TheThe OfficialOfficial GuideGuide

© 2013 Tohono Chul 1 2 Table of Contents

Introduction page 3

Heritage Our Past/Our Present page 5

Arts and Culture The “Heart” of Tohono Chul page 12

Education Living with the Desert page 19

Stewardship Living in the Desert page 25

Innovation Our Future page 35

2 for this natural desert habitat. Its location Introduction within existing migratory tracks provides a temporary home for many species of wild, Welcome to Tohono Chul native fauna. Thirty-eight species of birds where nature, art and culture make their permanent home here while an- connect! We’re in the Sonoran Desert, a other 57 migrant species visit seasonally. A highly diverse region with a variety of plants variety of reptiles and mammals, from gila and animals having remarkable survival skills monsters to gray fox, may be spotted on the adapted to an often inhospitable climate. In Park grounds. addition, here in our border region a confluence of cultures has interconnected Within these surroundings, Tohono Chul has with the natural environment, thus contrib- developed thematic displays using its col- uting to our distinctive regional character. lections to teach visitors about indigenous plants and animals, conservation, desert ecol- ogy and native cultures. We are the only The mission of Tohono Chul Park is organization in our region whose primary to enrich people's lives by connecting them focus is on these natural and cultural con- with the wonders of nature, art and culture nections, giving our visitors a unique per- in the Sonoran Desert region and inspiring spective on the Sonoran Desert. wise stewardship of the natural world. Our botanical collections consist primarily Tohono Chul is located in a sprawling urban of those plants native to our region or environment in one of the fastest growing adapted to the American Southwest. They cities in the United States. Residential hous- include more than 150 species of shrubs and ing, strip shopping centers, and non-native trees; 300 species of cacti and succulents; plants are quickly replacing the pristine and 50 species of wildflowers. In addition, desert. This loss of habitat makes the vul- we have the largest public collection of na- nerability of the desert even more obvious; tive Night-blooming Cereus (Peniocereus greggii) therefore our mission becomes even more in the United States! Moreover, visitors of- imperative. Our goal and purpose is to in- ten encounter the serendipitous — a bird spire everyone — visitors, community feeding its young; a lizard capturing its prey; members and, most importantly, children a rabbit scampering through the desert scrub — with the desire to learn how to live with — an opportunity to connect with the won- our desert home. We serve as a model for ders of nature. others to learn to be participant stewards of this fragile environment. Exploring the grounds you will encounter diverse exhibits such as the Ethnobotanical The site itself offers a dramatic setting for Garden, which displays some of the indig- our regional focus. Views of the majestic enous plants cultivated by Southwestern na- Santa Catalina Mountains form a backdrop tive peoples for food, medicine, and other

3 necessities of life; a re-circulating desert stream, which replicates the natural vegeta- one to 15 inches annually, most falling tion of Arizona’s riparian communities; the in winter and summer. Summer tempera- Geology Wall, which illustrates the geo- tures can reach over 110° and winters logic history of the nearby Santa Catalina are mild with only brief periods of freez- Mountains; our Desert Living Courtyard ing temperatures. The vegetation of filled with home landscaping ideas, which much of the Sonoran Desert is more var- promote native and arid-adapted plants in a ied than that of the other North Ameri- variety of design aesthetics; and, our Saguaro can deserts, with many trees and shrubs Discovery Trail where visitors can explore as well as large cacti and other succu- the life of the saguaro both through its cul- lents. tural connections to the Tohono O’odham and its botanical connections to the natural Tucson’s characteristic saguaro-palo verde history of the Sonoran Desert. plant communities place it within the Ari- zona Upland subdivision of the Sonoran Tohono Chul’s changing indoor arts and cul- Desert, one of six fairly distinct regions. tural exhibitions are strongly community ori- ented, and feature community groups and The average annual rainfall at the weather artists of all ages. station at Tucson International Airport is 11 inches, though we have seen as little Our educational philosophy blends the eco- as five inches in a year and as much as 24 logical, cultural and artistic, distinguishing inches. Mt. Lemmon in the Santa us in the community. Our programs are de- Catalinas north of the city receives 30 signed to enable our audiences to reach a to 35 inches annually. better understanding of the relationships that shape the land — the complex interplay Our precipitation is bi-seasonal -- in the among the desert and its plants, animals and winter from December through March people. With this understanding comes a and in the summer from July through richer appreciation for the desert’s allure and early September. Winter rains come in- a heightened sense of the need to preserve termittently from cool low-pressure sys- its beauty and biodiversity. tems moving from the Pacific Ocean. Heavy snows can fall in the higher moun- tains and Tucson itself has been known to receive a light dusting every several THE SONORAN DESERT years. The majority of the rain falls dur- The Sonoran Desert is a subtropical ing the summer monsoon season. These desert. It lies in portions of Arizona and localized and often violent thunder- southeast California in the United storms can drop prodigious amounts of States, and Sonora and Baja California rain in a short time -- up to four inches! in Mexico. Precipitation ranges from

4 sports and traded Our Past as far as the Gulf of California for PREHISTORIC ORIGINS shells and parrot heritage feathers from the The recent history of the site rainforests of Cen- begins in the early 1920s when land that tral America. Rincon red-on-brown would eventually be part of Tohono Chul’s Archaeological AD 925-1000 current 49 acres was homesteaded by evidence of Ho- Tucsonans interested in raising cash crops hokam habitation on the Park site includes like citrus and dates. However, centuries isolated plainware sherds discovered along before, prehistoric native peoples lived in the arroyos on the southern edge of the this place. Situated on the outer edge of property and a major find uncovered during the alluvial fan that extends outward from the construction of what is now the Lomaki the base of Pusch Ridge in the Santa Catalina House in the late 1960s. Broken pieces of Mountains, this section of Arizona Upland red and buff decorated pottery indicate the was occupied by the Hohokam before the site was occupied consecutively through first millennium. three Hohokam cultural phases — the Rillito and the Early and Middle Rincon — between Hohokam is a AD 70 and 1150. Pima word mean- ing “all used up,” THE 20TH CENTURY no doubt a refer- ence to the fact In the 1920s, the entire northwest section that after almost of Tucson — called the “thermal belt” be- two thousand cause of the foothills’ milder winter climate years their culture Rincon polychrome — was considered ideal for growing frost- AD 1000-1100 collapsed and by sensitive citrus and date palms. Maurice Reid, 1450 they no longer lived in the Tucson father of Gene for whom Tucson’s Reid Park basin. These early farmers occupied the Salt, and Zoo are named, owned property from Gila and Santa Cruz River basins beginning Orange Grove Road to Ina Road and beyond about 300 BC. Sophisticated agriculturists, and planted it with groves of citrus trees. they built irrigation canals, lived in villages He introduced black date palms and grape- of pithouses surrounding a central plaza, im- fruit to the property that would become ported from Mesoamerica the tradition of Tohono Chul; aerial photos of the 1940s building ballcourts and engaging in team clearly show the rows of trees south of the

Hohokam in Tucson Basin Hohokam disappear about 300 BC 1450     Hohokam living on site Father Kino arrives AD 70-1150 1692 5 homestead rights. Seaney also sank a well FROST POCKETS & THERMAL BELTS near Magee and Northern streets and sup- plied water to several residents in the area. Have you ever noticed the drop in tem- At that time, utility lines did not extend perature while crossing a desert wash at north of the Rillito River, and roads in the night? Cold air, being heavier than warm air, tends to flow down mountain can- area were unpaved. yons and settle in low-lying areas, which results in a temperature inversion. These Maurice Reid, acting as realtor for Seaney, low-lying areas may be 10° colder at sold the future site of Tohono Chul to John night than surrounding areas and are T. deBlois Wack in 1937. Mr. Wack was an sometimes called “frost pockets.” The avid polo player from Santa Barbara and a lighter, warm air forms “thermal belts” in friend of the Reverend George Ferguson, areas with good air drainage. These ther- pastor of the newly consecrated St. Philip’s mal belts may be several degrees warmer in the Foothills Episcopal Church. Follow- than surrounding areas and much warmer ing an afternoon spent drinking mint juleps, than the frost pockets on a relatively still the Fergusons and young Gene Reid escorted night; strong winds, however, will break the Wacks around the property. Their ob- up this inversion layer. vious powers of persuasion resulted in the sale at a cost of $200 an acre — $16,000 for the 80-acre parcel. Later that year, Paul Exhibit House. At this time in Tucson’s his- Holton built the Wacks a Santa Fe style tory, not much thought was given to con- house (today’s Exhibit House) at a cost of serving a limited water supply and wells $60,000 based on the plans of Santa Barbara pumped precious groundwater to irrigate the architect Chester L. Carjola. During con- thirsty trees. For many years a thriving lo- struction, the adobe bricks for the 18” thick cal industry shipped Tucson’s citrus and dates outer walls were made on the premises and to other parts of the United States. Groves Ponderosa pine logs were brought down the of citrus trees remained even after Samuel winding back road from Mt. Lemmon to be W. Seaney subdivided the area in 1931, call- used for the living room beams. Adobe was ing it Catalina Citrus Estates. used not just for its aesthetic appeal. In the days before central air conditioning wise Seaney had homesteaded 640 acres in 1930 desert dwellers knew that adobe walls would and daughter Cornelia Seaney Lovitt remem- keep interiors cool during the heat of the bers spending weekends with her mother in summer, while maintaining warmth during a cabin off Magee Road to qualify for the

Tucson Presidio established Mexican Independence Gadsden Purchase 1775 1821 1854    Mission San Xavier del Bac War with Mexico 1783-1797 1848 6 father, Henry Wellington Wack, founder and first editor of Field and Stream, acted as house-sitters. By the end of World War II the home had ex- changed hands several times, passing to the Pierpont Davises of Boston, and then to the Wilson Campbells of Pitts- burgh. The Campbells in turn rented it during their ownership to Clifford Goldsmith, the man responsible for the famous radio series Henry Aldrich. His son, Barclay Goldsmith, remembers his father working on scripts in an office in today’s Exhibit House Museum Shop view of the pool, looking east toward the Santa Catalinas -- late 1940s or early 1950s and entertaining notables from New York. the winter. The house was also designed to take advantage of cooling breezes with Then, in 1948, Colonel Robert Bagnell, an French doors installed throughout. Finally, active board member of the Tucson Red a large concrete swimming pool, one of the first private pools in Tucson, was built with an unobstructed view of Pusch Ridge (the area is now the Gar- den for Children).

