Help the CSSA and TCSS Protect 30 Acres of Pristine Sonoran Desert
Conservation is a core part of the CSSA mission. We all want to see our favorite plants—and the habitats they depend on—thrive for generations to come. CSSA supports conservation through a variety of activities, including educational webinars, Convention speakers, conservation policy initiatives, and our Research and Conservation Grant Programs.
The Tucson Cactus and Succulent Society (TCSS) has approached CSSA for help supporting the Trust for Public Land (TPL) in acquiring a 30-acre parcel of pristine Sonoran Desert habitat in Tucson. TPL acquires lands with conservation value and works to transfer them to governmental agencies for long-term protection.
This remarkable parcel contains all of the iconic cacti of the Sonoran Desert, including many younger plants, and appears to be free of invasive species. The parcel is outlined in orange on the map shown here.
More importantly, this property is a missing piece in a larger network of protected lands. It would connect several existing protected areas, including Sweetwater Preserve, Saguaro National Park, the University of Arizona Desert Research Station, and Tucson Mountain Park. Since 2023, TPL has successfully added two parcels to this network of protected areas.
Representatives from the TCSS and CSSA Conservation Committees recently visited the property and provided the photographs and video shown here.
Help Us Reach the Goal
TPL needs $25,000 to support the acquisition and transfer of this important parcel. TCSS and CSSA have already committed $10,000 and $6,250, respectively, through a matching campaign.
This is a rare opportunity to help protect a piece of Sonoran Desert habitat right in Tucson—home to the cacti and other plants we all value and enjoy.
Please help spread the word and consider making a tax-deductible donation.
Wouldn’t it be wonderful to visit this newly protected piece of Sonoran Desert during the 2027 CSSA Biennial Convention in Tucson?
Help us protect this special place for future generations.
Contact, Irwin Lightstone, the Co-Chair of the Conservation Committee, if you have questions about this project.
Consider supporting these programs by becoming a member or contributing to our Conservation Fund.
