Meeting

Next Meeting

Thursday, Nov 6, 2025
7:00 PM

St. Phillips in the Hills Murphey Gallery

Saguaro Secrets: A chemist looks at saguaro growth, water use, and climate response
 

Presented by David Dettman

  • In this talk we will look at some of the simple physical and chemical methods used to understand how and when saguaro grow, how old they are, how much water they take up and how they respond to the local climate. Measuring height and plant diameter tells us about saguaro health and water usage. Measuring spine chemistry gives a non-invasive way to look back through the life history of the plant.


    David Dettman served as the research scientist in charge of the Environmental Isotope Laboratory at the University of Arizona for more than 20 years, up to his retirement in 2023. His research focuses on how isotope ratios of the most common elements (carbon, oxygen, hydrogen, nitrogen) can be used to understand how animals and plants interact with their environments. Among many other topics, he has worked on ancient river systems, the post ice-age Great Lakes, the uplift of the Tibetan plateau, bird migration, cactus physiology / water use, and land snail shell chemistry as climate indicators. He continues to work closely with researchers in the Geosciences Department at the 

    University of Arizona.


    Everyone is welcome to come and join us for this special in person presentation. This meeting will also be a Zoom program and will be an important educational and informational event you must see. Excellent plant give aways will take place at the in person meeting but that portion of the program, because of the recording, will not appear on Zoom. When leaving the live in person meeting, please enjoy excellent refreshments provided by our member volunteers and also, everyone can get a special free plant when leaving, offered to you by the Tucson Cactus and Succulent Society.

Speaker Coordinator: Vonn Watkins

Email

All are welcome!

Meetings consist of a brief message with announcements from the president, an informative program, a raffle, door prizes, refreshments, and free plants (for members).

Refreshments

For the October meeting we are asking members whose last names begin with “A” through “G” to bring finger food that would serve 10-12 people. It’s MUCH appreciated!!

Plant Presentation

Meetings are held on the first Thursday of the month from January thru November.

Temporary Location: St. Phillips in the Hills Episcopal Church - Murphey Gallery

7:00 PM - 9:00 PM

4440 N Campbell Ave, Tucson, AZ 85718

Our June and July meetings will be held at the Murphey Gallery at St. Philip's in the Hills Church, located at the northeast corner of River and Campbell. The property can be accessed from westbound River Road by turning into the driveway before the light at Campbell. Watch for St. Philip's signs. Going north on Campbell, take an immediate right onto the property after you go through the intersection.

We look forward to seeing you there!

We also offer a Zoom presentation

When you sign in to the Zoom you’re entered into a raffle for a $25 gift certificate to local nurseries.

Zoom Link 

Zoom Instructions

We always need help with setup!
Please consider showing up at 6:00 PM to help out.
We really appreciate it!

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