Tucson Cactus and

Succulent Society

Tucson Cactus and Succulent Society logo featuring the name and a saguaro against a yellow background
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The Tucson Cactus and Succulent Society (TCSS) is a world recognized group of plant enthusiasts focused on the study and protection of cacti and other succulents. TCSS members learn and teach about cacti and succulents found in Arizona and the Sonoran Desert as well as other regions around the world. Our work in conservation has saved over 125,000 plants, many of which have been planted in Pima Prickly Park showcasing desert landscaping.

TUCSON CACTUS AND SUCCULENT SOCIETY

10/19/2025

Ocotillo/Mamm
Pop-up Sale

12:00 PM - 2:00 PM

Location: 4342 N. 4th Ave

Across from the Walmart on Wetmore

We have 100s of cacti: Ocotillo, Barrels, hedgehogs, and Pincushions (mamms) from recent rescues!
Volunteers NEEDED!!!

Sign up!

TUCSON CACTUS AND SUCCULENT SOCIETY

10/25/2025

Ocotillo Rescue
Halloween Sale

8:00 AM - 11:00 AM

Location: 4342 N. 4th Ave

Across from the Walmart on Wetmore

Volunteer Sale on Friday evening after setup 10/24

This is a BIG sale with lots of rescue cacti and plants in pots from the Hoop House. Ocotillo galore, saguaros, plus much more!

7:00 pm - 9:00 pm 

Saguaro Secrets: A chemist looks at saguaro growth, water use, and climate response
 

Presented by David Dettman

  • In this talk we will look at some of the simple physical and chemical methods used to understand how and when saguaro grow, how old they are, how much water they take up and how they respond to the local climate. Measuring height and plant diameter tells us about saguaro health and water usage. Measuring spine chemistry gives a non-invasive way to look back through the life history of the plant.


    David Dettman served as the research scientist in charge of the Environmental Isotope Laboratory at the University of Arizona for more than 20 years, up to his retirement in 2023. His research focuses on how isotope ratios of the most common elements (carbon, oxygen, hydrogen, nitrogen) can be used to understand how animals and plants interact with their environments. Among many other topics, he has worked on ancient river systems, the post ice-age Great Lakes, the uplift of the Tibetan plateau, bird migration, cactus physiology / water use, and land snail shell chemistry as climate indicators. He continues to work closely with researchers in the Geosciences Department at the 

    University of Arizona.


    Everyone is welcome to come and join us for this special in person presentation. This meeting will also be a Zoom program and will be an important educational and informational event you must see. Excellent plant give aways will take place at the in person meeting but that portion of the program, because of the recording, will not appear on Zoom. When leaving the live in person meeting, please enjoy excellent refreshments provided by our member volunteers and also, everyone can get a special free plant when leaving, offered to you by the Tucson Cactus and Succulent Society.

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