Latest news with #ArizonaStateParksandTrails
Yahoo
25-03-2025
- Yahoo
It's cherry blossom season. Where to see the pink flowers in Arizona
As cherry blossom season begins, it's the perfect time to admire the delicate pink and white blooms at select locations across the U.S. Cherry blossoms, or sakura, are iconic spring flowers known for their delicate pink-to-white petals. They typically bloom in early spring, usually lasting just a few weeks. The cherry blossom bloom is just getting underway now in Washington, D.C. In Arizona, cherry blossoms are a rare sight due to the state's dry desert climate. But it is possible to see cherry blossoms in Arizona. You just have to know where and when to look. Here's what to know about cherry blossoms in Arizona. Both types of trees typically produce fruits and flowers. The cherry blossom tree is cultivated more for its extravagant blooms while cherry trees are cultivated for their fruit, according to Chukar Cherries, a grower in Prosser, Washington. Cherry blossom trees can grow in certain parts of Arizona, but their success depends on the specific variety and location. They don't typically do well in the heat of the Phoenix area. In cooler areas like Flagstaff and the higher elevations of Arizona, some cold-hardy varieties, such as the Yoshino cherry or Kwanzan cherry, may thrive. In the low desert regions, including Phoenix and Tucson, the intense heat and lack of winter chill make it difficult for most cherry blossom trees to flourish. Seeing cherry blossoms in Arizona is tricky because of the state's warm climate. The Japanese Friendship Garden in Phoenix might sound like a place to see cherry blossoms, but it's not. Japanese garden design emphasizes harmony with the natural landscape, so the Japanese Friendship Garden features climate-adapted plants like ornamental pear, flowering almond, peach trees and purple leaf plum. But you can find some cherry blossom trees in higher elevations where temperatures are cooler. Cherry blossom trees are planted along some streets in Flagstaff. 'The cherry blossoms bloom in late spring and are found in various locations around town,' said Sabrina Beard, marketing specialist for Discover Flagstaff. "On Humphreys Street and at the crossroads of Milton Road and Butler Avenue by (Northern Arizona University), those are some good spots." Aside from those specimens, there's not a critical mass of cherry trees in Arizona. 'I don't believe we have any cherry trees on any of our state park properties,' said Michelle Thompson, deputy assistant director for Arizona State Parks and Trails. Cherry blossoms are at their peak in March and April in most places. However, the exact timing depends on the climate and variety of the tree. In warmer regions, such as the southern U.S., early bloomers typically flower between late February and March. In mild to temperate climates, including Washington, D.C., and Japan reach full bloom from March to mid-April. In colder climates, such as the northern U.S., Canada and high-elevation areas like Flagstaff, cherry blossoms appear later, usually between late April and early May. A full bloom cherry blossom typically lasts about one to two weeks, depending on the weather conditions. Since Arizona has a drier climate, cherry blossoms in higher elevations like Flagstaff may last a bit longer if conditions are stable. The difference between first bloom and full bloom in cherry blossoms is based on how many flowers have opened. The first bloom is when the first few blossoms begin to open on the tree. It marks the start of the blooming season. The full bloom, also known as the peak bloom, happens when 70% or more of the blossoms on the tree are open, creating that iconic fluffy pink or white canopy. Full bloom typically occurs four to 10 days after the first bloom, depending on the weather. Cooler temperatures can slow the process, extending the bloom period, while warm or windy weather can shorten it. It depends on the variety of the cherry blossom tree, but most start as pink buds and gradually turn white or lighter pink as they bloom. Got a story you want to share? Reach out at Follow @tiffsario on Instagram. Support local journalism and subscribe to This article originally appeared on Arizona Republic: Cherry blossom season 2025: Where to see flowers in AZ
Yahoo
01-03-2025
- Science
- Yahoo
Invasive species threaten Arizona's land and water. What to know about keeping them away
Think the yellow sprinkling of flora alongside Interstate 17 is a testament to a beautiful blooming spring? Or the increase of bass near Lake Powell is good for recreational fishing? Think again. These plants and animals are environmental blights for Arizona. The importance of invasive species mitigation and prevention is the focus of National Invasive Species Awareness Week, an observance meant to raise awareness about the species, the threat that they pose, as well as prevention tactics to slow their spread throughout the world. A multiagency gathering introduced invasive species management initiatives and helped professionals to network with leaders in the field. Here's what can you do all year long here in Arizona: Invasive species are plants or wildlife that outcompete native wildlife, destroy local habitats and can throw ecosystems out of balance. Threats to wildlife include increased competition, predation, introduction of diseases and parasites, hybridization. Threats to landscapes include degradation of the environment and decreased biodiversity. Invasive