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BACKGROUND
This Saturday, take a hike in the northern-most part of the Santa Ritas. We’ll go on a cross-country adventure to Ojo Blanco Spring to do a thorough spring assessment. This spring is at the eastern edge of the fire that burned this area this summer. You should be comfortable hiking off-trail (bushwhacking). We will have spots for 2-3 people in the SIA vehicle, but after these fill up, you’ll need to bring your own 4WD, high clearance vehicle.

TRIP SCHEDULE
• Saturday, November 14th, 8:00 am: Meet at Sky Island Alliance to carpool (406 S 4th Ave). Head out to towards I-10 and Highway 83.

• Eat lunch out in the field

• 5:00 pm, approximately: Return to SIA and head home for a shower!

THE WORK
This spring assessment requires hiking in steep terrain. We’ll drive in 2-3 mils on a 4WD road from Highway 83, then hike about 2 miles to the spring. Half to three-quarters of the hike will be off-trail. At the spring, we will be recording water quality and quantity, taking photographs, making a map of the spring, and documenting the flora and fauna. We’ll return to our vehicle, making the round-trip hike about 4 miles, perhaps a bit more.

For spring assessments, we are looking for volunteers with tracking skills, plant identification skills, invertebrate identification skills, and strong hikers. Volunteers do not need to have prior training to participate.

WHAT TO BRING
Larger backpack in which to carry shared springs assessment gear.
Water – I would suggest at least 3 liters.
Lunch and snacks – something you can hike in with you.
Sturdy footwear (e.g. hiking boots), plus clothing for cold weather, binoculars, field guides, etc. Long pants are strongly recommended.
Anything else you would normally bring for a dayhike.
Volunteer Agreement/Waiver – All volunteers need to sign the agreement annually. We will have extras on-hand if this is your first time volunteering in 2015.
If you need to carry and EpiPen, please bring it.

PROVIDED BY SIA
Cameras, GPS, data sheets, maps, first-aid kit.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
This trip will be led by Sami Hammer. Contact her with questions at [email protected] or 520-624-7080, ext. 16.
Due to the sensitive nature of springs, dogs are not allowed.