Desert Path at the Riparian Preserve

The Beginning:

To begin you must park to the east

You can go to wear the slots have ceased

Walk to the south and you will see

Find the first plaque to the left is the key

Reflection:

As you walk to the start of the trail notice all the desert life to your left, this is called a botanical garden. A botanical garden is a place where a wide variety of plants are cultivated for scientific, educational, and ornamental purposes, often including a library, a herbarium, and greenhouses; an arboretum. In our case, the botanical garden is made up of desert plants.

Ocotillo, Do not play with me:

From the left of the sign

Take 10 paces and you will find…

The Ocotillo!!

Reflection:

Though it may look like a cactus, an ocotillo is actually a tree that lives in the deserts of Mexico and the southeastern part of the United States. During a drought, this peculiar plant will shed its leaves in order to preserve moisture. When it rains, it can grow leaves in less than 48 hours.

Palo Verde, the funny looking tree:

15 paces now, turning left ahead

As you walk please watch your head

Reflection:

Did you know? The Palo Verde was made our state tree in 1954? The Palo Verde might look like a funny tree, but please don't climb it, that will not be funny at all. This tree has many thorns. Do you notice any small leaves on the branches? These small leaves keep the moisture in the tree when there is little rain. What color of bark does this tree have? Since the tree doesn't have many leaves, the bark of the tree can act like a leaf in photosynthesizing. That is why the bark is green.

Saguaro: King of the desert:

Straight ahead 10 paces now, have no fear

The giant saguaro can be found here!!

Reflection:

This king of the cactus lives only here in the Sonoran desert. With the right growing conditions, it is estimated that saguaros can live to be as much as 150-200 years old! Do you notice the holes in the cactus? Many birds make their nests in the saguaros. Most of the saguaros roots are only 4-6 inches deep and radiate out as far from the plant as it is tall. There is one deep root, or tap root that extends down into the ground more than 2 feet. Did you know that the arms on the Saguaro Cactus take up to 70 years to grow?

Agave, a "sweet" plant:

30 paces to a plant called agave

Don't judge now but it looks like a bad hair day

Agave is a succulent plant that belongs to the Agavaceae family. There are over 300 species of Agave plants. Most of these species are monocarpic (those that flower, set seeds and then die). You can find these plants mainly in Mexico, but in southern and western United States as well. The Agave produces sweet syrup that can be used instead of sugar.

Barrel Cactus, some point south:

20 steps, slowly turn to the right

Look out for these plants they'll soon be in sight!

Reflection:

The two types of barrel cactus you see now are compass barrel cactus (on the left), and the golden barrel cactus (on the right). The compass barrel cacti always lean to the south, that's how they got their name. Do you notice the many spines on the cactus? Those used to be the spines of leaves many many years ago.

Scenic loop- About 60 paces

Keep walking now, and please go around

The Palo Verde Tree, which is green you see

Passing the Agave on your left hand side

The stony path will be your guide

As you walk, look for characteristics that desert plants have, that other plants do not.

Prickly Pear, Some of them have pink:

It's called the ''prickly pear cactus" and there is a good reason why. With more than 300 varieties of "prickly pear cactus" some of the new varieties may have very few prickles. Yet they all have prickles. It grows well without rain, but with rain, this cactus blooms fast.

The Finale:

How many giant saguaro cactus' can you see?

You've reached your destination, this is the end

You've come to find out that nature's your friend!!!

Could you find all the Saguaros? There are 17!!