Saguaro Census 2025

DATE: May 1-31
TIME:
PRICE: Community-based project. Free app download.

Help us track the saguaros of our desert cities. Where? Across the Phoenix Metropolitan Area

The Saguaro Census is back for its fourth year, and we’re inviting the entire community to participate in one of the region’s most important community science efforts. Led by Desert Botanical Garden, the Census calls on residents across the Valley to document saguaros—living and dead—and contribute to a growing body of knowledge about how these iconic plants are faring in an era of rising temperatures and rapid urban growth.

Using the iNaturalist app, participants photograph saguaros in neighborhoods, parks, and open spaces while recording key details like height, health, number of arms and habitat. These observations help researchers and conservationists understand where saguaros are thriving, where they’re struggling, and how best to protect them.

This work has never been more urgent.
Climate extremes—especially prolonged drought and extreme heat—are threatening the saguaros that define the Sonoran Desert landscape, particularly in urban spaces. While these plants are known for their resilience, recent die-offs have raised concern. The Saguaro Census is designed to harness the power of collective observation, giving scientists access to thousands of data points they could never gather alone.

New this year: Youth-powered conservation.
For the first time, students from middle schools, high schools, community colleges, and universities are formally invited to participate. Whether as individuals or teams, youth observers will play a vital role in expanding the reach and impact of the Census—and can win prizes for their efforts. Participants will not only gain experience in conservation and science but also become part of a growing network of saguaro stewards across the Valley.

Participation is simple.

• Download the iNaturalist app and join the project: Volunteer Urban Saguaro Census
• Head outside and observe saguaros wherever you find them. Take clear photos and answer the questions in the app.
• Be sure to join the project on iNaturalist—only observations from project members count toward the Census.
• To be eligible for prizes, please register using this form
• Need help getting started? Use our step-by-step Getting Started Guide (PDF) or email us at [email protected].

Don’t forget the dead.
In addition to tracking healthy saguaros, we’re also asking for reports of collapsed, decaying or dead saguaros. These observations are just as important for understanding how saguaros are responding to environmental stress. Use the Saguaro Dead Report to submit a quick report, including location, size and any known cause of death.

Every observation matters—and could win you a prize.
This year’s top contributors will be eligible for a range of prizes. Top observers will receive a dinner for two at Gertrude’s at Desert Botanical Garden. Other prizes include annual memberships, gift cards, Garden merchandise and exclusive youth awards such as a backpack, a laptop, and behind-the-scenes experiences with DBG scientists. In 2024, our top observer submitted 485 observations—can you set a new record?

Join the Saguaro Census 2025 and help us protect the saguaros of the Sonoran Desert—one observation at a time.
Observe. Report. Conserve.

Generously supported by: