Friends of Saguaro stepped up with a grant to cover the transportation costs to get local school children into Saguaro National Park where rangers introduced them to the park and some of its natural resources / Friends of Saguaro
To help Saguaro National Park fulfill its mission as an educator, the park and Friends of Saguaro have developed environmental education programs that help students understand the natural and cultural heritage of the Sonoran Desert.
Park rangers, Next Generation rangers, and volunteers deliver the interactive, hands-on programs. They take place at the park, in the classroom, and at local community centers. The programs also focus on extending environmental education to underserved youth, which helps the park build a stronger relationship with underrepresented community members.
* Field Trips
Nearly 12,000 students from 80 schools participated in field trips to the park. The trips engage students in place-based, enjoyable hands-on activities that allow them to explore and discover the significance of the park’s resources, and introduce them to the National Park System and National Park Service mission.
* Teacher Rangers
Seven Teacher Rangers connected 358 children with the outdoors through active education and recreation.
* Hiking Clubs
The clubs took 360 students on 23 hikes during the school year. Students learned about the importance of fitness and explored the trails at the park.
* Junior Ranger/Cactus Ranger
Sixty students participated in eight programs that focused on habitat and resource protection projects.
* Wilderness Camps
Sixty-one students participated in three weekend camps. They learned about camping, hiking, and the enjoyment of spending time outdoors.
* Travel Trunk
During the academic year, five “Travel Trunk” programs took place for 230 students. This opportunity allows rangers to bring the park to the classroom with programs that enhance in-class teaching.
* Community Outreach
Nearly 2,500 students participated in 34 community outreach programs at community centers throughout southern Arizona.
* Transportation
Friends of Saguaro provided transportation grants to all local schools that requested them so students could participate in field trips to Saguaro during the last academic year. With this program the friends group reimburses the school district for the cost of a bus and driver for a field trip, and the cost of a van for a hiking club with a Teacher Ranger.
* Next Generation Rangers and Volunteers
Five Next Generation Rangers and 65 volunteers were vital to the park’s delivery of environmental education programs in 2017.
With the support from donors in 2017, Saguaro National Park’s environmental education programs were able to engage with more than 15,000 youth in southern Arizona, the highest annual total to date!
Please consider making a donation to support the ongoing Environmental Education programs Friends of Saguaro is overseeing at Saguaro National Park.
Stories about:
Story Categories:
A copy of National Parks Traveler's financial statements may be obtained by sending a stamped, self-addressed envelope to: National Parks Traveler, P.O. Box 980452, Park City, Utah 84098. National Parks Traveler was formed in the state of Utah for the purpose of informing and educating about national parks and protected areas.
Residents of the following states may obtain a copy of our financial and additional information as stated below:
- Florida: A COPY OF THE OFFICIAL REGISTRATION AND FINANCIAL INFORMATION FOR NATIONAL PARKS TRAVELER, (REGISTRATION NO. CH 51659), MAY BE OBTAINED FROM THE DIVISION OF CONSUMER SERVICES BY CALLING 800-435-7352 OR VISITING THEIR WEBSITE. REGISTRATION DOES NOT IMPLY ENDORSEMENT, APPROVAL, OR RECOMMENDATION BY THE STATE.
- Georgia: A full and fair description of the programs and financial statement summary of National Parks Traveler is available upon request at the office and phone number indicated above.
- Maryland: Documents and information submitted under the Maryland Solicitations Act are also available, for the cost of postage and copies, from the Secretary of State, State House, Annapolis, MD 21401 (410-974-5534).
- North Carolina: Financial information about this organization and a copy of its license are available from the State Solicitation Licensing Branch at 888-830-4989 or 919-807-2214. The license is not an endorsement by the State.
- Pennsylvania: The official registration and financial information of National Parks Traveler may be obtained from the Pennsylvania Department of State by calling 800-732-0999. Registration does not imply endorsement.
- Virginia: Financial statements are available from the Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, 102 Governor Street, Richmond, Virginia 23219.
- Washington: National Parks Traveler is registered with Washington State’s Charities Program as required by law and additional information is available by calling 800-332-4483 or visiting www.sos.wa.gov/charities, or on file at Charities Division, Office of the Secretary of State, State of Washington, Olympia, WA 98504.
National parks and their natural resources belong to you. The National Parks Traveler works to ensure you know how these essential places are being cared for.
Sign Up For Our Weekly Newsletter
Unsubscribe at any time.
INN Member
The easiest way to explore RV-friendly National Park campgrounds.
Here’s the definitive guide to National Park System campgrounds where RVers can park their rigs.
Our app is packed with RVing- specific details on more than 250 campgrounds in more than 70 national parks.
You’ll also find stories about RVing in the parks, tips helpful if you’ve just recently become an RVer, and useful planning suggestions.
