This presentation chronicles a cactus-focused exploratory trip through central and northern Chile, spanning the
diverse landscapes of the coastal and interior Atacama Desert to the high elevations of the Andean Mountains.
The objective of this journey was to find as many iconic Atacama and Andean cactus species as possible to
observe and document them in their natural habitat.

Szymon’s interest in cacti began in middle school after visiting his cousin’s collection. Upon relocating to California
in 2015, he discovered an opportunity to combine several longstanding passions — backpacking, hiking,
photography, and botany — through desert exploration.

His experience in the backcountry proved invaluable for reaching remote and ecologically significant sites, while his photography skills allowed him to carefully document the specific conditions under which various cactus species thrive — essential for understanding how and why these plants succeed in such extreme environments.

The following presentation offers insight into the unique cactus flora of Chile, shaped by some of the driest and
most rugged regions on Earth.

Szymon’s interest in cacti began in middle school after visiting his cousin’s collection. Upon
relocating to California in 2015, he discovered an opportunity to combine several longstanding
passions — backpacking, hiking, photography, and botany — through desert exploration. His
experience in the backcountry proved invaluable for reaching remote and ecologically
significant sites, while his photography skills allowed him to carefully document the specific
conditions under which various cactus species thrive — essential for understanding how and
why these plants succeed in such extreme environments. 

_________________

All are welcome!

Join us every 3rd Sunday of the month for informative and fun meetings @

Corralitos Grange Hall #487
165 Little Corral Way
Watsonville, CA  95076

There is plenty of parking near the hall and the building is ADA accessible.
Doors open at 11:30am
Bring your own lunch starts at 12:00pm
Meeting starts at 12:30pm

There is always an amazing plant raffle and other goodies!

_________________

Thank you for your support all these years!!

________________________________

If you have not joined yet, please do! Just come for a visit and see how you like it.

If you enjoy the meetings, you can join and become a member!

Meetings are held on the third Sunday of every
month at:

Corralitos Grange Hall #487
165 Little Corral Way
Watsonville, CA  95076

All are welcome!

Join us on Facebook