Welcome to the Chinle Cactus & Succulent Society

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

Photo by Maryann Benoit

January Meeting – Cacti & Fungi: a Community of Symbionts

Thursday January 9th, 6:30 – 8:30 pm: our first meeting of 2025 will feature a presentation by Sam David, the founder of the Grand Junction Mycology Association. His career in natural resources has included invasive species management, vegetation monitoring, mapping threatened and endangered species, and ecological restoration. For more information please see our calendar.

The meeting will be held at our regular meeting place: the Universalist Unitarian Congregation Church, 536 Ouray Ave, Grand Junction (map).

Meetings are free and open to the public. Doors will open at 6:00 pm.

Welcome 2025 Board …

At our December Annual Dinner Meeting the membership elected by acclimation the club’s 2025 executive committee: President Jason Kandalec, Vice-President Kathy Murdock, Treasurer Leslie Joanis, Secretary John Hall and Member-at-Large Lee Ankenman. The Board is completed with the 2025 appointed positions: Program Chair Kenton Seth, Demonstration Garden Chair Nancy Hilbrecht, Newsletter Editor Doris Schlichter, Social Media Chair Stephanie Lape& Webmaster Jason Kandalec

With a full complement of board members we look forward to an exciting 2025 club program!

And the Winners Are!

Here are the submissions voted first and second place in our 2024 contest:

https://chinlecactusclub.org/2024-photo-video-contest-winners/

The featured photo (above), voted best in show, was submitted in the Fibonacci/Fractals category by John Hall.

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.

More Details

Field Trips

Chinle C&S Society members organize and participate in a variety of field trips, both local and regional.

More Details

Demonstration Gardens

The Chinle C&S Society developed and maintains a widely acclaimed outdoor cactus and succulent garden in Grand Junction.

More Details

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.

More Details

Field Trips

Chinle C&S Society members organize and participate in a variety of field trips, both local and regional.

More Details

Demonstration Gardens

We connect with our community throughout the year to share our passion and knowledge about cacti, succulents and gardening.

More Details

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.