In this video Kevin Shutterbug does an interview with me about my favorite desert plant.

I love the Saguaro Cactus and our family recently visited Saguaro National Park near Tucson, Arizona (no we were not there during the tragedy but yes we were there during the visit from President Obama, no we did not see him). Our family had a great time exploring this park. Our four youngest sons have been participating in the Junior Ranger programs at all the national parks, while Blake helps the younger guys finishing theirs. The Junior Ranger program is a great feature that really helps kids learn the history, geology, geography, science and cultural aspects of each park. At Saguaro National Park they learned how the Saguaro cactus can live to be 200 years old, that the Gambels woodpecker makes holes in the cactus and that other animals, such as owls, then use these holes as homes.

We have incorporated this program into our boys schooling, and seeing the things they are learning about has been a tremendous addition to their education. Whether you homeschool or not, if you visit a National Park on your next vacation, consider participating in this free program! By the way the bonus is they always get a badge or patch upon completion of the program (sometimes both!) and they get to take an official Junior Ranger pledge.