Shortly before completion of the house, power lines were strung and Oracle, a two-lane country road, was paved. Many older Tucsonans vividly remember visiting the property — a far distance from town in the 1940s — to swim or to pick some fruit.

The Wacks actually spent little time wooden gate leading to today’s Spanish Colonial Courtyard -- in Tucson. Gene Reid and Mr. Wack’s late 1940s or early 1950s

UofA established first homesteads in the area 1885 1920s      Railroad arrives in Tucson Arizona Statehood Tucson airport dedicated 1880 1912 1927 7 Cross and his wife Eugenia Sullivan Bagnell, moved into the empty main house (today’s both of St. Louis, bought the Wack’s 80-acre Exhibit House). parcel. With them came their butler, Levan Bell, who remembers picking grapefruit from THE FOUNDATIONS OF the orchard and taking the family’s Airedale TOHONO CHUL PARK to the veterinarian in town to have porcu- pine quills removed. Affectionately called The story of Tohono Chul begins in 1966 “Las Palmas” during the Bagnell’s tenure, the when its benefactors, Richard and Jean house was graced with a rose garden, a grass lawn and elegant visitors dining by candle- light. A FAMILY LEGACY The concept of preservation and exhi- The Bagnells found other uses for the prop- bition actually dates back to Richard erty too. Mrs. Bagnell donated a portion to Wilson’s great, great, great-grandfather the Catholic Diocese of Tucson to serve as Charles Willson Peale (1741-1827). the site for St. Odilia’s Catholic Church, vis- Saddler, watchmaker, silversmith, inven- ible today to the north of the Park. In 1963 tor and student of Benjamin West, Peale Mrs. Bagnell’s son, John Sullivan, built a was the most prominent portraitist of the home on ten acres on the western edge of Federal period and is credited with the the property. Designed by Lewis Hall, a stu- earliest-known portrait of George Wash- dent of noted Tucson architect Josias Joesler, ington (1772). In 1786 he founded the the charming hacienda-style home featured Peale Museum, an institution housed in a traditional zaguan and fountained courtyard. Philadelphia’s Independence Hall, in- The heavy arched doorway is modeled after tended for the study of natural law and a larger one that once would have admitted the display of natural history and tech- a horse and carriage to the privacy of a home’s nological objects. Considered to be the interior courtyard. Mrs. Sullivan remembers first major museum in the United States, summers spent sleeping on the roof of the its varied collections included Peale’s building to escape the heat of the day. It is paintings, Native American artifacts and now known as the “West House” and is the mounted specimens such as the first com- site of the Tohono Chul Garden Bistro. plete skeleton of an American mastodon. Thus it is appropriate for Richard and Colonel Bagnell passed away in 1965, two Jean Wilson to perpetuate this heritage years after his wife, and left the remainder of through Tohono Chul. the property to the Sullivan family who then

Catalina Citrus Estates Davis-Monthan AFB Wilsons begin land purchases 1931 1941 1966   Wacks build a house Bagnells purchase 80 acres 1937 1948 8 Wilson, started piecing together patches of couple was approached several times by de- the desert that would form its core — ulti- velopers seeking to purchase the land for mately owning 37 of the Wack’s original 80 commercial development. They always re- acres. fused. Jean Wilson told them, “I don’t want to sell the land. I don’t want it cemented The son of a Texas oilman, Richard Wilson over. I want to preserve it.” In fact, when is a geologist, trained at Yale and Stanford. Pima County condemned a strip along the With his wife Jean, he came to Tucson in southern boundary of the property in order 1962 to teach at the University of Arizona. to widen Ina Road, Dick Wilson demanded His roots in the Southwest go much deeper, that they move every saguaro and replant it however, for there are strong family ties to on their adjacent property. the region, its land, its peoples and its cul- tures. Mr. Wilson’s uncle, Dr. Harold Colton, In 1979 Jean Wilson opened the Haunted founded the Museum of Northern Arizona, Bookshop on Northern Avenue along the Flagstaff, in 1926 as a means of displaying, eastern edge of the site. Once it was up and documenting and preserving the Native running, the Wilsons began planning their American crafts of the region. The Museum’s next project — a park. “At first we just went first curator, Dr. Colton’s wife and noted out and put down some lime to make a path painter Mary-Russell Ferrell Colton, encour- and marked the names of some of the plants aged the Hopi and Navajo tribes to continue and bushes, but then it started to snowball.” their traditional arts and to develop new The path gradually grew into a loop trail, styles through the offer of exhibitions and meandering ½ mile into the surrounding cash prizes. Mr. Wilson’s mother, Suzanne desert. In 1980 they received a citation from Colton Wilson, was a collector of contem- the Tucson Audubon Society for saving the porary Southwest Native American arts. desert greenspace and opening it to the pub- Today, 65 pieces from her collection are part lic. of our permanent cultural collection. Motivated by a desire to preserve the In 1968 the Wilsons purchased the section Sonoran Desert they loved, they established containing the hacienda-style “West House” the non-profit Foundation for the Preserva- and lived there for the next eight years. They tion of Natural Areas in the early 1980s. “We never occupied the Wack’s home, instead of- wanted to keep something natural in the fering it to a succession of non-profit orga- middle of all the (surrounding) development nizations as a halfway house or youth resi- so that people could come easily for a few dence. It was during the 1970s that the hours and get out of the traffic and learn

Wilsons purchase “West House” Haunted Bookshop opens Tea Room opens 1968 1979 1987     Oro Valley incorporated Tohono Chul Park dedicated 1974 1985 9 something at the same time. It’s probably Today, sadly, both Richard and Jean Wilson contrary to what most people would do, but are gone. But, their commitment to the his- we feel it’s real important for people to have tory and the open spaces of the Southwest something like this.” The purpose of the or- lives on — in addition to founding Tohono ganization was to promote the conservation Chul, it is the Wilsons who delivered the of desert regions and to educate the public family property at Hart Prairie (Flagstaff) and about arid lands and responsible water use. Muleshoe Ranch (Willcox) into the protec- Over time, demonstration gardens, a re-cir- tive hands of the Nature Conservancy. culating stream, a geological re-creation of the Santa Catalina Mountains, ramadas and At the dedication ceremony in 1985, Rich- areas with special plantings of arid-adapted ard and Jean Wilson expressed their vision vegetation were developed. The Wacks’ for Tohono Chul: original 1937 stuccoed adobe house was care- fully renovated in 1984 to provide space for “We dedicate this park to those who come here, who, we changing art exhibits, a museum shop and hope, will not only admire and find comfort in the natu- administrative offices. Tohono Chul Park was ral beauty of the area, but will achieve greater apprecia- formally dedicated as a 37-acre desert pre- tion of the ways of conserving all our precious desert serve on April 19, 1985. The Wilsons region and obtain a greater understanding of the people deeded the property to the non-profit foun- native to these areas.” dation, Tohono Chul Park, Inc., in 1988.

In the spring of 1995 development again Our Present threatened Tohono Chul. An 11-acre par- Tohono Chul has evolved into a unique ur- cel abutting the property on the north was ban desert island devoted to fostering an slated for higher density rezoning and of- appreciation of the distinctive character of fered for sale. With the help of longtime this region. The Sonoran Desert is the most member John Maher, the Park was able to diverse desert of North America, with thou- acquire the property, establishing a memo- sands of native plants and hundreds of spe- rial to John’s late wife, Mary. cies of animals making their home in this rug- ged, yet fragile, environment. Seventeen The most recent addition came when the indigineous cultures live in the region, while much-loved Haunted Bookshop closed in a confluence of others, including Anglos, 1997. The Wilsons donated the land and Latinos, Chinese and Africans, have adopted building to Tohono Chul, adding the final this region as their own. The words “Tohono acre — then there were 49!

