K-12 Education

“When one tugs at a single thing in nature, he finds it attached to the rest of the world.”
— John Muir
Young children participating in a science or art activity involving stuffed animals, plants, and colorful materials at a long green-covered table in a classroom or activity area.

Educational material for parents and educators

Raised garden beds with dry soil and plants such as succulents, with drip irrigation, in a garden with gravel ground and a metal fence.

The Tucson Cactus and Succulent Society (TCSS) is committed to educating the next generation about the beauty and importance of desert plants. Through its K-12 Educational Outreach Program, TCSS provides hands-on learning experiences for students throughout the Tucson area.

Four children sitting at a table with science supplies and smiling at the camera, at an indoor event with other children and adults in the background.
Two young girls at a table with homemade marionette puppets made from painted vegetables, sticks, and foam bases, smiling and enjoying the activity, with a crowd of people in the background.
Young boy wearing glasses holding a magnifying glass over a potted succulent plant, exploring it closely.

  • The Tucson Cactus and Succulent Society (TCSS) is committed to educating the next generation about the beauty and importance of desert plants. Through its K-12 Educational Outreach Program, TCSS provides hands-on learning experiences for students throughout the Tucson area.

    Volunteers visit schools to teach about Sonoran Desert ecology, water conservation, and sustainable landscaping, using live plants and engaging activities. TCSS also donates cacti and succulents for school gardens, giving students a chance to grow and care for native plants.

    Field trips to Pima Prickly Park and other local gardens offer students an up-close look at desert biodiversity. The society provides educational materials, supports science fair projects, and collaborates with teachers to integrate desert botany into curricula.

    By fostering curiosity and environmental responsibility, TCSS helps young learners appreciate and protect the unique plant life of the Sonoran Desert for future generations.

Grant Application information