Don Swann will present the results of the 2010 Saguaro Census, a once-a-decade "citizen science" program that Saguaro National Park uses to monitor its signature plant. He will also speak about the ecological history of the park, which was established in 1933. During the 1940s, large numbers of large saguaros were observed to be dying, and declines in the Rincon Mountain's "Cactus Forest" continued for several decades. Since the 1970s, large numbers of young saguaros have survived, and the number of saguaros in the park has increased. Don's presentation will focus on the census, recent saguaro mapping projects at the park, the relationship between saguaros and climate and Saguaro National Park's 2011 BioBlitz.

Don Swann is a biologist at Saguaro National Park. He has an MS in Wildlife Biology from University of Arizona, where his thesis was on long-term monitoring in national parks, and a BA in Geology-Biology from Brown University. Don has worked in state and national parks in Arizona and New England, and was an interpretive ranger for many years. He has
been at Saguaro since 1993, and his duties include monitoring of plants, animals, and water; education about natural resources; and collaborative conservation and research projects such as the Saguaro Census and BioBlitz.

This program should be seen by all as the focus is on one of the representational plants of our state. The TCSS made contributions to this research project so you as a member should see what was accomplished. Please come and join all of us for this special presentation and please bring a friend.

Saguaro
As in nature, young saguaros need a nurse tree in cultivation to
avoid sunburn and frost damage. Plant in the ground on the
south side of a native mesquite, acacia, palo verde or similar
tree to provide filtered / dappled light .