species in Arizona alter ecosystem balance and reduce biodiversity by outcompeting native plants, reducing the resources wildlife rely on and creating a cascading effect of lessened resources. Some invasive species grow rapidly, and then quickly dry out in the Arizona heat, increasing the risk of wildland fires. There are eight invasive plants and grasses that top the invasive species watch list, according to Arizona State Parks and Trails: Stinknet is a fast-growing plant that outcompetes native plants for resources. Originally from South Africa, this aggressive plant has rapidly spread across the desert landscape, displacing native vegetation and impacting the ecosystem. It's noticeable by a distinctive odor, especially after rainfall, and is able to propagate quickly due to its signature yellow flowers that produce hundreds of seeds at a time. Salt cedar, or tamarisk, is found along waterways and riparian areas. It was introduced for erosion control and ornamental purposes, but its rapid growth displaced native vegetation. It is able to thrive in saline soils and withstand drought conditions, which gives it the ability to outcompete native plants for resources and negatively impact water availability and quality, as it consumes large amounts of water and increases soil salinity due to the salt content of the leaves. Buffelgrass is a native of Africa, Asia and the Middle East, introduced for soil stabilization and livestock forage in the Sonoran Desert. Buffelgrass was able to quickly dominate vast areas, including desert washes, hillsides, and open spaces. The grass is a fire risk, as it ignites easily and burns intensely, threatening both human communities and native plant species. Fountain grass is a quickly spreading invasive grass that thrives in arid and semi-arid regions. Primarily used as an ornamental plant, fountain grass spreads rapidly, displacing native vegetation throughout Arizona. Its seeding, rapid growth rate and ability to thrive in diverse environmental conditions contribute to its aggressive spread. Malta starthistle hails from the Mediterranean region and was likely introduced to Arizona inadvertently through contaminated seeds or agricultural activities. The highly flammable plant poses a significant threat to native plant communities and ecosystems due to its aggressive spreading behavior and density, degrading grazing lands and native habitat. Scotch thistle is a native to Europe and Asia that has become a spreading invasive species in Arizona, particularly near disturbed areas — where the ground cover is destroyed or removed, leaving the land subject to accelerated erosion — roadsides, and rangelands. Yellow bluestem is a native species from Asia that was introduced for forage and erosion control in desert and grassland areas. Its ability to thrive in various soil types and climates allows it to establish in a wide range of habitats, including disturbed areas, roadsides and rangelands. Red brome is a highly invasive species native to Europe that has become one of the most problematic invasive grasses in the state. This high fire-risk plant thrives in disturbed areas, such as roadsides, fields, and overgrazed rangelands, where it outcompetes native vegetation for resources. Fighting the problem: Cold water shots into the Colorado River slow a bass invasion in the Grand Canyon Quagga mussels are currently at the top of invasive species watch lists. The mussels have acted as little hitchhikers, spreading from the Great Lakes to the western U.S. via recreational boats. They pollute the shoreline, damage equipment and infrastructure, and alter the aquatic food web in Arizona by promoting algae growth. Bullfrogs, crayfish and bass found in the Grand Canyon area are some of the aquatic animal species that have impacted native Arizona aquatic ecosystems. Other invasive species in Arizona include insects such as bark beetles that impact local forests; the Asian giant, or "murder," hornet; algae that alters water quality; and native aquatic plants that form monocultures. For aquatic invasion: If you are launching a boat at a local marina, the advisory is to only do so after draining the water and scrubbing the underside to avoid bringing species along for the (boat) ride. To ward against invasive species such as quagga mussels, for example, the Arizona Game and Fish Department's Don't Move a Mussel campaign provides guidelines for boaters to prevent the spread of aquatic invaders: 1. Clean: Remove mud, plants and animals from every part of your boat, trailer, anchor, lines and equipment to prevent harboring mussels. 2. Drain: Pull your drain plug every time you take your watercraft out of the water to eliminate all water, including livewells and ballast. 