Organ Pipe Cactus National Monument (Episode 5)

Send us Fan MailOrgan Pipe Cactus National Monument is the only place in the United States where organ pipe cactus grow wild. It's also home to scorpions that glow bright green under UV light, bats that migrate from central Mexico following the blooming of the cacti, a great blue heron living in the middle of the desert, and some of the darkest skies in the country.This is the Green Desert — the most biodiverse desert in the United States — and it's one of the most undervisited national monuments in the system.Digital Interpretation and Education Ranger Kate Blanch joins The Parks Podcast to share the full story: the UNESCO designation, the ranching history, the border crossing, the campground with free solar showers, and everything you need to plan a remarkable visit.In this episode: — What an organ pipe cactus is — and why this is the only place in the US they grow naturally — The UNESCO Biosphere Reserve designation — what it means and why this park was chosen — The ranching and mining history — and what happened when the park was created in 1937 — Scorpions that glow green under UV light — and the ranger programs that make it magical — Bats that migrate from central Mexico following the blooming cacti — the nectar trail — Why summertime is actually one of the best times to visit despite the heat — The border crossing experience — what to expect at the checkpoints — Twin Peaks Campground (208 sites, free solar showers) and Alamo Canyon (4 primitive sites, stunning) — The "I Hike for Health" program — 5 miles, a photo, and a commemorative pin — Dark skies, Milky Way visibility, and telescope programs in season — Dogs at Organ Pipe — 4+ miles of pet-friendly trails — Park passes — the America the Beautiful pass, the 4th Grade Free pass, and what everything costsLinks mentioned: — Plan your visit: nps.gov/orpi — Camping reservations: recreation.gov — 4th Grade Free (Every Kid Outdoors): everykidoutdoors.gov — America the Beautiful pass: $80/year, covers all federal landsSupport the show