Performance Garden Maher addition 15th Anniversary 1992 1996 2000       Administration wing added Garden for Children Haunted Bookshop closes 1991 1994 1997 10 Chul” mean “desert corner,” and are taken featuring an array of arid-adapted plants and from the language of the Tohono O’odham, low-water landscaping techniques; the Eth- a desert-dwelling people renowned for their nobotanical Garden with crops grown by many uses of Sonoran plants and their abil- both indigenous populations and New ity to live in this harsh climate. World immigrants; the Sonoran Seasons Garden showcasing the five seasons of the Today Tohono Chul is a part of Oro Valley Arizona Upland; an Exhibit House featuring and encompasses a total of 49 acres and re- changing art and cultural displays appropri- tains much of its hacienda-style charm in the ate to our mission; and, a new Desert Palm face of booming urban sprawl just beyond Oasis which links us to the hidden palm can- its boundaries. Sensitive planning and de- yons of Sonora, Mexico. velopment have allowed for en- Tohono Chul’s hancements of extensive edu- the Park’s site cational pro- while preserv- grams under- ing its spectacu- score and lar natural set- complement ting and feeling the gardens of intimacy. and exhibits, The original while expand- three homes on ing upon them the property by relating have different them to the Southwest re- natural his- gional styles and tory, culture and botany of promote a dis- Ina Road/Paseo del Norte corner monument wall tinct sense of our region. place. Each has been refurbished and renovated for Park use Helping people learn to live with their desert while retaining its regional character — the home is the overreaching purpose of Tohono Wack’s 1937 home (Exhibit House),the Chul. The interdisciplinary approach we Sullivan’s 1963 home (Tohono Chul Garden take to achieve this goal reflects the rich- Bistro) and the Wilson’s Lomaki guest house, ness of this region’s natural environment and now used for classes, meetings and rentals. cultures. By teaching people about the in- terconnections between the natural environ- With an emphasis on the natural and cultural ment and cultural heritage we hope to in- aspects of the desert Southwest, the site now crease their appreciation of both, so that includes an extensive botanical collection they can become stewards of our precious with nature trails and exhibits; wildlife mi- desert region. gration trails; the Desert Living Courtyard 11 The coldest region of the Sonoran Desert, The “Heart” the Arizona Upland is blessed with bi-an- nual rainfall — fierce summer thunderstorms of Tohono Chul and gentler winter rains. We also have five arts & culture seasons: fall, winter, spring, dry foresummer and monsoon summer. The Garden puts the spotlight on the star plants of each of those READING THE MAP seasons. Let this guide enhance your visit to our [2] Just beyond the Sonoran Seasons Gar- desert preserve. The numbers below [2] correspond to the numbers on the map den to the west is the latest addition to Tohono Chul, the Desert Palm OasisOasis. Just on page 37. To insure a safe and en- six hours south of Tucson, along the east joyable visit to our desert: coast of the Gulf of California, pockets of wear comfortable walking shoes native fan palms nestle in isolated mountain (close-toed are best) canyons. The fact that palm trees grow in bring your hat and a water bottle the Sonoran Desert is evidence of the region’s (drink lots of water when it’s hot) tropical origins long ago. wear sunscreen (SPF 15 or higher) Our Desert Palm Oasis Roving Docents are available on the recreates the tropical grounds (look for the distinctive vests forest of one of these with our night-blooming cereus logo on canyons — Cañón de the back) to answer your questions, or Nacapule — located you can join one of our regularly sched- in the Sierra El Aguaje uled tours. near the town of San Carlos, Sonora, Mexico. Just ¾ mile Daily scheduled tours begin at the Visitor long and surrounded Overlook which boasts amazing views of the by sheer cliffs, southern portion of Tohono Chul and an Nacapule hosts 285 species of plants, many imposing malachite/azurite mineral specimen. found in few other places, including three Weekday mornings stop and investigate one species of fan palms — Hesper Palm (Brahea of our hands-on Eco-stations! brandegeei), Sonoran Palmetto (Sabal uresana) and Mexican Fan Palm (Washingtonia robusta). [1] Across from the Overlook, the Sonoran Seasons Garden tells the seasonal stories of Nacapule and other palm canyons in the the Arizona Upland, one of the six subdivi- region are delicately balanced ecosystems sions of the Sonoran Desert and the one in threatened by human activity, increased which we find ourselves. groundwater pumping, livestock grazing and the introduction of exotic species. 12 [3] Continuing along the main pathway [4] Did you discover the rattlesnake encir- through the Cactus CircleCircle, on your left you cling the Sundial PlazaPlaza? How about check- will see a pair of modern petroglyph-cov- ing your watch against our innovative “hori- ered “newspaper” rocks by local artist John zontal heliochronometer?” A sundial tracks Palacio who used Hohokam-inspired designs. the apparent movement of the sun around the earth’s celestial pole by casting a shadow Petroglyphs are de- onto a surface marked by hour and minute signs chipped into lines. The gnomon (diagonal brass cable) the dark surface of serves as an axis about which the sun appears desert boulders by to rotate. Carved of Coconino sandstone pecking, scraping or and donated by John L. Carmichael, Jr., our grinding. This thin, sundial was designed specifically for Tucson’s

Picture Rocks sundancers, dark, hard, glossy latitude and longitude (Mountain Standard Tucson Mountains coating that accu- Time). If the appropriate number from the mulates on rock sur- Equation of Time correction graph is added faces after long exposure to the elements is or subtracted from the sundial’s reading it is called desert varnishvarnish. Designs are pecked accurate to within a minute. into the varnish, revealing the underlying lighter colored rock beneath. Shading the Plaza is a canopy of mesquite trees It is believed that petroglyphs are not a lan- (Prosopis velutina), which pro- guage like hieroglyphics; nor are they sim- vides food, in the form of ply doodles. Anthropomorphic (human-like) naturally sweet seedpods, figures, depicted dancing or elaborately for people and animals. verdin dressed, may represent ceremonial events; The trees’ spring blossoms Debbie Jensen, artist others may be deities, mythical beings or are visited by bees and a va- shamans. It is nearly impossible to decipher riety of birds and other insects. Cardinals the exact meanings of any of the etchings. and verdins can be found nesting in the branches. The dried wood has been used for building materials for centuries. Next time you plan a barbecue and want to impart a distinctive mesquite flavor to your meat, try tossing a handful of dampened seedpods on the coals instead of mesquite wood chips that are not as renewable a resource.

At the south end of the Plaza you will see two of the five species of the green-barked trees known as palo verde (Spanish for “green

heliochronometer by John Carmichael stick”) found growing in the Park. The group

13 tional Native American crafts, unique folk art desert spiny lizard of the region and books on the Southwest. Paul Miller, artist Tohono Chul members receive a 10% dis- count on purchases. Among the plantings directly in front of the Shop is the elusive LIZARDS ON THE SIDE boojum (Fouquieria columnaris), cousin to our The Plaza is also a great place for lizard- local ocotillo (F. splendens). Native to north watching. The big ones that take their central Baja California, these peculiar trees time moving out of your way are desert look something like an upside-down carrot. spiny lizards. You will find them doing “push-ups” to attract mates, to appear The Exhibit House (1937) contains two even more intimidating, or just to raise [7] Exhibit House themselves off the hot ground. The slen- galleries that feature changing displays of tra- der ones with the very long tails are ditional and contemporary art — paintings, whiptail lizards and the shy, delicate sculpture and folk arts. Our exhibitions also ones with the black-and-white striped address environmental concerns affecting the tails are appropriately called zebra-tailed Sonoran Desert and the Southwest. lizardslizards. These little critters will run just ahead of you, perch on a convenient rock [8] The North PatioPatio, located behind the and, curling it over their backs, wag their Exhibit House, is used for special events such tails like a dog. Why? Well, just in case as artists receptions. Nearby is a handbuilt you’re a predator you might be fooled rock water feature and a bench for relaxing into grabbing for that detachable tail, and watching the local wildlife. allowing the lizard to live another day. [9] Administrative Offices are open Mon- just south of the sundial are blue palo verdes day through Friday from 8:00am to 5:00pm. (Cercidium floridum) distinguished by their blu- ish tone and larger leaves. Directly across [10] Relax on a bench under the shade of from them to the east it is the foothill palo an ironwood tree (Olneya tesota) in the Span- verde (Cercidium microphylum) with a yellow- ish Colonial Courtyard and enjoy this mini- green cast and tiny leaves. oasis. A Xeriscape® landscape incorporates a majority of low water use plants while al- [5] The Murphey Foundation Children’s lowing for lush plantings requiring more RamadaRamada, gathering site for school field trips, water closer to buildings and living spaces. it also houses wheelchair accessible These oases provide cooling environments restrooms and drinking fountains. where people gather, another illustration of wise desert living. [6] A portion of the site’s original home now provides space for one of the Park’s two [11] The Alice Y. Holsclaw Performance gift shops. La Galeria specializes in tradi- Garden, shaded by a grove of feathery sweet

14 acacia trees (Acacia smallii), is planted with mealy cup sage, butterfly bush and salvias WHAT’S BUGGING YOU? and is a great spot for some impromptu Be honest, most of us harbor an intense birdwatching. Humingbirds gravitate to the dislike for insects. Consider, however, salvias and phainopepla can be found in the that they may be pests only from our mistletoe clumps in the acacia trees. The point of view. We are both just trying Garden’s stage provides the setting for con- to survive, in need of food and shelter. certs and special events like our annual Holi- Sometimes we may actually compete day Nights celebration held each winter. with one another for these resources, or The garden may also be rented for weddings become resources ourselves! or other ceremonies. No other group of animals is as diverse, as abundant or as successful in almost every habitat on earth. In fact, arthropods (invertebrates with seg- mented bodies and jointed limbs, includ- ing arachnids, crustaceans and insects) account for approximately 99.5% of all animal species and yet only about 1% can really be considered pests!