3. Dry: Allow your boat and equipment to thoroughly dry before launching in other waters. Dry time may vary depending on humidity and temperature. For more information and to find a professional decontaminator, visit For land invasion: First, when spotting an invasive species, use manual removal or herbicide application. Make sure to pull the entire weed, including the roots, enclose it in a bag, and throw the plant away. When selecting landscaping for your own home, opt for native, drought-resistant plants. This cuts down on resource competition when using plants suited for the environment. Consider volunteering with public education campaigns to learn more about invasive species ecological impact and how to prevent further expansion in the Sonoran Desert ecosystem: Verde River Cooperative Invasive Plant Management Plan, led by Friends of the Verde River, provides a strategic approach for controlling invasive plants in the Verde River Watershed, while increasing community and stakeholder engagement. Arizona Department of Forestry and Fire Management Invasive Plant Grant Program provides funding by the state of Arizona and the U.S. Forest Service to treat invasive plant infestations that threaten forested, woodland or rangeland areas. Arizona Department of Agriculture Noxious Weed List is the official state list of invasive species that are known to aggressively spread and cause ecological and/or economic impacts. The list includes both species known to exist in Arizona and those that are problematic elsewhere. AZGFD State of Arizona Aquatic Invasive Species Management Plan is a statewide strategy to halt the spread and eliminate aquatic invasive species from becoming further established in Arizona waters. Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum's Save Our Saguaros. Catalina State Park Buffel Slayers. Central Arizona Conservation Alliance, or CAZCA's, programs: Sonoran Insiders — a social media ambassador program designed to link local influencers with conservation nonprofits and land managers; Desert Defenders — a collaborative, community science program focused on finding, mapping and removing invasive species at local parks and preserves; Sonoran Seed Collaborative — a native plant project dedicated to restoring parks and preserves; Urban Desertscape Enhancement — a collaborative group focused on educating homeowners on the importance of water conservation and native plant landscaping. The goal is to minimize occurrences of invasive species statewide through educational campaigns, public awareness and involvement, and the use of state/national park programs. It's almost bat season in Arizona: What to know and a pro tip: Never touch them This article originally appeared on Arizona Republic: How invasive species can damage land, water resources in Arizona
Yahoo
07-02-2025
- Yahoo
Visiting Arizona State Parks just got more expensive. Here's how much it costs
Scenic vistas are about to get more expensive. Arizona State Parks and Trails announced Thursday, Feb. 6 that it will raise entry fees, camping fees and tour ticket prices for more than 30 parks it operates statewide. State parks staff said in a statement that the price increases will support park operations such as staffing and maintenance. Higher park fees were needed because of new parks opening, increased park visitation and inflation. "Of course, spending more is never anyone's favorite thing, but I think the public will be happy to know that the fees go directly into supporting the parks they love," Arizona State Parks and Trails Director Bob Broscheid said in a statement. The higher prices will take effect on Feb. 25. Starting Feb. 25, the cost to enter Arizona state parks will increase by $3, from $7 to $10 per vehicle for most parks, said Michelle Thompson, deputy assistant director for Arizona State Parks and Trails. Parks that charge per vehicle such as Picacho Peak, Oracle, Catalina, Dead Horse Ranch and Rockin' River Ranch are raising their prices to $20 per vehicle with 2-4 people and $10 per vehicle with one person. That's up from the parks' current entry fees of $7 per vehicle with up to four people. Lost Dutchman State Park will follow the same price structure, up from its current entry fee of $10 per vehicle with up to four people. Parks that charge per person such as Tonto Natural Bridge, Red Rock, Fort Verde and Jerome will charge $10 for adults and $5 for children from 7-13, up from the current rates of $7 for adults and $4 for children. Children 6 and younger can still visit for free. Slide Rock State Park, the popular swimming area in Oak Creek Canyon with a natural water slide, will cost $30 from May to September and $20 for October to April. The park's current rates vary by the time of year and day of the week, with entry fees as low as $10 for November to February visits and as high as $30 for summer weekend visits. A full list of park fee increases will be available at when the fees take effect. What we know: REI cancels its Grand Canyon campground Annual passes for state parks will change with the higher prices. In past years, visitors could choose between a standard annual pass with restrictions for $75 or a premium pass good for all parks with no restrictions for $200. Now, only one annual pass will be available: it will cost $200 and include entry to all parks with no restrictions for up to four adults in a single vehicle. Camping fees at Fool Hollow Lake Recreation Area in Show Low will increase, ranging from $25 for rustic sites with no hookups to $75 for oversized sites with full hookups. Tours at Kartchner Caverns State Park in Cochise County will increase to $30 for people age 14 and up, up $7 from its current price of $23. Tours at Riordan Mansion State Historic Park in Flagstaff will increase to $18, up $6 from its current price of $12. Michael Salerno is an award-winning journalist who's covered travel and tourism since 2014. His work as The Arizona Republic's consumer travel reporter aims to help readers navigate the stresses of traveling and get the best value for their money on their vacations. He can be reached at Follow him on X, formerly Twitter: @salerno_phx. Subscribe to today. This article originally appeared on Arizona Republic: Arizona State Parks increase prices to visit. What to know
