The desert is filled with unique plants and Tucson has several locations
where they can be seen.
Tucson Botanical Gardens has over 500
different native desert plants, herbs and flowers. Over five acres are
covered with a collection of gardens including a historical Tucson
garden, herb garden, cactus and succulent garden, spring wildflower
garden and an iris garden among others. Also, there is a tropical
greenhouse and lecture tours are available. 2150 N. Alvernon Way,
326-9255.
Tohono Chul Park is another site where
cacti and other succulents can be observed in a natural desert
environment. This private park has ramadas, various gardens, a stream
and nature trails. There is an exhibition hall and guided tours are
offered. 7366 N. Paseo del Norte, 575-8468.
A living museum, the 12-acre
Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum displays
over 1,200 kinds of plants and 200 animal species native to the Sonoran
Desert. Underground limestone cave galleries exhibit subterranean life
and geology. The Congdon Earth Sciences Center has exhibits depicting
the Earth's history. Guided tours of the grounds are provided. 2021 N.
Kinney Road, 883-2702.
Seventeen acres of the 160-acre Gene C. Reid Park are devoted to
Tucson's Reid Park Zoo. Over 350 exotic animals, fish, reptiles and
birds from all around the world can be observed in naturalistic
settings. East 22nd Street between Country Club Road and Alvernon Way,
791-3204.
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