A Saguaro Cactus Grows In Papago – Arizona Photos

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Saguaro Cactus in Papago Park, Phoenix, Arizona on a Beautiful Day

Now, this made me happy! Being in Papago Park on a beautiful day, blue skies, billowy white clouds, and those amazing desert colors. Not to mention, an ancient saguaro cactus presiding over it all. The saguaro seen here could be well over 125 years of age. Papago Park in Phoenix, Arizona was my local wilderness. It was nestled in the heart of this bustling city. Yet, it seemed hundred of miles away from the urban grind.

Sadly, Papago Park does not get the care it deserves as a truly unique natural landmark. As a result, it is only a shadow of its former self. In the early 1900′s, this former Indian Reservation was well known for the abundant saguaro cacti (Carnegiea gigantea) which grew there. As a result, Jan. 31, 1914, President Woodrow Wilson signed Proclamation No. 1262 declaring the area as the Papago Saguaro National Monument. A dramatic decrease in these cacti resulted in the title being removed. The park’s natural systems has been in ongoing decline, possibly because of high recreational use by people (the area was a popular picnicking site for Phoenix residents) combined with a warming trend since the 19th century.

Being in Papago Park, I get a glimpse of what this land once was, and what it could be if it was more carefully stewarded.

Camera: Nikon D40, kit lens. Budget Photography Tip: The Nikon D40 is one of those budget-priced DSLR cameras that provides excellent value as a used purchase. You can buy more features, but image quality at 800 ISO and below is every bit as satisfying as any current model DSLR. They are well made, the kit lens is excellent, and it can produce pleasing images up to 12×19 and beyond.