Desert Life-Saguaro National Park - Tucson AZ 85743
Posted by: 
Don.Morfe
N 32° 15.252 W 111° 11.868
12S E 481368 N 3568629
The marker is located at the visitor center garden in the Tucson Monument District, Saguaro National Park, 2700 North Kinney Road, Tucson AZ 85743,
Waymark Code: WM18WAY
Location: Arizona, United States
Date Posted: 10/07/2023
Views: 1
TEXT ON THE MARKER
"Desert Life-Saguaro National Park
The Sonoran Desert can be described as a “desert jungle” because more than 200 species of animals and 600 species of plants live here. Saguaros---with their branching arms and accordion-like pleats—dominate this scene. Intermixed with these cacti are other common plants such as teddy bear chollas, creosote bushes, and ocotillos.
Notice how saguaros and these other plants have adapted to extreme heat and drought. The saguaro’s main stem and arms expand to hold water collected through its roots. The cholla’s cluster of spines shades and protects its skin. Creosote and ocotillo leaves drop during dry times and sprout again when the soil is moist.
Desert animals---coyotes, snakes, javelinas, and rodents—take shelter during times of extreme heat and cold. Kangaroo rats and ground squirrels protect themselves underground. Look for evidence of their burrows as you walk through this desert habitat.
(Key to animals and plants)
1. Western diamondback rattlesnake; 2. Ocotillo; 3. Gamble quail; 4. Round-tailed ground squirrel; 5. Saguaro; 6. Kangaroo rat; 7. Desert tortoise; 8. Roadrunner; 9. Coyote; 10. Javelina; 11. Teddy bear cholla; 12. Prickly peat cactus; 13. Desert cottontail; 14. Creosote bush; 15. Night-blooming cereous."
Marker Name: Desert Life
Type of history commemorated: Place
County: Pima
Name of any agency/ agencies setting marker:
National Park Service
Year placed: 1961
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Visit Instructions:
To claim a log for this waymark, some proof of visit is required. This proof can be a simple gps photo, a photo with your mascot (a signature item that you use for photographs, similar to using a gps) or a answer to any question that the person who posted the waymark has asked. A gps photo will always be accepted as proof of visit regardless of any specific question a waymark may ask.