RSVP for this trip here.

BACKGROUND

In conjunction with land managers and planners in southern Arizona, we are focused on the eastern Santa Cruz River valley for this weekend. The Santa Cruz starts in the San Rafael Valley, dips down southwest into Mexico and then curves back north to the U.S. We will once again be focusing on the northern end of the range for these assessments. This is an overnight camping trip. Due to the sensitive nature of springs, dogs are not allowed.

TRIP SCHEDULE

Friday, June 26th, 4:00 pm – 7:00 pm: Meet SIA staff at the campsite (TBD). Set up camp and enjoy the evening. If individuals are interested in caravanning, they can meet SIA staff at The Historic Y no later than 2 pm.

Saturday, June 27th, 8:00 am: Early breakfast with a quick refresher on use of spring assessment equipment. Then split up into teams and work through the day, returning to camp around 5 pm.

Sunday, June 28th, 8:00 am: Continue assessment work through the afternoon, then pack up and head home. We will try and be back to Tucson by 5 pm.

THE WORK

We will be recording water quality, quantity and evaporation rate as well as documenting all flora and fauna we can positively identify. Spring assessments require hiking. Some springs have limited road access, so please plan to hike as much as 3-4 miles in one day with part or all of that being off-trail and potentially in steep terrain. 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.

CAMP LOCATION & DIRECTIONS – TBD

The camp location will be made available the week of the trip, with detailed directions from Tucson. As of now, our goal is to be camped in the Proctor Road area near Madera Canyon; you pass by the fee booth on the main road (without paying) and then take a right on Proctor Road. Look for the green SIA signs to guide you in. Carpooling is encouraged. SIA will have 1-2 spots in our vehicle for volunteers to tag along. Contact Louise to make arrangements.

WHAT TO BRING

• All tents, sleeping bags, mattresses, stoves, etc. that you might bring on any normal car camping trip.
• Larger backpacks in which to carry shared springs assessment gear are a plus. NOTE: Expect hot temperatures this time of year.
• Several gallons of water per person plus all the food you’ll need for a minimum of five meals out, plus snacks.
• Sturdy footwear (ex. hiking boots, sandals) plus clothing for wet and cold weather, binoculars, field guides, etc.
• Transportation to and from the camp area to the work site will be provided by SIA staff members
• 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.

PROVIDED BY SIA

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