Cactus Rangers

NPS Photo

Join the Cactus Rangers!

Do you like being outside?
Do you want to explore and visit new places, learn, create, and have fun?

If you live in or around Tucson and are currently in 6th-8th grade, you may be the next Cactus Ranger!

A series of Saturdays from January through April will see this small group of Tucson youth explore deserts, gardens, forests, and waterways all connected to Saguaro National Park. We'll connect with experts, teach others, and share our memories and reflections in original artwork.

Where, When, and How

Activities take place in both east and west districts of the park. Transportation support (central shuttle pick-up) is available. Most outtings will run from 9am to 2pm.

• Saturday, February 7, 2026
• Saturday, February 21, 2026
• Saturday, March 7, 2026
• Saturday, March 28, 2026
• Saturday, April 11, 2026
• Saturday, April 25 - Sunday, April 26, 2026 <-- Final session overnight!

Expectations

In addition to signing a volunteer agreement, Cactus Rangers will be expected to sign on to a list of positive group agreements and behavioral expectations. Because the group size and our staff time are both limited, we expect participants to commit to attending the majority of dates. That said, we know that life gets busy and complicated. Cactus Rangers always have the option to bow out of an outting due to illness or a family commitment or similar.

Timeline

Applications available: December 1, 2025
Applications due: January 3, 2026
Selections made: January 10, 2026
Paperwork due back: January 16, 2026
First session: February 7, 2026
Final session and awards: April 25-26, 2026

Got questions? Contact e-mail us for more information