The majestic saguaro cactus, a symbol of the American Southwest, is facing an existential crisis. Urban sprawl is encroaching on its habitat, and as cities expand, the saguaro population dwindles. Relocating these cacti is a common but precarious solution; many transplanted saguaros struggle to survive, with many not lasting beyond a few years. The stress of relocation weakens them, making them vulnerable to diseases and other threats.
But the plight of the saguaro doesn’t end there. The desert’s iconic giant is also battling a surge in devastating wildfires. Record-breaking blazes are torching tens of thousands of these towering giants. Compounding the problem is climate change, which has led to night-time temperatures stubbornly staying above 90°F. Initially, it was believed that this was mostly an urban issue, linked to the heat island effect. However, observations from desert enthusiasts and trail maintenance crews reveal a troubling trend: more saguaros are falling than ever before. This increase in fallen cacti is becoming a common sight, highlighting the broader impact of climate change on these resilient yet vulnerable desert sentinels.
Friends of Tonto National Forest (FOTNF) is stepping up to help. As part of the updated TNF Regional Strategic Plan, our goal is to protect, restore, and monitor saguaros across the forest. Join us in learning about this incredible program and how you can help.
