Discover the Desert!
Explore Arizona's amazing desert landscapes!
What Makes Deserts Special?
Deserts might look hot and dry, but they're actually full of life! Arizona's deserts are home to amazing plants and animals that have clever ways to survive with very little water.
Desert Fun Facts!
Cactus Water Storage
Saguaro cacti can store up to 200 gallons of water - that's like 2,000 water bottles!
Super Hot!
Desert ground can get hot enough to cook an egg - over 160°F (71°C)!
Night Activity
Many desert animals come out at night when it's cooler!
Desert Blooms
After rain, the desert can burst into colorful flowers almost overnight!
Amazing!
The Sonoran Desert in Arizona is the only place in the world where the giant saguaro cactus grows wild! These cacti can live for over 200 years!
Desert Detective Quiz!
Test your desert knowledge!
- How do cacti save water?
- Name three animals that live in Arizona's desert.
- Why do some desert animals sleep during the day?
- How tall can a saguaro cactus grow?
- What makes the desert soil look red?
(Find the answers in our activities section!)
Amazing Desert Adaptations!
Water Savers
Desert plants like cacti and ocotillo have special ways to collect and store water when it rains. Some can go months without a drink!
Sun Protection
Desert animals and plants have ways to protect themselves from the hot sun. Some animals have reflective fur, and plants have spines or tiny hairs!
Desert Homes
Many desert animals dig burrows underground where it's cooler. Some, like woodpeckers, make homes inside saguaro cacti!
Be a Desert Protector!
Here's how YOU can help keep deserts healthy:
Stay on Trails
Desert soil is fragile! Always stay on marked trails when hiking to protect desert plants.
Don't Take or Touch
Never take plants or rocks from the desert, and don't touch cacti - they can be hurt (and so can you)!
Save Water
Desert plants and animals need water to survive. Saving water at home helps protect desert life!
Leave No Trace
Always take your trash with you when visiting the desert. Trash can harm wildlife!
Desert Fun Activities to Download!
Print these out for desert adventures at home or school!
Acknowledgements
This section was created with special thanks to the following websites. We would like to thank them for all their dedication and hard work within their profession. It is with their creativity that these downloads are available. Please visit their respective website for addition information or digital resources.
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