I am saddened to report that our beloved Strong-Arm Saguaro Cactus came down last night. It is estimated that Strong-Arm was 161 years old which puts his birth in 1861, the year Abraham Lincoln became president and the Civil War was in full swing.
It appears that Strong-Arm's massive trunk was rotting and the recent monsoon rains and wind were too much for Strong-Arm to bear. He had a marvelous life and was able to support 32 arms. There is one main arm left standing but it is doubtful it will survive.
We need to ensure that other saguaro cactus have the environmental protection necessary to grow and live very long lives.
