The Sonoran Speaker Series, presented by Valley of the Sun J and Desert Foothills Land Trust, invites the public to an enlightening evening exploring the complexities and realities of the iconic saguaro cactus.

How long do saguaros live? Can you determine a saguaro’s age by counting its arms? Why are so many of these desert giants toppling over? Join us as we explore these questions and more. We’ll examine the ecology and structure of the saguaro, and discuss the ongoing science aimed at understanding the challenges these desert giants face.

Ali Schuessler, Lab Manager at the Desert Botanical Garden, will lead the presentation, explaining common misconceptions and sharing insights about these incredible plants “It is commonly thought that you can simply count the arms of a saguaro to determine its age, but that isn’t fully accurate. There’s so much more that goes into a saguaro’s appearance,” Schuessler says, “from environmental factors, to the unique structures they have to store water and handle the heat.”

Attendees will gain a deeper understanding of these remarkable plants and their significance in our desert ecosystem. Bring your questions, and don’t miss this opportunity to expand your knowledge about one of Arizona’s most beloved cactus.

The Sonoran Speaker Series is an ongoing free lecture series designed to connect community members with the natural and cultural heritage of their Sonoran Desert home. The series provides accessible educational opportunities for residents and visitors to deepen their understanding of this unique desert ecosystem.