Cultural Event

Greetings ICLASPers,

We have a special announcement regarding this year’s optional cultural event! Experience the unique flora and fauna of the Sonoran Desert by joining us on a trip to the Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum Thursday morning. The Desert Museum is “a world-renowned zoo, natural history museum and botanical garden, all in one place!” This is the perfect place for families, friends, and solo adventurers to explore. Reserve your tickets now and pay at the conference! 

Thursday, May 21, 2026 8:00am-12pm

Meet at conference venue at 7:30am

Located 12 miles west of Tucson, the Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum is unique in its interpretation of the complete natural history of the Sonoran Desert and its surrounding ecosystems. Along with its representation of diverse plants and animals, the museum was also built to acknowledge the ethnology of the region, exemplified through the demonstration of the human-nature relationship in how Tohono O'odham people use native plants in their crafts. 

Across this 98-acre natural desert, you will have the opportunity to explore: 

• 21 interpreted acres with two miles of walking paths through various desert habitats

• 242 animal species

• Plants from 1,200 taxa — 56,000 individual specimens

• A gorgeous and comprehensive regional and global mineral collection (which kids love!)

Please reserve your spot by completing this form. For this event, you will be asked to pay in person upon arrival either with US cash or Venmo.  

The cost for this amazing cultural experience is $60 per person. This includes: 

• Entrance fee to the Desert Museum

• Round-trip transportation to the museum and back at the conference location

• Amazing scenic drive through the Saguaro National Park to see the iconic saguaro cactus that only grows in this desert.

• RSVP now and pay at the conference. 

You can find out more information about the Desert Museum on their official website!