MARANA- They’re a symbol of the Sonoran Desert and one iconic saguaro in our town is moving on to its next phase of life.
The 40-foot-tall Saguaro known as “Strong-Arm” fell over on Thursday, August 4th in the Tortolita Preserve in the Dove Mountain area. It had 34 arms and was estimated at 150 to 200 years old.
“It was a real treasured part of the skyline here in the preserve and of course home to many animals as well as a Great Horned Owl that used it for nesting and many other birds. It was really one of those saguaro motels here in the desert,” said Jason Grodman, Natural Resources Supervisor with the Marana Parks and Recreation Department.
Picture of Strong-Arm captured by Kevin Goldstein - “Far End Gear" in 2016
Strong-Arm Saguaro dies in the Tortolita Preserve on August 4, 2022 (picture captured on August 11, 2022)
Tribute to Strong-Arm (photo captured on August 26, 2022)
In the days following the saguaro’s death, the Parks & Recreation team worked to make sure the trail around Strong-Arm was accessible for hikers and bikers while also being careful to preserve what is left of the beloved saguaro. It is part of a 2,400-acre trail system with a 9.2-mile loop sitting on 6,000 acres of land.
“We want to be respectful and do as little removal and movement of the saguaro as possible.”
Grodman said Strong-Arm will decompose and breathe new life into the surrounding desert in the years to come which is why maintaining and preserving the area is so important.
“It really is an honor to be a part of the natural resources team at the Town of Marana,” said Grodman. “Working with saguaros in a place like the Tortolita Preserve, part of the team is to try and be as responsible as possible and find recreational opportunities that mesh with our natural environment and that includes education…this is actually a great opportunity to educate the public about the importance of biodiversity and these wonderful saguaros and how they play a part in our whole big world.”
Remembering Strong-Arm in the Tortolita Preserve
Click here to learn more about the Marana Parks & Recreation Department
MEDIA COVERAGE:
Arizona Daily Star article (must subscribe to read)
NPR and WBUR’S Here & Now program features Strong-Arm
KGUN: Remembering 'Strong-Arm': Marana's 200-year-old Saguaro has fallen
Cronkite News reports on the death of Strong-Arm
Cronkite News Arizona PBS interviewing Jason Grodman about Strong-Arm on August 26, 2022
