1. Earn credits toward your degree while seeing the world!
2. Gain a global perspective & cultural understanding by living & learning in another community.
3. Improve language skills & confidence through real-life experience.
4. Collaborate with students & instructors from around the world & explore your field through a new lens.
5. Gain a competitive edge in the job market through international experience & networking opportunities.
"Studying abroad has been one of the most amazing opportunities I've been given, and I immersed myself in so much culture through living with my host family and exploring the city."
– Deana Nguyen: Spanish in Costa Rica, Summer ‘24
from our Vice President for Student Affairs President for Affair s our Vice
We’re so glad you’re here. The University of Arizona is a place where you belong, and we’re excited to share this journey with you. Because once a Wildcat, you're a Wildcat for life!
Your experience on campus will be shaped not only by what you learn in the classroom, but also by the community you build and the opportunities you embrace. The Division of Student Affairs is here to help you make the most of your college experience. We are a central hub for student support, connection, and community. Our programming and services are dedicated to your well-being and growth and will help you succeed personally and academically.
We’re proud to be part of your journey and we can’t wait to see all that you’ll accomplish.
Dr. Amanda Kraus Vice President for Student Affairs
The University of Arizona Welcome Wildcat Magazine is published by Arizona Student Media in partnership with the Dean of Students Office.
Arizona Student Media
888 N. Euclid Ave. Room 301 Tucson, AZ 87721
Editor:
Susan Bollin McMillan
Director, Arizona Student Media Advisor, The Arizona Daily Wildcat sbmcmillan@arizona.edu 520-621-3408
Contributing Writers:
Sierra Blaser
Kate Eid
Susan McMillan
Kyle Mittan
Advertising/Marketing:
Mark Marrero
Advertising and Sales Manager
Arizona Student Media markmarrero@arizona.edu 520-621-5982
Known for its blazing sunshine and vibrant arts and culinary scene, Tucson. stands out as one of the most uniquely multifaceted destinations in the United States. Whether you're exploring scenic hiking trails or uncovering decades-old historic landmarks, Tucson offers a wealth of unforgettable experiences, especially for those discovering the city for the first time. Here’s what not to miss in your first 30 days.
Mount Lemmon and Saguaro National Park
Tucson’s rich desert landscape and diverse wildlife are must-sees. Walk along the scenic trails of Saguaro National Park to view the Sonoran Desert’s native cacti and incredible flora and fauna. For a more adventurous experience, Mount Lemmon is where you want to be. Stretching up to the highest point of the Santa Catalina Mountains, Mount Lemmon’s cooler temperatures and challenging trails make it a must-visit location for any nature lover. gpgp, temperatures and cha h llengiing trails maake it t a must-vvisit location for r any y nature lover.
Kate Eid Sierra Blaser
Mercado Flea Market
Mark your calendars for the second Sunday of the month for when the Mercado Flea Market returns to Avenida del Convento. Offering block-long selections of antique art, clothing and collectibles, Mercado is the emblem of Tucson’s arts and culture. And the market is only half of it; a stunning courtyard surrounded by local restaurants and cafes makes this experience last all day long. The market runs October through May.
Reid Park Zoo
One of Tucson’s most beloved family destinations, Reid Park Zoo offers an unforgettable experience for visitors of all ages. Home to more than 500 animals from around the globe, the zoo invites visitors to explore the wonders of wildlife up close. Reid Park Zoo is the perfect way to turn any free day into a memorable outing.
Hotel Congress
One of Tucson’s most iconic spots, Hotel Congress blends historic charm with a vibrant cultural pulse. Located in the heart of downtown on Congress Street, this legendary hotel has stood for over a century and comes with its fair share of ghost stories. Guests can book one of its famously haunted rooms or soak in the lively atmosphere with a visit to its cafes and concert venues. With a packed events calendar featuring everything from karaoke nights to open mics and post-hardcore punk shows, Hotel Congress offers an unforgettable stay rooted in local character.
Boutiques on University Boulevard
Located just steps from the University of Arizona’s Main Gate, University Boulevard is a vibrant corridor that captures the essence of Tucson style. The boutiques along the boulevard are some of the most distinctly Tucson-esque college-aged fashion you can find. From trendy western belts to adorable evening dresses, you may as well show up to Tucson with an empty suitcase and leave for break looking like a local.
Tucson Botanical Gardens
Described as a “living museum,” the Tucson Botanical Gardens seamlessly blend natural beauty with artistic expression. This serene oasis offers more than just lush landscapes; it invites visitors to explore interactive exhibits and creative educational experiences. Moving trains travel through a model of Arizona’s landscapes and national parks in their Great Garden Express exhibit. With resoundingly positive reviews crowning the garden one of the best, you will not regret adding the Botanical Gardens to your itinerary.
Mexican Cuisine
No matter the reason you’re coming to Tucson, food will be a part of your visit, so why not make it an experience of its own?
As the first UNESCO-designated City of Gastronomy in the United States, Tucson boasts some of the most authentic and flavorful Mexican cuisine in the country. Start in the Historic District at El Charro Café, where generations-old recipes and unforgettable guacamole await. For bold flavors and a lively atmosphere, La Chingada pairs complex dishes with live music. Vegetarian? Head to Tumerico, a beloved spot offering innovative, affordable plant-based cuisine. And don’t miss local favorite Seis Kitchen, serving up regional Mexican specialties at the bustling Mercado San Agustín.
Biosphere 2
Old Tucson
Time travel back to the years of the Wild West at the Old Tucson theme park. Explore the iconic film sets used by hundreds of Western films and take the Haunted Ghost Tour if you want to be spooked by the legends of Old Tucson. There are seasonal events for every time of the year, like the Saguaro Sunset Night Market in the summer and Nightfall during Halloween, so don’t miss out on this Tucson must-see.
Pima Air & Space Museum
Discover collections of aircraft throughout history and learn about their contributions to aerospace research at the Pima Air and Space Museum. With multiple tour options and almost 400 aircraft, including the most famous World War II bomber, the B-17 "Flying Fortress," and a replica of the Wright 1903 Flyer, the fascinating world of aerospace is sure to make for a memorable visit.
Vibrant Murals
Just a 45-minute drive north of Tucson, Biosphere 2 offers a one-of-a-kind journey through Earth’s most remarkable ecosystems, from desert to rainforest to ocean. This unique laboratory and science museum invites visitors to explore living models of the planet’s habitats and gain insight into groundbreaking research on biodiversity and sustainability. Known as “Biosphere 2” because Earth itself is considered “Biosphere 1,” the facility serves as a window into the future of environmental science.
Tucson boasts over 400 murals around the city with new art constantly being installed. Check out new murals downtown that celebrate 250 years of Tucson history or murals of silly desert animals and the Beatles on Fourth Avenue. Fun fact: Tucson is home to the largest outdoor mural in Arizona that spans 26,000 sq. feet located at Park Place Mall.
Espresso Art Cafe
A cafe and hookah lounge with European vibes and artsy decor lies along the bustling University Boulevard. Espresso Art Cafe’s weekly chess matches, trivia nights and live music on the weekends set this place far apart from any ordinary cafe. Sip amazing coffee and enjoy the liveliness of University with the outdoor seating any day of the week.
Historic Fourth Avenue
The Boxyard
Try something new at this innovative dining experience on Fourth Avenue. With four restaurants, three bars and an open-air patio, The Boxyard is perfect for a night out with friends. This eccentrically decorated concept bar creates a fun, yet cozy atmosphere with its bright shipping containers and ambient string lighting, making it pair perfectly with its local food and drink options.
Flandrau Science Center & Planetarium
Located on the UA campus, the Flandrau Science Center and Planetarium reveals the universe’s greatest marvels, ones that you never saw in science class. The center’s fulldome digital projection system transports you into beyond-Earth wonders like asteroids, the moon and other planets. There are also other science exhibits for marine biology and astronomy as well as a stacked gift shop for science lovers of all ages.