The vast majority are extremely valuable Native American flutist Vince Redhouse performs for insect products (like silk and honey), [12] Not just for children, the Bank of medical research, biological control, America Garden for Children captures decomposition, food for other species imaginations and provides opportunities for (including man) and pollinaton. creative learning and discovery. Young and old alike can enjoy the private spaces and In fact, it is estimated that 90% of all hidden surprises — from the playful stream flowering plants depend on animal pol- with its fish boats to linators to help them reproduce and that whimsical bird- includes about 35% of the world’s food house — and make crops — consider that one bite in three their own connec- at the dinner table depends on animal tions with nature. pollinators and pollinator populations Please, for your around the world are in decline due to health and safety, pollution, pesticides, disease and worst do not bathe in, of all, habitat destruction. stand in or drink from the water in the stream or pools. tarantula copper saguaro and owl Anne E. Gondor, artist 15 [13] Plants are utilized by people in many SAVORY SOUTHWESTERN FAVORITES ways — as food, medicine and materials as well as a source of cultural identity. The study No doubt some of the permanent plantings of this relationship between plants and in the Garden will be familiar to many gar- people is known as ethnobotany. The Eth- deners or cooks, while others may seem rela- nobotanical Garden displays plants used to- tively exotic. These are plants utilized by day and in the past by the native peoples of Native Americans in the area, though not the Southwest. These plants may be wild, necessarily cultivated by them. (The num- cultivated (purposefully grown), domesti- bers refer to the map on page 17.) Europe- cated (adapted to be more useful), or intro- ans who relished their sweet, fleshy duced (brought to the New World by Span- fruits brought edible figs (1) and date palms ish or other European settlers). The empha- (3) to this area from the Mediterranean. Even sis in this Garden is on plants cultivated dur- in the age of synthetic dyes, Mayo dye in- ing the late digo (2) is still grown by the Mayo of Spanish Co- Navajoa, Sonora, for the beautiful blue dye lonial period made from its leaves and twigs. Also called in southern wild rhubarb, cañigre (4) is typically found Arizona and growing along watercourses. The stalks of Sonora, the leaves can be used as a substitute for tra- Mexico. The ditional rhubarb in making pies. The leaves Garden serves can be baked or roasted for greens and the as an educa- root contains tannic acid and produces a tional display brown dye. The fiery chiltepin (5) is con- sidered the mother of all chiles, the genetic and a grow- amaranth, sunflowers, squash and ancestor of all domesticated chiles and bell out field. Let- watermelon in the summer garden peppers. The pea-sized red fruit may be ting our crops go to seed instead of being HOT but birds relish them. Chiltepines eaten replenishes and keeps viable supplies grow naturally in the canyons of southern of valuable seeds. All the crops are varieties Arizona and northern Mexico. The plants adapted to the special growing conditions in the Garden were grown from seed col- of this region — heat, drought and alkaline lected in the canyons of the Baboquivari soil. Because of their special adaptations Mountains on the Tohono O’odham Reser- these ancient crops are a major source of ge- vation. Chia (6) is familiar to many for the netic material for new varieties. The garden’s ubiquitous “chia pet” craze of a decade or so plantings are rotated twice a year (summer is ago. Actually, the seeds of the chia are high the season for mostly native crops and win- in protein and oil and when toasted and ter, for crops from the Old World). Prior to soaked in water they become a thick, high the introduction of such cool season crops fiber drink popular with the Pimans. The the indigenous Hohokam and O’odham wolfberry (7) produces large numbers of moved into the mountains and foothills dur- small, slightly bitter, juicy berries. A favor- ing the winter to hunt and collect higher ite with birds and other desert critters, the elevation wild foods like acorns and piñones. 16 10 11 ARDEN ARDEN ARDEN ARDEN ARDEN 8 G G G G G area > area > area > area > area > compost compost compost compost compost THNOBOTANICAL THNOBOTANICAL THNOBOTANICAL THNOBOTANICAL THNOBOTANICAL E E E E E 13 7 6 14 15 4 1 < cistern < cistern < cistern < cistern < cistern

9 3 2 see garden labels for information on changing seasonal plantings see garden labels for information on changing seasonal plantings see garden labels for information on changing seasonal plantings see garden labels for information on changing seasonal plantings see garden labels for information on changing seasonal plantings 12

17 to treat many ills, from upset stomachs to arthritis to insect bites. Its effectiveness in dissolving kidney stones, as a fungicide, as an analgesic and in controlling cancer cells is currently under study. One of the three major basketry materials (including yucca and devil’s claw), beargrass (12) is used by the Tohono O’odham and other southwestern tribes to form the inner bundle (warp) of coiled baskets. Its leaves are dried in the sun, then split into narrow strands and se- cured in successive coils by yucca fibers.

COMPOSTING Yard trimmings and kitchen scraps can be transformed into nutrients for your visitors and volunteers join in a fall harvest plants and amendments for your soil rather than taking up space in landfills. berries are also collected by humans. The Compost is decomposed organic mate- edible berries of the squawbush (8), a native rial such as plants, leaves, stems and veg- of the Hopi mesas, are used as a color stabi- etable peelings. With the help of bac- lizer in dyeing wool. The twigs are used in teria, fungi, or earth worms gardeners basket weaving and are burned as one of the speed up this natural process. Be careful four kiva fuels. Wild cotton (9) is nearly not to include any animal products and fiberless and there is no archaeological evi- leave out weedy plants whose roots and dence that it was ever grown by the Pimans seeds could spread to your garden. To for lint. Yet this wild shrub has been used by begin, choose a location outdoors for plant breeders to improve the lint strength your compost pile. Shred all material into pieces 4” or smaller. Alternate lay- of domesticated short staple cotton, another ers in your pile of “wet” (green and moist) example of an apparently useless wild plant and “dry” (brown and dry) material. Make serving as a valuable resource in plant certain you bury food waste to avoid genetics. Four-wing saltbush (10) is also drawing flies. Keep the pile moist and common around Hopi villages. It is another turn it frequently to allow the oxygen of the kiva fuels, and it is also used in making to penetrate. Here in the Garden we paho (prayer sticks) and for its ashes, which keep an active compost pile behind the help intensify the blue color of piki bread. north gate, and over in the Desert Liv- After a summer rain the desert smells like...? ing Courtyard’s Utility Graden, we have Ask any longtime resident and the answer a rotating bin, perfect for those with small will be creosote (11), the “drugstore of the spaces. desert.” This fragrant shrub has been used 18 With the disappearance of riparian areas dur- ing the last century, beargrass and yucca have Living with replaced the traditional, higher quality wil- low, sumac and cattail formerly used in bas- the Desert ketry. Used by indigenous peoples long be- education fore early settlers moved west, Mormon tea (13) is a medicinal (diuretic) and a sipping [14] Meant for the slightly more adven- tea. It has also been used to control aller- turesome, the Hallowell Desert View Trail gies and as a decongestant. The branches meanders through a beautiful, relatively un- produce a rose tan dye. Brittlebush (14) is disturbed quadrant of Tohono Chul. Ap- also known as incienso, named for the golden proximately 1/2 mile in length, the trail does sap that oozes from its stems. Burned, the not meet ADA standards and is therefore not sap produces a fragrant incense, or it can be wheelchair accessible but it is a favorite of made into varnish or glue. Tucsonans are birders and those looking for the Sonoran most familiar with brittlebush as the bounti- Desert in its more natural state. Look for ful yellow wildflower that graces the hillsides nature- and desert-inspired quotes inscribed and roadways around the city in the spring. on sandstone markers along the trail. Jojoba (15) or goatnut, occurs naturally only in the Sonoran Desert. Everyone has tried Love me or hate me, the desert seems to say, this is jojoba in shampoos or skin lotions but its what I am and this is what I shall remain. seeds also produce fine, high quality oil that Joseph Wood Krutch can replace sperm whale oil in commercial applications. Bobcats, coyotes and javelina traverse the dry washes in this area too, and if you’re lucky, WATER HARVESTING you just might see one! Along the trail you will also find two shaded ramadas with drink- The underground cistern, located be- ing fountains. neath the date palms, is filled with rain- water collected from the roof of the Ex- hibit House. The water is used to [15] Close your eyes and you might be supplement irrigation needs for the Eth- able to visualize the citrus trees that once nobotanical Garden. Water harvesting occupied the space now covered by this on a large scale was used to grow crops Cholla ForestForest. Also known as chain fruit by the indigenous peoples of the South- cholla, a jumping cholla doesn’t really jump. west. Washes and arroyos were diverted Its stems, loosely attached to the plant, are to irrigate fields in what is called ak-chin densely covered with barbed spines. Barely farming. Today, homeowners can use brushing against the plant can detach a whole simple techniques when designing their section — making the hapless human or own landscapes to capture rainwater run- desert creature jump! However, pack rats find off that would otherwise be lost. Check the detached stems perfect protective build- out the SIN AGUA Garden for ideas! ing blocks for their middens.

19 The Cholla Forest cubic feet of water – equivalent to 40" of is an excellent rainfall a year! The Garden stores bird-watching spot. approximately 8,000 cubic feet of water at Keep an eye out one time and it takes from 5-6 hours to an for cactus wrens entire day for a full plot (8"-9" of water) to and curve-billed empty. cactus wren thrashers who pre- Debbie Jensen, artist fer cholla for their Rainwater harvesting captures rain and uses nest sites. The cac- it close to where it falls, or stores it for future tus wren, state bird of Arizona, builds an elon- application. The cheapest place to collect gated, football-shaped nest with the open- rainwater is in your landscape – slowing the ing at one end. The thrasher, on the other flow of runoff to allow it to soak into the hand, builds a twiggy, bowl-shaped structure. ground where plants can make use of it. The use of harvested rainwater reduces erosion [16] Sin agua may be Spanish for “without and flooding, salt accumulation in the soil, water,” but it doesn’t really mean that in this utility bills and our dependence on case. Instead, it is the efficient and sustain- groundwater. able use of renewable water! The SIN AGUA Garden channels and delivers rainwater run- off from the adjacent Education Center park- ing lot to demonstrate water harvesting and the use of native and adapted plants in a land- scape that uses little or no supplemental groundwater.

