Name: Springs Restoration in the Whetstones (Feb. 24)
Start: 2026-02-24T07:00:00-07:00
End: 2026-02-24T17:00:00-07:00
Location: Kartchner Caverns State Park

Springs Restoration in the Whetstones (Feb. 24)

Sky Island Alliance is a nonprofit 501(c)3 organization working throughout southeastern Arizona (US) and northern Sonora (MX). Our mission is to protect and restore the biodiversity and natural heritage of the Sky Islands. We use science, education, and advocacy to connect the binational landscapes, people, and wildlife of the Sky Islands for the benefit of all.Sky Island Alliance es una organización sin fines de lucro que trabaja en el sureste de Arizona (EE.UU.) y el norte de Sonora (MX).  Nuestra misión es proteger y restaurar la biodiversidad y el patrimonio natural de las Islas del Cielo.  Usamos la ciencia, la educación y luchamos para conectar el paisaje binacional, las personas y la Vida Silvestre de las Islas del Cielo para el beneficio de todos.

Sky Island Alliance

Join us for a day removing invasive species around McGrew Spring in the Whetstone Mountains!

Kartchner Caverns State Park

The WorkMcGrew Spring is a secluded, shady oasis in southern Arizona's beautiful Whetstone Mountains. Closed to the public, the spring is more than two miles from any other water source and is a favorite haunt of coatis, black bears, mountain lions, coyotes, and birds. The spring is at about 4,500 feet elevation, and there is a 20-minute walk to access the site.Unfortunately, in recent years, McGrew Spring has become overtaken by an invasive plant called horehound growing around the spring due to trespassing cattle. As of December 2022, we've completed restoring the cattle-exclosure fencing while also making it wildlife friendly, thanks to our volunteers' hard work! On this outing we'll be removing any remaining invasive plants.What to Expect/Bring<ul><li>Bring a few water bottles (3L) for the day. We will have water at the truck, but that's a 20-minute hike away from where we're working.</li><li>Bring plenty of snacks and a lunch.</li><li>Bring work clothes and appropriate close-toed shoes that you don't mind getting dirty and potentially torn.</li><li>Bring sun protection: sunscreen, long-sleeves, hat, etc.</li><li>Bring warm clothes, rain jackets, etc. depending on the forecasted weather.</li></ul>Getting ThereUpon arriving to Kartchner Caverns State Park, let the ranger at the park entrance know that you're volunteering with SIA out at McGrew Spring.Option 1Meet at the SIA office at 3127 N Cherry Ave. to caravan or carpool to the field site at 6:45 a.m.Option 2Meet at the Guindani Trailhead parking area at Kartchner Caverns State Park at 8 a.m.Trip Logistics<ul><li>6:45 a.m. — meet with SIA staff at our office to carpool</li><li>8 a.m. — meet at Kartchner Caverns State Park and hike for about 20 minutes to McGrew Spring.</li><li>4 p.m (or earlier) — finish up for the afternoon and then head back to the Guindani Trailhead parking area.</li></ul>Unfortunately, pets are not allowed on this trip.The trailhead parking has flush toilets, but there are no other facilities available on this trip.If you have any questions, please contact Sarah at sarah@skyislandalliance.org.

Springs Restoration in the Whetstones (Feb. 24)

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Springs Restoration in the Whetstones (Feb. 24)

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