Right between the UA campus and downtown Tucson is the iconic Fourth Avenue. Bustling with crystal shops, boutiques and cafés, all local and unforgettably unique, checking this one off your list should be an easy choice. Visit the Book Stop while you’re there, and watch out for the hidden gems of vintage books and librettos in this quaint, creaky maze of a bookshop. OVER
400 MURALS
AROUND THE CITY
“After dropping out of high school, I returned to school as a Computer Science major to support my family. Earn to Learn and Hughes taught me to be responsible with my money and plan for my future.
Learning about the credit union difference gave me the life goal to never bank anywhere else!” — Hunter C.
Find out how Hughes and Earn to Learn join forces to support student success at HughesFCU.org/ETL
Sierra Blaser
Hometown: Oxnard, California
Major: Journalism
WHAT I DO:
General Manager
UATV3 gives me real world experience in media production, storytelling, and social media skills I’ll use in my future career. Whether I’m setting up interviews, creating content, or managing social platforms I’m constantly learning how to connect with an audience. My goal is to work in social media for the sports or scuba diving industry. UATV3 helps me build those skills by allowing me to lead projects, think creatively, and produce content that’s both authentic and engaging. I love capturing stories, whether it’s athletes, students, or unique campus events, and translating that into visual media that resonates. UATV3 is more than just a student job or club. It’s where I’ve learned how to work on a team, communicate clearly and adapt on the fly. It’s given me a strong foundation in content creation and interview skills that I’ll carry into my future career.
WHAT I DO:
Editor-in-Chief
The Daily Wildcat gives me the opportunity to connect with my community in a way standard college classes didn't. As a freshman, my gen-ed classes didn't allow me time to explore my major, and I had no idea if journalism was truly for me. By joining the Daily Wildcat, I was not only able to confi rm that journalism was what I wanted to do, but that it was the dream. As I worked my way up to Arts and Life editor and then to Editor-in-Chief, I also fell in love with serving as a resource for my peers. I've gained incredible relationships by joining Arizona Student Media, and it led me to multiple internships at local news outlets. Working for the Daily Wildcat has been a highlight for my college career, and I'm grateful to the team we've built.
Colin Morgan
Hometown: Tustin, California
Major: Journalism
Sophia Troetel
Hometown: New York, New York
Major: Psychological Science & Spanish
WHAT I DO:
General Manager
KAMP Student Radio has so many unique ways you can contribute and join our community. I fell in love with KAMP Student Radio because of the endless opportunities that the station offers the student body -- from playing your favorite songs on air as a student DJ to covering sporting events and concerts/festivals across Tucson and beyond.
KAMP is place for those who love music, movies, radio, and journalism. For those looking for a safe, welcoming space and community here at the University of Arizona. For those with a passion and flair for creativity and creation! KAMP Student Radio truly has something wonder ful to offer every student who passes through :)
From the moment you step on campus to the day you walk across that graduation stage, the University of Arizona Campus Store is here to support your journey. But this isn’t just a place to grab a hoodie or pick up books. This is your store, owned by the university, run for the students, and dedicated to helping you succeed in and out of the classroom. We are the official campus store of the University of Arizona.
The Campus Store is woven into the fabric of the Wildcat experience. We’re a self-funded part of the university (no tuition or state dollars!), and every dollar you spend here gives back to you, your classmates, and the entire Tucson community. When you shop with us, you’re helping fund:
JOIN THE WILDCAT TRADITION
You’re not just starting college, you’re joining a legacy of students who have come before you and left their mark. At the Campus Store, we’re here to help you make yours.
So when you gear up for game day, prep for finals, or grab a last-minute gift before heading
A LEGACY OF SUPPORTING STUDENTS
home, know that every purchase gives back. Every hoodie, notebook, or charger you buy helps fund the programs that make your experience at Arizona unforgettable.