If you are lucky enough to visit during a rain event, you will see how this garden “works.” Individual plots are defined by berms, contoured mounds of earth that contain or direct the flow of surface runoff allowing SIN AGUA on a rainy, winter day sediments to settle and water to soak in. Sluice gates in the channel along the Even the simplest methods of water northern perimeter are opened manually to harvesting, like installing plants under the direct the water’s flow to the driest plots first. drip line of a roof or using porous pavement The slope of each plot has been calculated materials, can produce immediate results. to allow for surface water to flow from one Next time it rains, watch which way the to the next. Excess runoff is directed into water flows across your property. Determine the surrounding natural desert. where a berm or channel would slow the flow and spread the water out, allowing it to Assuming an annual rainfall of 12" (Tucson’s percolate into the ground; don’t forget to average), the runoff yield is over 37,000 allow for extra runoff during a major storm 20 event with a spillway for overflow. Raised [19] This central planter in the Demon- berms can double as pathways and provide stration Gardens features plants native to additional planting areas for species needing Central SonoraSonora. Many of the species are less water. frost sensitive and must be protected when temperatures dip below freezing. Keep in mind, any collection system should be large enough to hold the runoff from the [20] On the north side of the Gardens, heaviest storm you can expect. From a 50’ x [20] 50’ roof you can expect 18,700 gallons of situated next to a cooling grotto is the Rec- runoff in a year (assuming 100% runoff). A ognition RamadaRamada. Handbuilt of lodge pole single monsoon storm that drops 2" of rain pine with a saguaro rib roof held in place on your house could result in 3,000 gallons with carved eucalyptus wood pins, the of water! Ramada shades hand-painted commemorative tiles that honor or memorialize family and friends. A donation to Tohono Chul in [17] Walking through this section of the someone’s name can be used to add to this Park you might notice that the vegetation wall of memories. This peaceful section of resembles that of the lower Rio Grande Val- the Demonstration Gardens is also available ley of southern Texas and adjacent Mexico, for wedding and other ceremonies. a semi-arid land averaging about 15-20 inches of rain a year. Termed Tamaulipan ThornscrubThornscrub, the vegetation of this region is characterized by numerous, multi-stemmed, small-leaved, spiny shrubs; small trees; cacti; and yuccas. Compare this planting with na- tive Sonoran Desert vegetation in and around Tucson. Some of the labeled plants, such as desert hackberry (Celtis pallida), catclaw acacia (Acacia greggii) and desert Christmas cactus (Opuntia leptocaulis) are na- tive to this area. Recognition Ramada [18] The Barbara Kennard Present Dem- onstration Gardens displays appropriate [21] Unique in all of Tucson, if not the landscape plants and hardscape materials to world, is the Geology Wall exhibit. The provide ideas for homeowners. The sooth- vision of Park founder Richard Wilson, a Uni- ing sounds of flowing water are everywhere versity of Arizona geology professor, it was in the Garden; one unique water feature al- inspired by the geologic formation fireplace lows cascading water to hopscotch from one by Mary Jane Colter in the Bright Angel strategically placed pot to another down the Lodge at the Grand Canyon, a scale model face of an adobe-plastered wall. of the geology of the Canyon from rim to 21 river. Completed in 1985, the Park’s Wall was designed and built by geologist Doug A CALENDAR FOR THE AGES Shakel, with the help of Toby Wright. To understand the earth’s geologic life story, scientists use a chart called a The 55- geologic column to represent the foot various phases of the planet’s semi- development. Starting at the bottom, circular the oldest time period is the Wall Precambrian beginning when the earth consists coalesced about 4.5 billion years ago of several and lasting until the Paleozoic Era, 542 hundred million years ago (mya). The rock Precambrian represents about 87% of specimens the earth’s history; using a familiar collected from more than two dozen calendar analogy, it began January 1 and geologic formations in the 9,000-foot Santa lasted until November 18. The Catalina Mountains, visible just over the top Paleozoic Era, when multi-cellular life of the Wall. Shakel and Wright spent three began to flourish, lasted from 542 mya years gathering the specimens and building until 251 mya or from November 18 to the Wall to illustrate the geologic story of December 12. Next up was the Southern Arizona. Mesozoic Era, known as the Age of Reptiles. It lasted from 251 mya until The Wall in front of you represents a vertical about 65 mya or from December 12 to slice of geologic time, cut through Tucson’s 26. We currently live in the most Santa Catalina Mountains from north to recent Era, the Cenozoic, which began south. As you walk along the Geology Wall on December 26. This is the age of “new from left to right, you are literally strolling life” when mammals came into their own; through nearly two billion years of earth’s modern humans, on the other hand, history. You would have to hike more than have only been around since about 30 miles through the Catalinas to see the 11:48pm on December 31. same rock formations.

In general, the rocks of the Santa Catalina Mountains, and the Wall, become younger as you continue walking south. Tucson is built on the youngest rocks, displayed on the far right; they are only 10 to 20 million years old. The oldest rocks, on the far left, are found north of the Catalinas near the town of Oracle; they are about 1.8 billion years old! 22 [22] The Propagation Greenhouse is only [24] You are now entering the Riparian open to the public during our twice yearly Habitat, a re-creation of an Arizona riparian plant sales (March and October). The rest community, a diverse association of plants of the year, staff and volunteers are busy se- and animals that live on the banks of the state’s lecting and propagating little known or rivers and streams. Our version displays some underutilized native and arid-adapted land- of what you might find in Sycamore Canyo, scape plants to introduce them to local land- 50 miles south in the Atascosa Mountains at scape designers and the general public. By 4,000 ft. creating a demand for a broader palette of appropriate water conserving plants, more The word ripar- species will become available through com- ian (from the mercial nurseries and backyard landscapes Latin ripa, will take on an entirely new regional char- meaning shore acter. or bank) was once only fa- [23] This low-walled Tortoise Enclosure is [23] miliar to biolo- the home of several Sonoran Desert tortoises. gists and natu- The largest native turtle in Arizona, they ralists but in re- grow continuously cent years the throughout their public has been lifetimes — adults made more ranging up to 13 aware of the inches long and extraordinary weighing 16 importance of streamside plantings replicate desert pounds. With a life Southwest ri- riparian habitats expectancy of 50 desert tortoise parian communities to native wildlife. It is years or more, the Paul Miller, artist estimated that roughly half of all breeding reptiles are gener- birds in the deserts and grasslands of the ally active from April through October. You Southwest nest exclusively in riparian habi- may have to look carefully to spot them, how- tats. Similar numbers are emerging with re- ever, since they seek the shade when it gets gard to the region’s amphibians, reptiles and too hot and will hibernate when cold mammals. Given the number of species de- weather sets in. pendent on these areas, it is astonishing to note that riparian communities cover much Desert tortoise populations have declined in less than one percent of the region’s total recent years due to respiratory diseases, ille- land mass! gal collections practices and changes in their habitat brought by development and in- Arizona ash (Fraxinus velutina) is often called creased livestock grazing. Tortoises are pro- velvet ash because its leaves are covered with tected by state law and it is illegal to re- fine hairs. In the fall the leaves turn a bril- move one from the wild. 23 liant yellow and light up the canyons across live young, the Topminnow favors pools and the Southwest. Inconspicuous flowers ap- slow moving waters where it feeds on aquatic pear in the spring followed by winged fruits plants and small animals that are scattered by the wind. Arizona sy- such as mosquito larvae camore (Platanus wrightii) is easy to recognize and other small fish. In even in winter, when the distinctive sharp- the fall of 1991 Tohono female Gila topminnow lobed leaves have fallen, because of its beau- Chul introduced this Paul Miller, artist tiful white bark and angular branches. Sy- population into the camores are among the hardiest of riparian stream as part of a cooperative breeding pro- trees, resprouting readily after losing entire gram with Arizona Game trunks in floods. Their tenacious roots wrap and Fish that seeks to pre- around boulders in rocky streambeds, slow- serve species diversity anf ing erosion. Arizona black walnut (Juglans male Gila topminnow for reintroduction to the major) is noted for its edible fruits, and for Paul Miller, artist wild. the fact that its name in Spanish (nogal[es]) is the name of a well-known border town to the south. RIPARIAN DIVERSITY From a bird’s eye view, southern Arizona’s Canyon grape (Vitis arizonica) is a true grape riparian communities appear as ribbons and a distant relative of Old World of green meandering through the brown winemaking varieties. Its small, nearly black desert. Wherever water collects, fruits are edible. Though not strictly a ri- whether a perennial stream at the bot- parian species, hopbush (Dodonaea viscosa) also tom of a canyon or an ephemeral pool grows on rocky canyon slopes. Some cul- in a seasonally flooded dry arroyo, there tures around the world use the winged fruits you will find the kinds of trees and shrubs as a substitute for hops in making beer. Other that need more water than the desert can parts of the plant are poisonous, however, provide. and have been used to stun fish in order to catch them. There are many reasons for the remark- able diversity of wildlife in riparian habi- Living in the stream itself is a population of tats. The presence of aboveground Gila Topminnows (Poeciliopsis occidentalis), drinking water is a magnet, however the once the most abundant fish in the Gila River water available under the ground may be basin of central Arizona and southwestern even more important. It means a greater New Mexico. It is now listed as an endan- concentration of vegetation and plant- gered species due to competition from a eating insects. Tall trees such as sy- closely related species, the mosquitofish. camores, smaller trees such as mesquites, Loss of habitat as a result of the construction fallen tree limbs, shrubs, grasses and herbs of new dams and the over-utilization of sur- provide a great variety of breeding, feed- face waters has also inhibited population ing and escape situations, accommodat growth. The only fish in Arizona to bear 24 3 ing a diversity of animal lifestyles. Ri- Living in parian communities are also important corridors for the movement of wildlife the Desert through the surrounding deserts. stewardship

