Sky Island Alliance: Milkweeds (and Oaks) in Madera

Milkweeds (and Oaks) in Madera

Join SIA staff in Madera Canyon for a day of habitat restoration! We will be focused on planting milkweeds and young oak trees at the site of the new bridges in the upper canyon. This site has come a long way since the construction, and is looking great! Help us as we install even more plant resources for pollinators and other wildlife.

TO REGISTER, CLICK HERE!

BACKGROUND

If you’ve been down to Madera Canyon in the Santa Rita Mountains recently, you may have noticed that there are two new bridges near the trail heads. We are working with the Coronado National Forest, Borderlands Restoration, and Friends of Madera Canyon to restore ecosystem function at the site.  Come out and help stabilize this beautiful canyon (and birding hotspot) just an hour south of Tucson.

PROJECT SCHEDULE (8:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.)

• 8:00 a.m.: Meet SIA staff bright and early at the large parking lot at the top of Madera Canyon.
• If you would like a ride, or to caravan to the site, meet SIA staff at OUR NEW OFFICE – 406 S. 4th Avenue (at the corner of 14th in Armory Park) at 7:00 am.
• 2:00 p.m.: Load up and head back to Tucson.

THE WORK

Our work is designed to prevent erosion from the construction site into Madera Creek, and to re-establish native vegetation on the site. During this visit to the canyon, the day’s work could include, planting native plants, watering and mulching the plants we’ve installed earlier this year, continuing to arrange rocks on the site to prevent errosion, and removing invasive vinca from the forest understory. Volunteers do not need to have prior training to participate and SIA will provide all tools necessary.

LOCATION & DIRECTIONS

• From Tucson, head south on I-19 to Green Valley. Exit at Continental Road (exit 63) and follow the road east as it turns into White House Canyon Road. Follow signs to the recreation area.
• Carpooling is encouraged:  SIA may have 1-2 spots in our vehicle for volunteers to tag along.  Contact us 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.
• Water and any snacks/lunch you might need for a morning working 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, vests, and gloves. 
• Site background and activity instruction.
• Tools and materials.
• Volunteer agreement.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

• This project will be led by Bryon Lichtenhan. If you have any questions please feel free to email him at [email protected]
• 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.