Our story started nearly a century ago in 1928, in the basement of Old Main. Since then, we’ve grown into a 63,000 sq. ft. flagship store at the heart of campus, doubling as a gallery, event space, and meeting place. It’s a place where students connect, create, and find what they need to thrive.
And while we’ve expanded (hello, McKale, Medical, BioSphere 2, and Flandrau!), our mission remains the same: to fuel your success.
Follow us @UACampusStore for updates, giveaways, and more!
& G-2
G-2
7
B-5
(Eller
B-6
HillenbrandAquatic Center............G-6 Hillenbrand Stadium..................F, G-5 HonorsVillage...........................B, C-2 Hopi..............................................E-6 Hospital (Banner University Medical Center).................F, G-1, 2
Resources (in USB) ..............A-5
Learning Center............E-5
B-6
Kuiper Space Sciences.................D-6 LaAldea........................................A-6 La Paz ......................................D, E-6 Learning Services..........................E-4 Library AHSC.........................................F-2 Main..........................................E-6 Science
El Portal/Housing..........................D-7 Electrical & Computer Engineering..............................C-4 Eller DanceTheatre....................F, G-5 Emergency Department (Banner Hospital)...................F, G-1 Engineering, College of.................C-5 Environment & Natural Resources.B-7 Environment & Natural Resources 2..............................B-7 Esquire.........................................B-3 Faculty Center...........................C, D-3 Flandrau Science Ctr. &
Creative Photography, Center (Schaefer).................................C-4 Davis Sports Center.......................F-7 Diamond (Hospital)....................F, G-1
THE MARK APARTMENTS NEAR U OF A
The Mark Tucson simplifies the process of finding your ideal college apartment. Whether you are an incoming freshman or an upperclassman, our apartments near University of Arizona offer every traditional luxury and modern comfort you need to feel right at home. We offer fully furnished units with multiple floor plans available outfitted with luxury features, spacious interiors,
and premium appliances. The commuter-friendly location of our apartments near U of A and our complete range of on-site, resort-style community amenities offer the ultimate conveniences and raise the bar for luxury student living. Contact us today to find out how to reserve a spot or schedule a tour to see why students love living with us!
Rooftop pool deck with University ofArizona + mountain views
Parking garage
Modern student-focused high rise units in Tucson
Roommate matching program
Academic lounge w/ private + group study and printing center
1-4 Bedroom Options
Tucson's familiar swelter has been creeping up for weeks, but the solstice on Friday made it official – summer is here.
An afternoon walk is miserable without shade or air conditioning. Luckily, there are more than a dozen museums, centers and other attractions open to visitors on or near the main campus that offer not only a respite from the heat, but a chance to create art, stargaze, learn the stories told by tree rings and more. Explore campus attractions below – with plenty of water and sunscreen for the walk there.
African American Museum of Southern Arizona
Among the newest additions to campus, the African American Museum of Southern Arizona opened in 2023 on the ground level of the Student Union Memorial Center. The museum's exhibits highlight African American life and history in Southern Arizona. Exhibits include one on the U.S. Army's buffalo soldiers, and another with oral histories from prominent Black Southern Arizonans. The museum maintains a strict no-photo, no-video policy. The museum will be closed through July 18 but will consider requests for tours. Admission is free.
The Alfie Norville Gem & Mineral Museum
The first floor of the historic Pima County Courthouse in downtown Tucson is home to a U of A museum dedicated to telling both the story of both gems and minerals – a unique feature among museums of its kind. Museum highlights include a collection of Arizona minerals on loan from U of A optical sciences professor Stephan Koch and an exhibition featuring Atelier Munsteiner, German gem-cutters famous for their "fantasy cut" gemstones. The museum is also one of only three in the world with a sample of the asteroid Bennu, collected by the U of A's OSIRIS-REx mission. Tickets are $15 for visitors age 13-64, $10 for seniors 65 and older, $5 for children age 4-12 and for Arizona college students with ID, and free for anyone younger than 3. The museum will close for a summer recess on July 1 and will reopen on July 15. From Aug. 5-16, the museum will offer $5 admission to everyone.