Gallery forests of Arizona willows and [26] A number of species of prickly pear Fremont cottonwoods once lined the cacti are planted along this section of the banks of many valley-bottom rivers and trail. Members of the genus Opuntia, which streams, but no longer. Their reproduc- also includes the cholla cacti, prickly pears tion is an example of the sensitivity of are distinguishable from the chollas by their many riparian species to ecological flattened stem sections called pads. For this change. Both trees release cottony seeds reason they are also called Playtopuntias. in the spring. To sprout, the seeds must Opuntias are characterized by the presence fall on moist sandbars recently exposed of clusters of easily detached, fine, barbed by receding waters. Man-made dams fre- spines quently degrade downstream riparian known as communities by changing seasonal glochids. streamflow patterns. Some prickly Urbanization, falling water tables, over- pear grazing by cattle and a changing climate cacti have all contributed to the degradation such as and loss of riparian communities through- bunny out Arizona. Today no more than 10% ears and of Arizona’s riparian habitats exist in any- harvesting prickly pear fruit with wah’o beaver- thing resembling their original condi- (saguaro rib tongs) tail are tions. Those that remain are among the exclu- most precious treasures in Arizona’s natu- sively covered with glochids, giving them a ral heritage. soft look. Anyone having had the misfor- tune to encounter one up close will warn you that appearances can be deceiving! [25] The Demonstration Garden Ramada offers a soothing escape from the noise and Peak bloom time is April-May when plants congestion of the surrounding city. The re- feature lemon yellow to pink to red flowers. laxing sounds of running water and birdcalls The young pads of the cactus, called nopales, provide a calming backdrop for a quiet, pri- can be cooked and eaten as a vegetable. High vate moment. The Ramada itself, with its in calcium and vitamin C, the fleshy fruits, Mexican tile accents and beehive fireplace, called tunas, are very sweet and juicy. Gath- is a creative model that visitors can adapt ered in late summer the reddish-purple fruit to their own home landscape. is cleaned of its spines and eaten fresh, or 25 the juice is strained for making jellies, cool- [27] Cholla cacti (pronounced CHOY-ya), ing drinks or sorbet. The ripe fruits also pro- close relatives of the prickly pear, differ by duce a soft pink dye. The natural pectin in having cylindrical, tubercle-covered stems - the fruits has been helpful in controlling dia- - Cylindropuntia. There are about 45 species betes. By the way, that red or purple tinge of chollas distributed from the Southwest to that may appear on some opuntias is a sign of central Mexico. They are well represented stress due to cold or drought. in the Sonoran Desert with six species be- ing native to Tohono Chul. Chollas range in size from low mat-forming types to 15- DESERT CLIMATE foot trees. They include such plants as the Deserts, and the vast areas of arid grass- not-so-cuddly teddy bear and the infamous lands and scrublands that often border jumping cholla. Chollas and prickly pears them, cover about 30% of the earth’s land grow easily from detached stems. Cholla area. A desert is defined as a region that spines are covered with papery sheaths, of- receives less than 10 inches of rain per ten showy and bright, contributing to the year. However, climate, soil, topogra- plant’s overall coloration. These protective phy and vegetation are all considered spines are probably the reason these cacti when defining a region. Arid climates are favorite nesting sites for cactus wrens and have at least one thing in common -- the curve-billed thrashers. rate at which moisture evaporates (evapo- transpiration) exceeds rainfall (precipi- In March, after a long winter without fresh tation). Evapotranspiration is the total food, the Tohono O’odham look forward to water loss from an area, through evapo- spring and readily harvest the first available ration from the soil and through transpi- green vegetable, the cholla. Picked before ration of water vapor from plants. High they bloom, the buds of the cholla cactus temperatures, low humidity and wind are rich in calcium — one tablespoonful is increase the rate of evapotranspiration. Many plants that are not adapted to arid environments wilt and die on a hot, dry, windy day, even if growing in good, con- tinuously damp soil.

A number of factors or combination of factors can produce a desert. The world’s great deserts occur in the horse latitudes (about 30° north and south of the equa- tor) and are sometimes called trade wind or subtropical deserts. The deserts of Mexico and the Southwest United States are found at this latitude. jumping cholla Debbie Jensen, artist 26 equivalent to eight ounces of milk! Harvested Barrio Garden — a small gardener’s garden with tongs made of saguaro ribs (wah’o), the reflecting a traditional sense of place where buds are cleaned of their spines and then family heritage guides the growing of plants cooked. They can be eaten as a vegetable, that nurture both body and spirit. added to salads, soups or stews, or sun dried and stored for future use. The flowers, when Container Garden — suits the homeowner they open, range from yellow to green, rust and plant lover with limited space, where to bronze and orange to magenta. Jumping containers provide alternatives to in-ground cholla blooms each year, but seldom sets vi- plantings. able seed. Instead, it develops chains of fruit that eventually fall off and form new Moorish Garden — plants — thus its other common name, chain reflects the sensual fruit cholla. tranquility of a shaded garden where ceramic [28] The Cargill tiles and wall stenciling and Bradley Families reference traditional Desert Living Court- elements of desert yard presents visitors gardens from Spain with conscientious al- and overcome the ternatives to use limitations of long dry when choosing to seasons when plants are not in bloom. “garden where we live.” The Courtyard Xeriscape™ Garden — demonstrates the offers homeowners classic “zone” principles of oasis, transition, new and creative ideas for using water-con- and dry/desert by blending the space into serving plants in livable landscapes, comb- the surrounding landscapes. ing color, texture and function to provide take-home ideas for outdoor living spaces Wildlife Garden — a riparian habitat in a that can be easily reproduced. rocky canyon incorporates a “natural” water feature that is home to a growing population Divided into ten distinct garden vignettes, of endangered native fish, and a variety of areas of the Courtyard feature different plant species attractive to a diversity of southwest regional themes, from cacti, suc- wildlife. culents and annuals in colorful pots, to a “natural” landscape that attracts native wild- Dry Shade Garden — the most challenging life. We also recreated garden styles from of gardens to design where many native other places with similar climates, such as the plants actually thrive in full sun. Moorish gardens of old Spain or the color- ful outdoor living spaces of Mexico. Winter/Summer Garden — plants that bloom in either of Tucson’s most extreme

27 seasons – the cold of winter or the heat of summer. Desert Pupfish

Meditation Garden — inspired by the Thriving in the pond in the Wildlife simplicity of a Zen garden, demonstrates that Garden is another native fish, the even a tiny space can become a peaceful Desert Pupfish refuge. ( Cyprinodon macularis). Native Outdoor Living Garden — combines to Arizona, Baja California and architecture and plants to create an informal, male pupfish comfortable and adaptable sense of place that Sonora, Mexico, Paul Miller, artist is inviting for year-round outdoor family and the Salton living. Creative design decisions can Sea area of California, the Pupfish is an introduce shade, cooling, privacy, and even endangered species. Once common, passive water harvesting to a typical tract it has been preyed upon and out-com- home. peted by non-native baitfish released into its desert riparian habitats. These Last but not least, the fish are also part of a captive breeding Utility Garden — program to help save the population of demonstrates Pupfish indigenous to Quitoboquito gardening basics from Springs in Organ Pipe National Monu- tool storage to ment. composting and from low tech water The Desert Pupfish is capable of with- harvesting to a kitchen standing extreme temperature changes, garden in a cattle tank. making it perfectly adapted for desert In any given garden, pools. An omnivore, they consume there will be spaces that are less than inviting aquatic plant life and tiny marine crea- to plants; these are the spots to consider for tures. In captivity its favorite food is utility needs. brine shrimp but it will also eat mos- quito larvae and other small insects. During the spring and summer you can [29] In the lobby of the Desert Discovery easily spot the males in the school; they Education Center is the Wells Fargo Foyer are an iridescent turquoise color. The Galleryy, a small gallery space that features females and young are a non-descript longterm exhibits focusing on themes such brown with light bands that camouflage as edible and useful plants of the desert or them in the weeds. Females lay their Tohono Chul’s history. Classes, workshops eggs in territories established by the and volunteer training is held in the Center’s males. Following spawning, the eggs classrooms, the largest of which can be are deposited on the bottom with no rented for private meetings and retreats. further parental care.

