DONATE  |  VOLUNTEER   |  JOIN   | 
Photo: Jay Pierstorff
Only 3 Days Left to Vote! 

Do you think the Desert Museum is the best zoo in the United States? We were hand-picked by a panel of zoo and family travel experts for USA Today's Top 10 Best Zoos Award! Thanks to YOU, we went from 5th place to 3rd place in a few days. Saint Louis Zoo and The Henry Doorly Zoo & Aquarium are now ahead of us. Can you take us to #1? You can vote daily to help us win. We appreciate the support and love! Voting ends on March 27 and the top 10 zoos will be announced on March 31.  Voice Your Vote!
Photo: ASDM/Kat Rumbley
Party 4 The Planet 4 Free

Want to win two tickets to Party for the Planet? It's easy! Click here and follow the instructions in the Facebook post. Stand among the saguaros at the Desert Museum and sip on the best spirits in the Southwest during this fun evening (Friday, April 7). Other activities include: glow-in-the-dark night hikes, vibrant vinyl tunes, giant conservation-themed jenga, a pun-tastic photobooth, and quality time with our favorite desert dwellers. Winner announced on Monday.  Try Your Luck!
Photo: ASDM/Howard Byrne
It's A Stick..It's a Thorn..It's a Moth? 

Wait. Are those things thorns? When you're a scrumptious Geometrid moth caterpillar, it pays to look like something else. Predator avoidance behavior strategies are as varied as the animals that demonstrate them. If you're an insect, this means not getting the attention of another animal that would like to make you a meal. These cool critters resemble the thorns of the plant they eat. They will hang onto the plant, motionless, for minutes at a time. These little guys are just too cool!  Watch Them Wiggle!

Photo: ASDM/Sonya Norman
Cholla Bud Harvest

The springtime symbolizes many things. Desert blooms, warmer weather, and the ritual of harvesting cholla buds. Our popular Cholla Bud Harvest program allows you to  stroll the grounds and gather a harvest. You will learn how to de-thorn the buds and prepare several delicious dishes. While munching on a native foods lunch, you will also discover the natural history of the cholla and its sister cactus, the prickly pear. $60/members, $66/non-members. Here for the Harvest!
Photo: ASDM/Jason Wiley
Flower Friday

The flying saucers have landed! Last week, the hybrid torch cactus had its first bloom of the season at the Desert Museum. These vibrant blossoms average 3 to 5 inches in diameter, but a few open even larger up to 7 inches (hence the flying saucer nickname!) Peak blooming season is April through May for these fantastic flowers. Pro tip: Visit the Desert Museum tomorrow morning to see a massive white flower appear in our Cactus Garden! We open at 7:30 a.m.   Dig Deeper!

Photo: Tom Spitz Photography
Volunteer Viernes

Do you have an eye for design and organization? The Desert Museum is seeking several volunteers for the 24th Annual Gala (our premier fundraiser and highlight of the spring season). If you enjoy special events, please consider signing-up; it's a fun way to volunteer for a short-term project in a creative role! Ideal participants will be available to volunteer for 2-6 days during April 17- April 23 (between the hours of 9:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.). Volunteers will be recognized with a complimentary membership. Volunteer Today!

What's Going Down in the Desert? 
  • Spain Trip Preview & Tapas (March 28 & 30)
  • Cholla Bud Harvest (April 1) 
  • Party for the Planet (April 7) 
Want more info on these awesome events? Check it Out!
 
March 24, 2017