DAVID HARDEN/Arizona Daily Wildcat University of Arizona alumnus Jim Stevenson speaks at last night's ASUA meeting in opposition to moving the Joseph Wood Krutch cactus garden. About 75 people came to the meeting, which was intended to serve as a forum for people to voice their opinions about the possibility of moving the garden to make way for the proposed Alumni Heritage Plaza.

ASUA holds forum for supporters of garden, new plans presented

The debate over the future of the UA's Joseph Wood Krutch cactus garden reached a compromise at last night's ASUA meeting.

In November, the Arizona Alumni Association introduced the idea of constructing the Alumni Heritage Plaza where the cactus garden currently lies. Three of the four plans introduced at that time included moving the garden.

Last night, two new plans were introduced - one of which included keeping the garden where it now stands.

Students, faculty and alumni all had a chance to speak about the cactus garden at the meeting in hopes of earning the support of the Associated Students of the University of Arizona.

"I think we are all gravitating toward saving the cactus garden after hearing the issues and opinions of everyone," said Sandy Ruhl, the president of the Arizona Alumni Association.

Hanna Coy, the past president of the University of Arizona Ramblers Hiking Club, presented a petition containing 2,025 cactus garden supporters' signatures, which were collected over the last week.

"We need to get in touch with nature," said Robbie Hannawacker, a spokesperson for the university's nature club. "We are a part of it. The idea of moving it is inappropriate."

After ASUA heard from those in favor of saving the cactus garden, Philip May, a member of the Alumni Association, presented the two new designs.

The plan to incorporate the cactus garden would expand it slightly, and the cactuses would be spread out.

"I won't make the mistake of calling it an eyesore," May said. "But it could look better as a cactus garden than it does right now."

The cactus that are not at high risk of dying would be relocated to the area surrounding Old Main.

Other ideas for the plaza include a possible fountain, the "Wildcat Walk" - which would portray UA's history - and a heritage trail around Old Main.

The overall reactions to the new plans were generally positive.

The UA's Arboretum offered its full support of the plan that incorporates the cactus garden.

ASUA senator Doug Hartz was in favor of saving the cactus garden after hearing from students.