Heather's Corner: What Has Arms But Can't Hug? Or Can They?

Friends of the Catalina State Park offer some wonderful programs to educate, experience, and to give back. One program in particular is called Adopt a Saguaro with adoption fees supporting projects and activities in Catalina State Park. And reasons for adopting a saguaro are endless

You can scroll the Friends of Catalina State Park Website for a full range of photographs of the majestic beauties that include a description including how many arms it has, GPS coordinates, and on which trail you can find it. For a fee of 25.00, 50.00, or 100.00 per year there are a variety of sizes, ages, and shapes to chose.

Catalina State Park Web Site

Here's one for you.

"Grand Daddy Saguaro Br-7 Bridle Trail...GPS Coordinates: N 32.42568629 W -110.9141212"

What I found truly inspiring were the dedications for the already adopted Saguaros. For beloved ones, for those who love the park, anniversaries, for friendship, a valentines day gift, a Mother's Day gift, and even one in the name of legislature. Some have been personified and given their own names like the Ludwig family who adopted "Susie." The possibilities are limitless.

The Park has Saguaro Etiquette in order to preserve these adoptees so remember the saguaro is delicate, protected, do not mark or deface in any way, and don't leave the trail to visit one as you may risk trampling the newbies.

If you are looking for a wonderfully thoughtful gift for the person who has everything or you want to honor a loved one, please consider adopting one for your own. I can't think of a better way to support one of our state parks. And if you've got your eye on a saguaro not listed on Friends of Catalina State Park website, just let them know and they are happy to oblige.
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Heather Nenadovich has lived in Oro Valley a total of five years. She has a B.A. in Psychology from the University of Arizona. Her husband is Canadian so she is a hockey fan by default and so are her two very clever children. When not being a mommy, she enjoys hiking in Catalina State Park, hand building pottery, and gardening. Her favorite things about living in Oro Valley are the towns recognition of art and culture, their commitment to preserving nature and the Christmas parade. (Also anything from GMG Chinese Bistro.)