BACKGROUND

As part of National Public Lands Day we will be helping to create a new pollinator garden and interpretive area at the Proctor Parking and Trailhead area and continue to enhance natural conditions near the two new bridges in Madera Canyon. Our partners in this project are the Coronado National Forest, Borderlands Restoration, and the Friends of Madera Canyon. Come out and help stabilize this beautiful canyon (and birding hotspot) just an hour south of Tucson.

TO REGISTER, CLICK HERE!

PROJECT SCHEDULE (8am – 3pm)

• 8 am: Meet SIA staff bright and early at the large parking lot at the Proctor Parking and Trailhead lot.
• If individuals are interested in caravanning or catching a ride, they can meet SIA staff at our office at 6:50 am (406 S. 4th Ave). We hope to beat the heat by starting early. There will be no camping on site for this project.
• 2pm: Start to load up and head back to Tucson.

THE WORK
Our work is designed to attract pollinator species to the site, increase water resources for the benefit of plants and animals, prevent erosion from the construction site into Madera Creek, and to re-establish native vegetation on the site. We will be installing simple rock and earthen structures to slow the flow of water across the site and to create perfect spots for native plants to be installed. Today’s work will be a combination of lifting, transporting and placing rocks into place, digging and moving soil, installing native plants, eradicating non-native plants and watering the plants that we installed last year. Volunteers do not need to have prior training to participate.

LOCATION & DIRECTIONS

• From Tucson, head south on I-19 to Green Valley. Exit at Continental Road (exit 63) and follow the road east under the Freeway. At the 4 way stop turn right onto Madera Canyon rd/White House Canyon Road. In 10.5 miles or so, keep a look out for sings to the Proctor Parking and Trailhead on the right.
• Carpooling is encouraged:  SIA may have 1-2 spots in our vehicle for volunteers to tag along.  Contact Bryon to make arrangements.

WHAT TO BRING

• IMPORTANT: United States Forest Service requires participants to come dressed in long pants, long sleeves, and closed-toe shoes for this project. Failure to comply means you will not be able to work with us.
• Several liters of water per person plus all the food you’ll need for an entire day outside.
• Sturdy footwear (ex. hiking boots) with closed toes is encouraged as is sun protection (ex. wide-brimmed hat, sunblock)

PROVIDED BY SIA

• Hard hats and gloves. 
• Site background and activity instruction.
• Tools and materials: shovels, picks, rock bars, wheelbarrow, plants, buckets, DriWater, chicken wire, rebar…

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

• This project will be led by Bryon Lichtenhan.  Contact him with any questions at [email protected] or 520-624-7080, ext. 27.
• Snake season is upon us! Please be careful when placing hands and feet; notify staff of any hazards as soon as possible.
• Dogs are not allowed on this project.