The Work
We will be creating loose rock structures to halt erosion, increase water absorption, and support plant growth in drainages off the control road in the Santa Catalina Mountains. These low-tech structures can make huge differences and are a great tool for transforming landscapes. We'll be getting dirty, bending, lifting, and digging with tools provided by SIA.
What to Expect/Bring
Folks staying through the weekend should bring their own camping gear (or contact us if you need to borrow some) and meals for the weekend — a minimum of two breakfasts, two lunches, and two dinners, with snacks.
- SIA will provide potable water, and folks are welcome to bring their own as well. There is water at the campsite to refill from, but none at the worksite.
- Be prepared to unplug — there is limited or no cellphone or internet service where we'll be camping and working.
- Bring camping gear: tent, sleeping bag, sleeping pad, etc. We have extra camping gear available to borrow. Please contact our staff listed below if you would like to use some of our equipment.
- Bring work clothes, work gloves, and appropriate close-toed boots/shoes that you are happy to hike in and don't mind getting dirty or damaged.
- Bring sun protection: sunscreen, long-sleeves, hat, etc.
- Bring a refillable water bottle and a daypack for snacks and gear.
We will be building rock structures, which will entail carrying, moving, and placing rocks of various sizes. Some heavy lifting will be required, though no one will be asked to lift more than they feel capable of, and folks can work in teams to move larger rocks using cargo nets. Be prepared for getting dirty as we will also be digging as part of the building process. We will also be hiking to our worksites, which may be up to two miles by trail from a trailhead (though likely closer), while carrying tools such as picks, rockbars, and/or shovels. Worksites may be steeply sloped and uneven, with the potential for loose footing. Also, in our search for building materials, we will be traipsing around off trail in rocky drainages and across slopes.
Location
We'll be camping in the Spencer Canyon Campground. We will drive and/or hike (<2 miles) to our worksite each day. Please note there will be on-site restroom facilities at the camping area, but not the work area.
Getting There
Our campsite in the Spencer Canyon Campground is along a dirt road, but is accessible by two-wheel drive and low-clearance vehicles.
Option 1
Meet at the SIA office at 3127 N Cherry Ave. at 2:45 p.m. on Friday to caravan or carpool to the campsite.
Option 2
If you would like to meet us at the camping area, please join us after 5 p.m. (directions to the campsite will be sent to registered participants).
Option 3
If you would like to meet us for the day on either Saturday or Sunday, please meet us at our campsite by 7:30 a.m. (directions to the campsite will be sent to registered participants).
From Tucson (26 miles): Take Catalina Highway off Tanque Verde Road in Tucson. Drive up 25.9 miles to the turn for Spencer Canyon Campground. The camping area is on a short dirt road but accessible by two-wheel drive, low-clearance vehicles.
Project Schedule & Location
- Friday (carpoolers and caravaners): Meet at 2:45 p.m. at our office: 3127 N Cherry Ave., Tucson, AZ 85719 at the southwest corner of Cherry Ave. and Fort Lowell Rd. to carpool or caravan to the site. There is parking in our lot off Cherry.
- Friday (self-drivers): If you'd prefer to meet us at the campsite, please join us after 5 p.m. (directions will be sent to registered participants).
- Saturday: We will start work around 7:30 a.m. (day-trippers should join us by then), work throughout the day with a break for lunch, and end by 4 p.m.
- Sunday: We will start work around 7:30 a.m. (day-trippers should join us by then), work throughout the day with a break for lunch, and be wrapping up by 4 p.m. (or earlier). We will return to the office in Tucson by 6 p.m.
Unfortunately, pets are not allowed on this trip.
If you have further questions, please email Bryon Lichtenhan at bryon@skyislandalliance.org and/or Sarah Truebe at struebe@skyislandalliance.org
