We are a Western Colorado club whose mission is to promote knowledge, enjoyment, cultivation, and conservation of cacti and other succulent plants among its members and other individuals and organizations throughout West-Central Colorado. We created and maintain a beautiful cactus and succulent Demonstration Garden in Grand Junction: at the Colorado State University Extension office. This garden also presents xeric and native plants and showcases various garden design strategies that work in our challenging local climate.
News & Upcoming Events
March Meeting:
“Islands of Fertility in the Sagebrush Sea” by Tamera Minnick
“Islands of Fertility in the Sagebrush Sea” by Tamera Minnick
Tamera Minnick’s fascination with the environment has been greatly influenced by literature. She grew up less than an hour’s drive from Red Cloud, Nebraska, famous from Willa Cather’s grand landscape descriptions of the tallgrass prairie. Tamera is Professor Emeritus in Environmental Science at Colorado Mesa University where her research focus is restoration ecology. She began her career as a grassland ecologist and added in shrublands when she moved to Grand Junction in 2002. Her research in western Colorado has focused on shrub establishment and the effects of shrubs on ecosystem function. Her particular interest is in the ecology of the iconic Big Sagebrush, Artemisia tridentata.
When: Thursday, March 12th, 2026 at 6:30pm. Doors open at 6pm.
Where: Unitarian Universalist Congregation of the Grand Valley – 536 Ouray Ave, Grand Junction, CO 81501
Our meetings are free and open to the public. Visit our calendar for additional information.
First Garden Party of the Year: March 21st
Mark your calendars! Our first garden party of the year will take place on Saturday, March 21st from 9a-11a.
The morning will consist of winter clean-up, light gardening, weeding, and plenty of socializing. Visitors welcome!
The garden is located at the Colorado State University Tri River Area Extension: 2775 US-50, Grand Junction, CO, 81503
2026 Garden Party Schedule
Join us monthly from March through October at our club demonstration garden for light planting, clean up, and socializing. Garden parties are open to the public and are a great way to get introduced to cacti and succulent plants. The club has limited extra tools available, but you are encouraged to bring your own.
A full-size schedule can be viewed by visiting our calendar.
Feel free to visit the garden out front of the Colorado State University Tri River Area Extension: 2775 US-50, Grand Junction, CO, 81503
What We Do
In addition to our Monthly Programs, we usually organize a few Field Trips every year, some local and others further afield, to view plants in habitat. We also participate in various Education Outreach activities where we connect with the community to share our passion and knowledge about cacti and succulents. The club can also be contacted to help in plant re-homing — indoor cacti or succulents sometimes get too big for their space or too big a chore to maintain. We may also be able to assist with garden rescues if outdoor cacti or succulents no longer fit your landscaping needs.
Monthly Programs
Each month the Chinle C&S Society provides a program to members and guests.
Field Trips
Chinle C&S Society members organize and participate in a variety of field trips, both local and regional.
Demonstration Gardens
The Chinle C&S Society developed and maintains a widely acclaimed outdoor cactus and succulent garden in Grand Junction.
What We Do
In addition to our Monthly Programs, we usually organize a few Field Trips every year, some local and others further afield, to view plants in habitat. We also participate in various Education Outreach activities where we connect with the community to share our passion and knowledge about cacti and succulents. The club can also be contacted to help in plant re-homing — indoor cacti or succulents sometimes get too big for their space or too big a chore to maintain. We may also be able to assist with garden rescues if outdoor cacti or succulents no longer fit your landscaping needs.
Monthly Programs
Each month the Chinle C&S Society provides a program to members and guests.
Field Trips
Chinle C&S Society members organize and participate in a variety of field trips, both local and regional.
Demonstration Gardens
We connect with our community throughout the year to share our passion and knowledge about cacti, succulents and gardening.
Thank You
A heartfelt ‘thank you’ to the many club members and friends who have generously donated their time and resources to build our great club. Our programs and public garden are only possible with your help and the support that we receive from the Tri River Area Colorado State University Extension.