I like the words of Nelson Mandela: “ May your choices reflect your hopes, not your fears.” A little Prickly Pear cactus love! (Photo: Megan Kopp) Actively Exploring Organ Pipe Cactus National Monument Actively exploring Organ Pipe Cactus National Monument offers a big, bold and beautiful taste of the Sonoran Desert ecosystem that will amaze and astound if you give it the chance. In other words, use common sense and keep aware of your surroundings. Hike in daylight hours and, if possible, in groups. Review the National Park Service safety page. Border patrol and national park rangers were everywhere during our visit. For us – and another roughly ¼ million people who visited this monument each year – the question is not is it safe, rather what will we discover today? Illegal activity still occurs along the border, but it is unlikely you will see it. It is one of the most common questions we are asked about our adventures near the U.S./Mexican border. He lost his life in the line of duty at Organ Pipe Cactus National Monument in 2002 while pursuing members of a Mexican drug cartel who crossed the border. The center is named after National Park Ranger Kris Eggle. When you arrive in the monument, your first stop will most likely be the Kris Eggle Visitor Center. Most of the Sonoran Desert though is in Mexico (Baja and Sonora). The Sonoran Desert is an arid area which includes southwestern Arizona and southeastern California in the United States. Organ Pipe Cactus Biosphere Reserve is an example of an intact Sonoran Desert ecosystem. From Ocotillo to Saguaro to Organ Pipe Cactus – the Sonoran Desert is full of life! (Photo: Megan Kopp) As a result, this helps us better understand the unique qualities and challenges facing a particular area. It attracts scientists from around the world to conduct studies. This designation helps conserve samples of the world’s ecosystems. Yes, Organ Pipe Cactus National Monument is also the UNESCO Organ Pipe Cactus Biosphere Reserve. Organ Pipe Cactus National Monument was established by President Franklin D. Lands for national monument can only come from existing federal lands. A national monument is created through presidential proclamation. A national park is established through an Act of Congress. The major difference between a park and a monument is in their creation. Both national parks and national monuments share the goal of preserving and protecting natural and cultural resources. Like national parks, they are federally protected land. The United States National Parks service runs national monuments. Organ Pipe Cactus can live up to 150 years (Photo: Megan Kopp) How Does Organ Pipe National Monument Differ from a National Park? Organ Pipe Cactus National Monument preserves the northern-most habitat for this species. This is the only place in the United States with these large numbers of Organ Pipe Cactus. It grows in large stands throughout the monument. The monument’s name comes from the large stands of Organ Pipe Cactus ( Stenocereus thurberi). This 517-square-mile (1339 sq km) park was set aside to preserve a relatively intact piece of the Sonoran Desert. Cabeza Prieta National Wildlife Refuge lies to the west. The Tohono O’odham Indian Reservation borders the park to the east. It is approximately 25 miles (40 km) south of Why, AZ or roughly a 2 – 2 ½ hour drive from Tucson. Organ Pipe Cactus National Monument is located in southern Arizona along the U.S./Mexico border. Where in the World is Organ Pipe Cactus National Monument? Looking for Other Ideas for Active Outdoor Adventures in Arizona?.Actively Exploring Organ Pipe Cactus National Monument.How Does Organ Pipe National Monument Differ from a National Park?.Where in the World is Organ Pipe Cactus National Monument?.
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