BACKGROUND:
This weekend, we will be hoping completing additional assessments of springs in preparation for controlled burns that will be conducted in the area next year (For those of you who came on our trips this spring, the controlled burn was postponed, giving us the chance to get to more springs!). It is unknown how fire affects spring ecosystems, so this trip will be focused on collecting baseline information on springs before fire. We will be in the southern end of the Galiuros for these assessments, at about 4000-5000′ elevation.

You should be comfortable hiking off-trail (bushwhacking). We will have spots for 3-5 people in the SIA vehicles, but after these fill up, you’ll need to bring your own high clearance, 4WD, vehicle. The road is rugged, though not really technical. A Subaru Forester with off-road tires is probably about the minimum required for this road. Contact us to check if your vehicle is suitable.

TO REGISTER, CLICK HERE!

TRIP SCHEDULE:
Friday 1:30 pm:  Meet SIA staff at our office (406 S. 4^th Ave, north side of SW corner of 4^th Ave and 14^th St). Drive out to camp in the southern Galiuros. Set up camp and enjoy the evening.

Saturday 8:00 am: 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 5:00 pm.

Sunday 8:00 am: Continue assessment work until about noon, then pack up and head home for a shower! We will try and be back to Tucson by 5:00 pm.

THE WORK:
At the springs, we will be recording water quality and quantity, taking photographs, making a map of the spring, and documenting the flora and fauna. Spring assessments require hiking off-trail, potentially in steep terrain. Springs in this area have very limited road access, so we will be driving on a high clearance, 4WD road some, and then hiking off trail to the spring, usually about 0.5 to 1 mile each way. The springs are usually up somewhat steep drainages, so we may be clambering over some boulders. Each team will probably be able to assess 2-3 springs per day. We may hike as much as 8 miles in one day with part or all of that being off-trail. For spring assessments, we are looking for volunteers with tracking skills, plant identification skills, invertebrate identification skills, and strong hikers, but no special skills are necessary. Volunteers do not need to have prior training to participate.

CAMP LOCATION:
We will caravan to the camp location north of the Muleshoe Ranch. It will be an undeveloped site, so plan to bring your own water for drinking and washing (it’s a good idea to bring more than you think you will need), as well as trowels and toilet paper for bathroom breaks.

WHAT TO BRING:

• All tents, sleeping bags, mattresses, stoves, etc. that you might bring on any normal car camping trip.
• Please bring a larger backpack in which to carry shared springs assessment gear.
• Several gallons of water per person plus all the food you’ll need for a minimum of 8 meals out, plus snacks.
• Sturdy footwear (ex. hiking boots, sandals) plus clothing for wet and cold weather, binoculars, field guides, etc.
• Long, tough pants are strongly recommended. If you have gaiters, bring them!
• Anything else you would normally bring for a dayhike.
• If you need to carry an EpiPen, please bring it.
• Transportation to and from the camp area to the work site will be provided by SIA staff members and volunteers with suitable vehicles.
• 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 2016.

PROVIDED BY SIA:
Tools, basic camp kitchen set-up including camp stove, extra water, cameras, GPS, data sheets, maps, first-aid kits.

Due to the sensitive nature of springs, dogs are not allowed.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:
This trip will be led by Sami Hammer. Contact her with questions at [email protected] or 520-624-7080, ext. 16.