28 [30] Agaves can best be described as low- forms and blue-green to gray shades of aga- growing rosettes of succulent, evergreen, ves provide many creative opportunities for toothed leaves. Over 130 species occur from landscape use. the Southwest United States to Mexico, Cen- tral America and the Caribbean (12 species Agaves have been used extensively for food, are native to Ari- fiber and medicines by the indigenous zona, more than peoples of Mesoamerica for at least 9,000 any other state). years. Agave was cultivated by many tribes Agaves range in for its edible heart. Prior to flowering the size from the six- plant was trimmed of its leaves, much like an inch rosettes of artichoke, and the leaf base and stem (called Agave parviflora to a cabeza) was pit roasted and then eaten — a ten-foot high “cen- starchy, sweet and nutritious, somewhat tury plants” that fibrous food. Many of us are familiar with can produce a 25- agave sap known variously as aguamiel (fresh), foot tall flower pulque (fermented) and mescal or tequila (dis- stalk at the end of tilled). Traditionally, leaf fiber was used for its lifetime. The cordage, nets, basketry, mats, sandals and nickname “century clothing. Today it is commercially harvested plant” comes from and labeled as sisal. Be careful when han- the mistaken belief dling cut leaves: the sap of the leaves can that agaves require cause contact dermatitis and other allergic 100 years to reactions. bloom. Actually, they are multi-an- [31] Along this loop trail are planted nuals requiring Trichocereus, South American cereoid cacti seven to 45 years and some close relatives. These plants are to mature and agave americana noted for their magnificent, colorful, over- flower, depending Debbie Jensen, artist sized flowers that frequently appear en masse. on the species and Unlike the native night-blooming cereus growing conditions. Resembling an aspara- (Peniocereus greggii), they may bloom more than gus, the flower stalks of larger agaves can once during a season. The first heavy bloom grow as much as one foot per day. Most generally occurs in mid-April and scattered agaves die after flowering. Besides seed, most flowering can be enjoyed until the end of species produce offsets or pups and some warm weather in October. As you walk along grow plantlets called bulbils on their flower the trail you may notice wire cages and shrub stalks. This habit of flowering only once is a branches on top of certain plants. The pur- feature that distinguishes agaves from their pose of the cages is to protect the cacti from relatives: yuccas, beargrass, sotols and hungry wildlife. The branches provide re- hesperaloes. You can see these relatives lief from the intense desert sun. throughout the grounds. The varied sizes, 29 [32] Along this section of the trail you DESERT SYMBIOSIS will find various species of yuccayucca, close rela- tives of agaves. Several dozen species of Incapable of self-pollination, a number yucca range from the southern United States of yucca species are pollinated by the through Mexico and the West Indies. Yuc- tiny yucca moth — pronuba. This is an cas vary in size from small, stemless rosettes example of a plant and an animal linked to 30-foot high plants such as the famous in a symbiotic relationship. The female Joshua Tree of southern California deserts. moth mates and then begins collecting The beautiful, perfumed white flower masses pollen from several flowers’ stamens. She are striking, especially when whole groves then carries this pollen ball to succes- of the plants flower at the same time. The sive yucca flowers, stopping to lay her flowers close and droop during the day, eggs deep in the pistil (female portion opening and turning upward at night for pol- of the bloom) and then fill its tip with a lination by a variety of nocturnal creatures. portion of the pollen that she carries. As the new seeds develop, so do the lar- vae that feed on a few of the growing seeds. Once mature, they bore through the seedpod and drop by silken threads to the ground. The larvae burrow be- neath the soil and spin a cocoon to await the next spring when they will emerge and begin the cycle again.

tender young flower stalk can be baked and eaten, while the white flowers appearing in yucca elata May can be eaten fresh or cooked. Yucca Debbie Jensen, baccata produces fleshy, edible fruits resem- artist bling a banana, hence its common name, banana yucca. Yuccas are very useful plants — from the blade-like leaves, fiber can be extracted to [33] The hedgehog cactus is a member of make cord. The leaves themselves are used the genus Echinocereus. There are approxi- by several tribes in weaving traditional bas- mately fifty species of hedgehogs distributed kets — as green or white stitching fibers and from the southern Plains States and the for reddish brown accents (yucca roots). The Southwest to central Mexico. They grow as roots of the soaptree yucca (Yucca elata) give solitary stems or in clusters of up to 500 the plant its name because when pounded stems. A number of hedgehogs are quite and boiled they create a foamy, cleansing hardy to cold. One variety of claret cup lather used for soap and shampoo. Yuccas hedgehog (Echinocereus triglochidiatus) grows at are also a source of food. In early spring the altitudes of up to 10,000 feet. Many hedge- 30 hogs are especially showy when in flower ter and (April) and often a single plant will have doz- spring. The ens of brilliant magenta or red flowers open crown of at the same time. Colors can range from pink pineapple- to yellow and even green, brown and white. shaped yel- The spines of some species are a display in low fruits that themselves. The golden hedgehog follow in the (Echinocereus engelmannii var. nicholii) has long yel- fall are edible, low spines, while the Arizona rainbow (E. with a citrusy pectinatus var. rigidissimus) has multi-colored taste. Peeled bands of spines ringing the stem. The fruit fruits can be of many hedgehogs is small but edible. made into jel- fishhook barrel cactus Debbie Jensen, artist lies or marma- [34] This area of the Park has been planted lades. The tiny black seeds are high in pro- with specimens indigenous to Baja Califor- tein and oil. Fishhook barrel (F. wislizenii) has niania. They include organ pipe cactus, senita, hooked spines that have been used for fish- creeping devil, elephant trees, kidneywood ing. Historically, other barrel spines served and palo brea. as needles or awls.

[35] The Cactus/Succulent Ramada dis- Contrary to popular myth, barrel cacti are not a ready source of water in the desert. plays a number of smaller and more delicate You cannot cut off the top and find a pool of cacti and other succulents. This is an op- clear, cold water ready to drink. The sap of portunity to compare and contrast a few of the barrel is an unpalatable, bitter, milky liq- the thousands of succulents that occur world- uid more likely to give you a bellyache. A wide with the varieties found in the Sonoran barrel cactus can make a reasonably effec- Desert. Many of these plants have evolved similar strategies to cope with the common tive living compass however. Almost all problems of obtaining and storing water in larger plants will lean toward the southwest. arid environments. It is noteworthy that similar cacti in the Southern Hemisphere tend to lean to the northwest. [36] Barrel cacti generally refer to mem- bers of the genera Ferocactus and Echinocactus, [37] As you walk through this area of the are native from the southwestern United Park, take a closer look at the landscape. You States to Mexico. Barrels range in size from are crossing the access road that once led small plants like Ferocactus fordii (6” diameter) from Ina Road to the main house. In March to massive plants such as F. diguetii (14’ tall, 3’ 1984 we undertook a long-term project to thick). Most barrel cacti bloom with a showy revegetate the road and return it to a natural ring of yellow, orange or red flowers in late state. The eroded and compacted soil was summer. F. recurvus, just west of the Cactus/ broken up with a tractor and the surface was Succulent Ramada, has purple flowers in win- then smoothed with a hand roller. Species 31 of cacti native to the site were planted in or brittlebush that provides protection from natural densities and rocks and gravel were predators and the elements. Many of these spread on the surface. Seeds of native trees small cacti would die if exposed to the full and shrubs were planted. Dead tree limbs intensity of the sun. and dried brush were scattered about to help reduce erosion, provide protection for ger- [39] The South Loop Trail is not wheel- minating seedlings and eventually to form chair accessible. It is approximately 1/5 mile humus for the soil. The road was then thor- in its entirety and is a pleasant walk through oughly watered to settle the soil and help washes, up a slight incline and past indig- establish the cacti. After more than 15 years enous vegetation. the road has taken on a more natural appear- ance though its contours are still visible to [40] The South Wash is an example of a those who know to look for them. But with- desert arroyo. This streambed is normally out any effort at revegetation it would have dry, except immediately after a storm. Rain- remained a permanent scar on the landscape. fall drains off the surrounding higher ground This is an excellent example of just how frag- and flows, sometimes quite rapidly, through ile desert environments are and yet how they the channel. This extra water percolates into can be restored with care and time. the adjacent soil and allows trees and shrubs to grow larger than those on upland sites. The shady Pincushion Ramada is a [38] Desert wildlife is frequently concentrated in welcome respite from the sun on a hot sum- wash areas such as this because of greater mer day. The rock planter is home to a num- cover, cooler temperatures and more avail- ber of pincushion cacti of the genus Mam- able food. millaria. At least 150 species and many vari- eties range from the southwestern United [41] One of Tohono States to Columbia and Venezuela, while the greatest concentrations are found in central Chul’s objectives is to Mexico. The fishhook pincushion (Mammill- illustrate for visitors the aria microcarpa) is common in the desert around interconnectedness be- Tucson and several other species grow in tween the plants and nearby areas. Most pincushions are favor- people of the Sonoran ites of collectors and are prized for their Desert. In no other in- beautifully varied, fascinating forms and the stance is this more evi- exquisite flowers that ring the tops of their dent than in the con- stems with crowns of color. Pincushions nection between the range in size from tiny plants barely one inch saguaro cactus (hahshani) across, to large clustering masses such as M. and the Tohono compressa that can grow to three or four feet O’odham people. The across and contain more than 500 stems. Pin- Pochter Saguaro Dis- covery Trail tells the cushions will usually seek the shelter of a nurse saguaro plant, a desert shrub like triangle leaf bursage Debbie Jensen, artist story of the cactus 32 through its cultural significance to the across the desert. In the Tucson area, the O’odham and its botanical connections to heaviest stands of saguaro occur on warmer the natural history of the desert. south-facing slopes where frost is less injuri- ous and there is a longer growing season. One of the “signature” plants of the Sonoran And, don’t forget to look for the large, Desert, the saguaro has served as an icon of crested (cristate) saguaro at the top of the the Southwest since botanist George Engel- hill. Transplanted from an expanding sand mann described it in 1848. Yet many myths and gravel operation, the cactus is an ex- and misconceptions persist about its longev- ample of genetic mutation. No one is quite ity, its appearance and its uses. Interpretive sure why some specimens develop these odd- signage along the trail depicts the O’odham looking growth patterns, which may form at origin story of the saguaro, traditional the growing tip of the central stem, or from havesting and preparation methods and the one of the arms. post-harvest wine ceremonies leading to the beginning of the summer monsoon. In addi- [42] The West House (1963) is a charm- tion, there are panels featuring some amaz- ing hacienda-style home with its traditional ing facts about saguaro adaptations, growth zaguan and fountained courtyard. The heavy patterns and relationships to other plants and arched doorway is modeled after a larger one animals in the desert. that once would have admitted a horse and carriage to the privacy of a home’s interior For example, notice courtyard. Today, the building hosts our La how many juvenile Fuente Museum Shop and the Tohono Chul saguaros are clustered Garden BistroBistro. This Museum Shop features below some of the the work of contemporary local artists along palo verde “nurse” with regional cookbooks and spicy South- trees. These trees saguaro fruit west food items. The Bistro is open daily Debbie Jensen, artist are popular bird for breakfast, lunch and afternoon tea, serv- roosts and saguaro ing indoors or in the inviting ambience of seeds are dispersed via animal droppings — the interior courtyard or rear patios. It may birds, bats and even javelina and pack rats find saguaro fruit quite tasty. The tree pro- vides the young seedlings protection from the intense sun in summer and reduces frost damage in winter, thus creating an ideal habi- tat. As the saguaros mature, the tree that protected them in their youth will frequently not survive, the saguaros having absorbed most of the available rainfall.

