Celebrate Independence Day out in the Sky Islands! We will be working at “Camp Rucker” in Rucker Canyon, on the west side of the Chiricahua Mountains, at just under 6,000 feet in elevation. Join us as we put the finishing touches on our work at this historic cavalry camp to create ponds that support Chiricahua leopard frogs, bats, and native pollinator species.  This trip is free of charge and no experience is necessary.

TO REGISTER, CLICK HERE!
BACKGROUND

The Chiricahua Mountains are a large Sky Island located in the very southeastern corner of Arizona and rise 6,000 feet above the surrounding desert grasslands.  We are working with the Coronado National Forest, Arizona Game and Fish Department, Natural Channel Design, and Borderlands Restoration to create breeding habitat for threatened Chiricahua leopard frogs that will soon be released here, as well as open water that is accessible for the 21 species of bats that occur in the Chiricahua Mountains. In addition, we will supplement the already impressive array of native plants by installing additional milkweeds for monarch butterflies, as well as plants that provide resources for other butterflies, hummingbirds, moths, and more.

TRIP SCHEDULE

• Friday, July 1, 1:00 pm: Meet SIA staff at OUR NEW OFFICE – 406 S. 4th Avenue (at the corner of 14th in Armory Park). If you will be meeting us at the campsite, proceed past the Rucker Canyon Campground to the USFS Administrative site – look for the green “SIA” sign.  A detailed map will be sent when the time approaches. We will have access to a kitchen, grills and bathrooms at the Admin site.
• Saturday, July 2, 8:00 am:  Early breakfast and a rundown of the day’s activities. We’ll then caravan in appropriate vehicles to Camp Rucker, where we will work for the day.
• Sunday, July 3, 8:00 am: Continue work throughout the day our at the pond site.
• Monday, July 4, 8:00 am: Continue work through the early afternoon, then pack up and head home.  We will try and be back to Tucson around 5pm.

THE WORK
The purpose of our weekend will be to plant native species that will be especially beneficial to pollinators, and also to the frogs and bats that will call this site home. We will be working to help restore the site to a functioning habitat as soon as possible.

CAMP LOCATION & DIRECTIONS (From Tucson)
Directions: Detailed driving directions will be sent to all registrants ahead of the event. All roads to the campsite are suitable for passenger vehicles.

Carpooling is encouraged:  SIA will have 1-2 spots in our vehicle for volunteers to tag along, and we are able to caravan.

WHAT TO BRING

• All tents, sleeping bags, mattresses, stoves, etc. that you might bring on any normal car camping trip.  We will have access to bathrooms at the camping site.
• Five meals plus snacks. Drinking water is available at the camping site.
• Sturdy footwear (ex. hiking boots, sandals) plus clothing for wet and cold weather, binoculars, field guides, etc.

PROVIDED BY SIA

• Tools, basic camp kitchen set-up including stove, firewood for camp fire, extra water, cameras, GPS, data sheets, maps.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

• Well-behaved dogs are welcome on the trip. Please let us know ahead of time if you are planning to bring your dog.
• Our campsite is fully accessible to campers/large trailers.
• This is a family – friendly trip.  Please let us know ages of any minors who will be joining.