen.


Our Family

Sean & Jessica, Captain-23, Ranger-21, Twinkle Toes-20, Chiquita-18, Snuggles-16, Rose-14, Bud-12, Grace-6 and Joy-4 (blog nicknames)

A Little About Me

Hi! I'm Jessica, a Roman Catholic wife and home educating mother to our nine children. I was home educated myself, along with my eleven younger siblings. I have a special devotion to St. Therese, through whom I have been given much help and many blessings--the beautiful "Shower of Roses" that she has sent my way! Here I will record a few of the blessings I treasure. Please remember that what you see here is just a little glimpse at our lives, so please say a prayer for us, as we continue to strive for holiness.

My Other Blog: Catholic Cuisine

Please Visit My Sponsors…

This Week's Popular Posts

Shower of Roses Affiliate Links

All About Spelling
All About Reading
All About Reading Pre-reading
All About Reading Giveaways
Illuminated_Ink_Advent_Candle_Kit_package_image_Holy_Heroes.jpg
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

Our Advent & Christmas Books

Shower of Roses Christmas Gift Guides

Looking for Something?

Looking Back

  • 2024 (5)
  • 2023 (30)
  • 2022 (48)
  • 2021 (48)
  • 2020 (57)
  • 2019 (61)
  • 2018 (90)
  • 2017 (128)
  • 2016 (148)
  • 2015 (172)
  • 2014 (227)
  • 2013 (238)
  • 2012 (308)
  • 2011 (297)
  • 2010 (313)
  • 2009 (486)
  • 2008 (564)
  • 2007 (148)

Posts About:

Shower of Roses Alphabet of Saints

A Papal Unit Study & Lap Book

Our Lent and Easter Books

Shower of Roses Easter Gift Guides



All Saints Party Printables

All original photographs and written material are ©2007-2023 Shower of Roses. I'd love for you to link back to me, but please do not copy or take content from this blog without permission. Click here for my Copyright Terms & Conditions. Thank you for visiting!