Are you rethinking that trip to the Grand Canyon or Saguaro National Park due to the approach Arizona officials are taking towards illegal immigration?

This Sonoran Desert park has a split personality, both due to the city of Tucson that lies between the two lobes, and because of the two diverse habitats you'll find in the two districts.

Much as the bison is to Yellowstone National Park, the saguaro cactus is to Saguaro National Park. Tall, spiny, and handsome, the noble saguaro was the impetus behind the creation of Saguaro National Park, and reigns today as that park's icon. With hopes of ensuring it stays that way, every decade Saguaro officials launch a "Saguaro Census" to track the health of this cacti population. And if you don't mind heat or walking, you're invited to help out.

One of the most recognized symbols of the American desert is the saguaro cactus, and that fact makes those multi-armed giants attractive targets for thieves. A tip from a concerned citizen, excellent work by rangers at Saguaro National Park and great cooperation from the U. S. Attorney's office have resulted in hefty sentences for two cactus poachers.