Cactus Of The Southwest : Your Way To Easily Identify Cacti by Nora Bowers and Rick Bowers

Your quick guide to identifying cacti

When you’re exploring the great outdoors, it’s helpful to have a reliable resource to assist with identifying cacti. Look no further than this handy tabbed booklet created by Nora and Rick Bowers. Specifically focusing on Southwest cacti found in Arizona, California, Nevada, New Mexico, Utah, Colorado, and Texas, this booklet is an essential companion.

Designed for convenience, the booklet is organized by cactus groups, allowing for swift and effortless identification. By narrowing down your options and focusing on specific groups, you can easily navigate through the pages and find the cacti you’re looking for.

The pocket-sized format of the booklet adds to its practicality. Unlike cumbersome laminated foldouts, this compact guide can be easily carried with you wherever your cactus-seeking adventures take you. Moreover, the tear-resistant pages ensure the book remains intact and durable even in the rugged field conditions.

Exploring Desert Plant Life with Kids: Outdoor Activities for Mind & Body

I recently wrote an article on how nature affects the development of the body and mind. This is part of a series where I take my son to various locations in San Diego and share activity ideas that you can do with your kids. In this article, we are exploring desert plant life in Balboa Park, which is a desert area in San Diego.

The desert is commonly associated with the Sun, and while too much exposure can have negative effects such as sunburn and dehydration, there are also many positive effects on the brain. When our eyes process sunlight, it triggers the release of serotonin, a feel-good chemical in the brain. The Sun also helps our bodies produce vitamin D, which can regulate moods and help with seasonal disorder and depression.

The desert provides a unique ecosystem for kids to learn about. In contrast to our previous exploration of tidepools and saltwater creatures, the desert is an arid environment that lacks water and is often exposed to extreme heat. Although there is a desert near San Diego, for logistical reasons, we visited the cactus garden in Balboa Park. Here, we used a field guide to identify different types of cactus and learned how they store water to survive without rainfall.

This activity is a fun way to learn about different species of cacti, which come in various shapes, sizes, and designs. It also allows us to enjoy the warmth of the Sun. By spending time in nature and exposing our kids to sunlight, we can positively impact their bodies and minds while providing opportunities for learning.

If you enjoyed this article, I will be sharing more activity ideas in the future. Stay connected by subscribing to my channel and I look forward to seeing you in the next article!