Arizona State Museum
The Arizona State Museum's 100-year-old north building, which housed its exhibits and public programs, is closed indefinitely for repairs. While its physical doors are closed, the museum is partnering with sister institutions, businesses and cultural festivals around Tucson and Southern Arizona to offer in-person exhibits, pop-up exhibits, free talks and hands-on classes. The next pop-up exhibit will part of Tucson Comic Con, Aug. 29-31. The next free program, "An Archaeological Examination of Domestic Dogs in the Southwest," will be held at Whiskey del Bac on July 17. Check ASM's calendar of events for other talks, master classes and travel excursions. Online exhibits also allow visitors to learn about pottery, baskets, jewelry and much more, with new exhibits posted regularly. The museum's gift shop and sales of Indigenous art are also available online.
museumms of its kind. Muse
Kyle Mittan n
Center for Creative Photography
The Center for Creative Photography is celebrating its 50th anniversary this year, with "Picture Party: Celebrating the Collection at 50." The exhibition includes more than 100 photographs and archival objects from CCP's vast collection of 300 archives and some 120,000 prints. The exhibition invites viewers to join visual conversations about the ways artists have used photography since its earliest days. Through June 30, the CCP's Center Galleries will host "Chill Zone: CCP's Summer Experience," a self-guided space where visitors can slow down and cool off while exploring art books and digital photo collections. The center will be closed on July 4 and 5. Admission is free.
Coit Museum of Pharmacy and Health Sciences
Housed in the Skaggs Pharmaceutical Sciences Center at the R. Ken Coit College of Pharmacy, the museum was founded in 1966. Its collection includes hundreds of pharmaceutical antiques, John Dillinger's chewing gum and a collection from a pharmacy that once operated at Disneyland. Through Aug. 2, the museum will offer a banner exhibit from the National Library of Medicine that revisits the story of aspirin. Guided tours of the museum are available by request. Admission is free.
Worlds of Words: Center of Global Literacies & Literatures
Anyone who finds themselves on campus with their kids would do well to stop by Worlds of Words on the fourth floor of the College of Education building. The center is home to the largest collection of global children's and adolescent literature in the U.S. The center's featured exhibit this summer, "Stitching Stories: Hmong Customs and Symbols as Told through Storycloths," highlights the oral and textile storytelling traditions of the Hmong people. The center will be closed June 30 through July 4. Admission is free.
Flandrau Science Center & Planetarium’s "Universe of Science"
The U of A's signature planetarium has offered respite from the heat for five decades. This year, Flandrau sports a newly minted title as a top 10 planetarium in the U.S. – No. 4 – according to USA Today readers. Its rotating schedule of astronomy programming and laser light shows is available online. Admission to planetarium shows – which also includes access to the center's science exhibits – is $27 for adults 16 and up, or $19 for visitors age 3-15. Adults visiting only for the science exhibits pay $15, while ages 3-15 pay $11. Another option: the $85 family pass, which provides unlimited admission to the exhibits and planetarium shows until Aug. 31. Discounts are available for military, seniors, EBT cardholders and students with ID.
(Credit: Nick Letson/Flandrau Science Center and Planetarium)
Jim Click Hall of Champions
The Hall of Champions showcases the accomplishments of the University's 18 intercollegiate sports as well as the heritage and traditions of more than a century of Arizona Athletics. Accessible from inside McKale via the mezzanine, or from the University of Arizona Mall. The hall is free to visit. Visitors should be aware that the hall is occasionally closed for private events.
John E. Greivenkamp Museum of Optics
The museum's extensive collection includes antique and historic telescopes, microscopes, lenses and cameras dating back to the 18th century, all spread across exhibits on six floors of the west wing of the Meinel Optical Sciences Building. Visitors can enter from the north-facing entrance off the University of Arizona Mall. A self-guided tour on the museum website will start visitors at the third-floor lobby before taking them up to the eighth floor and descending to see the exhibits. Admission is free.
