SIA: Pollinator Planting @ Gila Cliff Dwellings National Monument

Pollinator Planting @ Gila Cliff Dwellings National Monument

September 21st -24th @ 10AM – 8PM
Bryon: 520-624-7080 ext. 27

PLEASE NOTE THAT THIS TRIP IS STILL TENTATIVE, AND DATES MAY YET CHANGE. HOWEVER, DO KEEP IT ON YOUR RADAR, ‘CAUSE THESE GILA CLIFF TRIPS ARE AWESOME!

Registration will open soon…

THE WORK:
Sky Island Alliance is teaming up with the National Park Service and Borderlands Restoration to restore a recently-burned slope near the main ruin loop at the monument. Volunteers will be installing native pollinator plants like milkweeds. The slope sits just above the riparian zone of the scenic Gila River and our efforts are essential to make sure these fragile soils are not lost via erosion. All tools will be provided by Sky Island Alliance. We’ll be bending, digging, and hauling materials on uneven surfaces and participants need to be prepared to get dirty.

WHAT TO EXPECT:
We will camp at one of the campgrounds immediately down the road from the work area (TBD). Due to its remote setting, Gila Cliff Dwellings National Monument is a “You Pack it In, You Pack it Out” area, meaning there are no trash cans available for visitors. Once you see the access into the site, you will understand. Participants are responsible for providing all camping gear (sleeping bag, tent, pad, etc.) and food provisions for themselves for the duration of the project.

Other important points:

• Bring your own meals for the weekend – a minimum of 3 breakfasts, 4 lunches, and 3/4 dinners, with snacks. 
• Potable water is available in some areas such as the Visitor Center. Plan on bringing enough to satisfy your needs for the entire weekend just in case.
• Be prepared to unplug – there is no cell phone service at Gila Cliff Dwellings N.M.
• Bring work clothes and appropriate close-toed shoes that you don’t mind getting dirty. You may want sandals for walking in the river. 

PLEASE NOTE:
This is a family-friendly trip: let us know if you plan to bring any youngsters and if there are any special concerns. No dogs on this one, though

For more information, please contact Bryon Lichtenhan at [email protected].