Now look at the large number of small to medium saguaros around you, fanning out al fresco dining on the patio 33 be rented after hours for special occasions such as weddings, anniversaries and parties. AN AVIARY WITHOUT WALLS More than 27 species of birds can be [43] The Wilson RoomRoom, located on the found on the Park grounds or in the skies northwest corner of the West House, is used overhead. There are easily seen resi- for overflow seating from the Bistro and spe- dents, like cactus wrens and curve-billed cial events. It too may be rented for private thrashersthrashers; and flashy neotropical mi- functions. grants like Wilson’s warbler and rufous hummingbirdhummingbird. Birds that breed in the [44] Accessible from United States and Canada, but winter in the back patio of the Mexico and further south, are termed Garden Bistro, the neotropical migratory birds. The sky Hummingbird Gar- islands and riparian corridors of the den is landscaped with desert Southwest provide these long-dis- tance travelers with cool, moist rest stops black-chinned hummingbird a variety of plants at- Debbie Jensen, artist tractive to humming- in an otherwise arid landscape. birds. These mostly When walking the grounds, keep an eye native species include salvias, penstemons, out for courting male roadrunners with agaves, honeysuckle, aloes, desert willow, lizard offerings sure to entice potential red bird-of-paradise and hummingbird trum- mates. Do you hear the call of a male pet. The Garden is regularly visited by Gambel’s quail — chi-ca-go-go — trying Anna’s and Costa’s hummingbirds, by black- to keep his family together? chinned in the spring and summer breeding season and by broad-billed and rufous hum- Do you recognize the so-called black mingbirds during their migratory passages. cardinal – phainopeplaphainopepla? How about the The colorful handpainted tiles will help you cardinal look-alike pyrrhuloxiapyrrhuloxia? If you identify them. are a birder, whether newly fledged or precocial, join one of our regular birding [45] La Entrada Greenhouse and Garden tours for an introduction to our “aviary Shop has something for every plant enthusi- without walls.” ast from the casual weekend gardener to the dedicated do-it-yourself landscaper, and ture an expanded selection of landscape members enjoy a 10% discount! Helpful staff trees, shrubs and specimen cacti and succu- and volunteers are on hand to answer your lents. And in July, local growers and dealers plant questions. A selection of hardy native join us for a special Monsoon Madness sale. and arid-adapted plants are available for sale, along with an assortment of books on gar- dening and plant identification. Bi-annual [46] THE place for the casual or first time plant sales (March and October) are held in visitor to pick up information about what’s the Propagation Greenhouse (22) and fea- happening at Tohono Chul is the Entry 34 Ramada and Admissions window. In addi- tion to admission to the gardens, you can Our Future also purchase tickets to special events and While the preservation of this register for upcoming lectures and classes. 49-acre parcel of Sonoran Admission to the gardens, exhibits and trails innovation Desert is an admirable goal, it is always free for members. is not Tohono Chul’s sole rea- son for being. Certainly the site is a place [47] Lomaki HouseHouse, built in the late 1960s to be cherished — a place where people can as a guesthouse by founders Richard and Jean come to find peace and inspiration in a place Wilson, is available for rent by the public of beauty. However, the Park’s site is also a for private functions such as meetings, wed- tool, an agent for change, where people can dings and receptions. gain knowledge of the natural and cultural heritage of this region. The challenge we face is to find a balance between providing for increasing visitation while protecting the environment our members and visitors have come to enjoy.

In 2001 we implemented a new Master Plan which addressed the needs of our commu- nity and constituents. Enhanced visitor ser- vices included easier accessibility, ADA up- grades, interpretive signage, lighting, ex- panded parking areas and public restrooms. Programming services were improved with the additions of the Desert Discovery Edu- cation Center (classrooms), Desert Living Courtyard (demonstration landscapes) and a new and expanded retail Greenhouse. The new SIN AGUA Garden and Desert Living Courtyard replaced former parking lots, repurposing bladed and compacted sites with interesting gardens that underscore the ben- efits of sustainable gardening.

Behind the scenes we renovated/expanded areas for plant propagation and conservation, constructed a new operations shop, built new and upgraded storage for our permanent ar- tifact collections and a conservation/prepa- ration area for the production of our chang- 35 ing indoor exhibits. For information on memberships,contact the Administrative Offices at 742-6455 or Leading off the South Loop Trail, the [email protected]. Saguaro Discovery Trail was developed in 2004 with sensitive and minimal environ- mental impact among existing stands of cacti. In 2009 we approaced the northern 19 acres of the grounds the same way, with discrete enhancements such shade ramadas and drink- ing fountains along the improved Desert View Trail. In the “heart” of Tohono Chul, 2010’s Sonoran Season Garden, replacing the former main parking lot, tells the seasonal stories of the Arizona Upland.

Moving beyond that millennial plan, in 2013 we added the Desert Palm Oasis with its na- tive, but oh, so exotic looking Sonoran palm trees. These new exhibits, along with a new entry path and succulent garden coming in 2014, allow visitors to learn about the natu- ral and cultural heritage of this region and provides them with an enriching experience of the wonders of the Sonoran Desert.

MEMBERSHIP AND SUPPORT

Thank you for visiting Tohono Chul Park. We are pleased to be able to provide resi- dents and visitors alike with this opportu- nity to learn about and experience the Sonoran Desert.

If you enjoyed your visit to the Park, and believe as we do that it is a special place, then we ask you to consider becoming a member. Tohono Chul is a private, non- profit organization. It is only through people like you that we are able to continue to protect and preserve this desert oasis for residents and visitors alike. 36 29 28 22 27 21 23 26 30 33 25 20 34 19 16 17 35 18 11 31 37 32 36 14 15 Trail 12 13 9 Desert View 38 10 7 8 4 3 6 5 39 1 40 Visitor Overlook 47 2 41 Trail 44 45 Saguaro Discovery 46 42 43

37 [33] Hedgehog Collection MAP KEY [34] Baja California [35] Cactus and Succulent Ramada [1] Sonoran Seasons Garden [36] Barrel Cactus Collection [2] Desert Palm Oasis [37] Revegetated Road [3] “Newspaper” Petroglyph Rocks [38] Pincushion Ramada [4] Sundial Plaza [39] South Loop Trail [5] Murphey Foundation Children’s [40] South Wash Ramada [41] Pochter Saguaro Discovery Trail [6] La Galeria Museum Shop [42] Tohono Chul Park Tea Room and La [7] Exhibit House Fuente Museum Shop [8] North Patio [43] Wilson Room [9] Administrative Offices [44] Hummingbird Garden [10] Spanish Colonial Courtyard [45] La Entrada Greenhouse and Garden [11] Alice Y. Holsclaw Performance Shop Garden [46] Admissions [12] Bank of America Garden for Children [47] Lomaki House [13] Ethnobotanical Garden [14] Desert View Trail [15] Cholla Forest [16] SIN AGUA Garden [17] Tamaulipan Thornscrub [18] Barbara Kennard Present Demonstration Garden [19] Central Sonora [20] Recognition Ramada [21] Geology Wall [22] Propagation Greenhouse [23] Tortoise Enclosure [24] Riparian Habitat [25] Demonstration Garden Ramada [26] Prickly Pear Collection [27] Cholla Collection [28] Cargill and Bradley Familes Desert Living Courtyard [29] Cargill Desert Discovery Education Center and Wells Fargo Foyer Gallery [30] Agave Collection [31] Trichocereus Collection [32] Yucca Collection

38