Poetry Center
The Poetry Center will reopen on Aug. 5 following a green space renovation project. The center's collection includes more than 60,000 books of contemporary poetry that visitors can peruse in the center's main reading room. The children's area is dedicated to youth and features a selection of books appropriate for toddlers to young adults. Check out the center's events calendar for a lineup of readings, community classes, workshops and more. Admission is free. s s y
Richard F. Caris Mirror Lab
Tours begin at Steward Observatory dome, at 933 N. Cherry Ave., before a walk down the street to the Mirror Lab. When visitors arrive to the Mirror Lab, they'll get to explore the instruments, research and engineering that make it the only facility that can cast mirrors for the world's biggest telescopes. Visitors must wear closed-toed flat shoes for safety and comfort and must leave behind all water bottles, bags and other items. The 90-minute tours are open to anyone over age 10, but children must be accompanied by an adult. General admission tickets cost $25; the cost is $20 for ages 10 to 17 and for students with ID.
(GMTO Corporation)
Laboratory of Tree-Ring Research
Established by A.E. Douglass, the originator of the science of tree-ring dating, the lab holds the world's largest collection of tree-ring specimens. Visitors with smartphones can take a self-guided tour by scanning the signs near each exhibit. The lab also offers a 90-minute docent-led tour featuring an introduction to dendrochronology and a chance to examine specimens. Admission is free.1630 E. University Blvd. Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
The museum's extensive collection includes antique and historic telescopes, microscopes, lenses and cameras dating back to the 18th century, all spread across exhibits on six floors of the west wing of the Meinel Optical Sciences Building. Visitors can enter from the north-facing entrance off the University of Arizona Mall. A self-guided tour on the museum website will start visitors at the third-floor lobby before taking them up to the eighth floor and descending to see the exhibits. Admission is free.
Coit Museum of Pharmacy and Health Sciences
Mt. Lemmon SkyCenter
9800 E. Ski Run Road, Mount Lemmon
Coit Museum of and Healt h S cie es
Sometimes escaping the heat means hiding out in the mountains, and the SkyCenter offers a respite with a window to the wonders of the universe. Email the SkyCenter to schedule a 90-minute daytime tour, which includes tours of the SkyCenter facilities, and solar viewing, weather permitting. Daytime tours are $10 per for adults and $5 for children age 7 and older. Starting around sunset, the popular SkyNights stargazing program guides visitors through a five-hour tour of the night sky – with binoculars and telescopes – to view planets, galaxies and nebulae. Schedule a spot on a tour on the SkyCenter's ticketing page. SkyNights admission is $60 for ages 7-17 while 18 and up pay $85. Visitors should be aware that monsoon storms can cancel visits with little warning.
