On Friday April 13, 1973, at 7:30 p.m. a dozen or so individuals met and voted to form a local chapter of the Cactus and Succulent Society of America (CSSA), Inc., a national organization.  It was decided to meet on the last Sunday of each month, from 2-4 p.m. The  invitation to prospective members reads: “Our programs and speakers will be selected to help the serious grower become more proficient and knowledgeable. Our only purpose will be to enable our members derive greater satisfaction and enjoyment from our fascinating hobby.”
The rest is, of course, history!
Learn more about the organization’s history in the two documents linked below prepared for the 50th anniversary that was celebrated in the Fall of 2023:
Additional information about the early days is available in the following two compilations:

From the original 22 charter members of 1973, CACSS has grown to over 500 members.  We invite you to look through our website, enjoy our newsletters, and consider joining us!

Our Mission:

Inspire knowledge and appreciation of cacti and succulents
through education, programs, and conservation

CACSS purpose:

(a) to learn how to grow and study cacti, other succulents and associated xerophytes

(b) to foster, disseminate and advance the knowledge and propagation of cacti and other succulents

(c) to promote interest in those plants among the members and the public at large

(d) to support conservation programs which protect cacti and other succulent plants and their habitats

(e) to support the Desert Botanical Garden of Phoenix, Arizona, and other organizations of similar purpose

(f) to hold public meetings for study, to which anyone interested in these plants is invited

(g) to provide the opportunity and place to exhibit plants