Volunteers needed for Sonoran National Monument restoration project

The Arizona Wilderness Coalition and Arizona Clean & Beautiful are looking for volunteers for restoration activities at the Sonoran Desert National Monument. Restoration efforts, which are focused on repairing off-road damage to the Monument, will take place on Dec. 14 and Feb. 7. Short training sessions will be offered on the day of the event.

The Sonoran Desert is the most biologically diverse North American desert. The Monument is home to an extensive saguaro cactus forest and contains three Congressionally-designated wilderness areas. It also has significant archaeological and historical sites and remnants of several important historical trails.

Volunteers should come prepared, since there are no services in the Monument. Vehicles should be in good working order, have a full gas tank, and spare tires. (Cellular phones do not work in many areas of the National Monument.) Please bring shovels, steel rakes, and/or pick axes if you have them available. Hats, gloves, dust masks, long sleeve shirts and pants are strongly recommended. Volunteers are encouraged to wear sunscreen. First aid kits and trash bags will be available on-site.

Groups and children over age eight are welcome to attend. Children must have a signed parental approval form and be accompanied by an adult. Groups must sign a U.S. Bureau of Land Management Group Volunteer Services Agreement. Either form can be obtained from the Arizona Wilderness Coalition or Arizona Clean & Beautiful. Specific site information and directions will be provided at registration.

Events scheduled for Dec.14 and Feb. 7 are contingent on work completed at previous events. To register, please visit www.voaz.org or call Arizona Clean & Beautiful at (623) 322-2020, or the Arizona Wilderness Coalition at (602) 252-5530.

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