(Cr ( edit: Chris Richards/University Communications)
IN U of A
- Flag Football
Season A
- 4v4 Sand Volleyball
- 3v3 Basketball
- Dodgeball
- Cornhole
Season B
- Kickball
- Spikeball - Cornhole
- 5v5 Basketball
- Outdoor Soccer
Season C
- Outdoor Soccer
- Dodgeball
- Cornhole
Season D ATHLETIC
- Softball
Archer y Archery
Badminton
Golf
Rodeo
Ballroom Dance
Baseball
Cheer-leading
Cycling
Swimming
Table Tennis
Equestrian
Roller Derby Roller
Tennis
Roller Hockey Roller
Rugby (M,W)
Soccer
Swim
Tricats
Ultimate Frisbee (M,W)
Volleyball (M,W)
Fencing
Synchronized
Water Polo
Water Polo (M,W)
- Tennis Singles
- Racquetball Singles
- 3v3 Pool B
- Basketball
- Mario Kart 8 Tourney
- 4v4 Indoor Volleyball
- Tennis Doubles
- Racquetball Doubles
- Mario Kart 8 Tourney
- Super Smash Bros
- Super Smash Bros Tourney
- Madden 23 Tourney
- FIFA 23 Tourney
Tourney
- Spikeball
- FIFA 23 Tourney
- NBA 2K Tourney
- 6v6 Sand Volleyball
- 5v5 Basketball
- Flag Football
- Indoor Soccer
- 3v3 Basketball
- 4v4 Sand Volleyball
- Pickleball Singles
- Tennis Singles
- Racquetball Singles
- Mario Kart 8 Tourney
- Super Smash Bros Tourney
- Cornhole
- Pool Basketball
- Pickleball Doubles
- Tennis Doubles
- Super Smash Bros
- FIFA 23 Tourney
- Trivia (Free)
Tourney
- Racquetball Doubles
- Mario Kart 8 Tourney
- Trivia (Free)
LIFELONGFRIENDSHIPS
STARTHERE ⟶
F INDING G REEN D ESERT IN THE
Cactus and a Community Garden on Campus
By Susan McMillan
The University of Arizona is home to hundreds of cacti, trees and shrubs native to the Sonoran Desert. All 385 acres of the University of Arizona main campus are designated as a nationally recognized public garden as it houses a collection of aridadapted plants from around the world. To kick off your introduction to desert plant life, start at the Alumni Cactus Garden east of Old Main. It’s home to more than 600 native species. The garden provides a place to connect with nature and is a micro-habitat for birds, lizards, insects and other desert creatures.
How to identify cactus on campus:
GIANT SAGUARO are the cactus Tucson calls its own and is one of the most recognizable symbols of the Southwest. It’s cute too, waving a thorny “hello” with broad arms. They survive the harsh desert terrain by collecting moisture through a vast but shallow root system. One plant can store some 200 gallons of water. A saguaro can reach 50 feet tall provides food or shelter for hundreds of birds, reptiles, mammals and insects.
BARREL CACTUS are small but mighty. They can be identified by a thick barrel or ball shape and clearly defined vertical ribs covered in long, hooked spines interlaced with smaller furry spines. Both can pack a sting. Barrel cacti in the Sonoran Desert are typically between 2 and 4 feet tall with a diameter up to 2 feet.
JUMPING CHOLLA They don't actually jump, but you should keep your distance. This fuzzy-looking cactus is made up of large, hairy branches densely covered in sharp, barbed spines. They easily detach from the parent plant, earning this cactus “jumping” skills just like you’ll see in McKale when the Wildcats are shooting hoops.
PRICKLY PEAR cactus flat, circular or oval pads. Some have smooth pads, but most are covered in spines. Pads range in color from green to blue gray, to purple or pale yellow. Prickly pear flowers typically appear in May and June. In late summer, the prickly pear’s red fruit is harvested and turned into sweet syrups, juices and jellies. The pads, called nopales, are also edible and rich in nutrients.
OCOTILLO are one of the easiest desert plants to identify. They’re technically not cactus, but they love the Sonoran Desert. Ocotillo grow long, spiny stems that reach the sky that can grow up to 20 feet tall. Small green leaves grow from the stems when there is enough moisture. Dense clusters of red tube-shaped flowers grow from the end of the long stems.
(Photo Credits: Kasey Leftwich)
R EADY TO GET YOUR HANDS D IRTY ?
Head over the University of Arizona’s Community Garden where you can rent your own plot of Tucson soil. The garden was founded by Students for Sustainability and serves as a living laboratory for hands-on green learning and experience in sustainable practices.
It also provides a unique meeting space on campus where you can build relationships with like-minded plant fans. There’s a cistern that harvests rainwater, a greenhouse, art installations and even a bat box to provide a dorm for bats that act as pollinators and control the insects.
You can rent a plot for a year or just a growing season. It comes with automatic drip irrigation, access to mulch, compost, tool and seeds.
You can grow herbs, flowers and even produce. If you grow more than you can eat, the Garden partners with the Campus Pantry which is run by students to provide supplemental groceries to students, faculty and staff right here at U of A.
