… became Saguaro National Park on this date in 1994.
This unique desert is home to the most recognizable cactus in the world, the majestic saguaro. Visitors of all ages are fascinated and enchanted by these desert giants, especially their many interesting and complex interrelationships with other desert life. Saguaro cacti provide their sweet fruits to hungry desert animals. They also provide homes to a variety of birds, such as the Harris’ hawk, Gila woodpecker and the tiny elf owl. Yet, the saguaro requires other desert plants for its very survival. During the first few years of a very long life, a young saguaro needs the shade and protection of a nurse plant such as the palo verde tree. With an average life span of 150 years, a mature saguaro may grow to a height of 50 feet and weigh over 10 tons.
Source: National Park Service
Yesterday, here in Tucson, someone took a $10 hatchet and cut down one of these 100-year-old majestic beauties. Then, this monster proceeded to hack the poor giant into pieces.
Turn about would seem fair play.
Here’s the story.
“The wrapper for the ax, sold at Wal-Mart for less than $10, was still on the ground next to chunks of thorny cactus flesh Thursday morning.”