Springs Restoration in the Whetstone Mountains

2980 Arizona 90,Benson AZ 85602

29 July, 2023

Description

The Work McGrew 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. Covid Precautions To keep our volunteers and staff safe, we’re taking these precautions: If you have signs/symptoms of Covid, or if you or anyone in your household has had a recent exposure, please stay home.Monitoring the case numbers and variant severity so that we can make good decisions about proper precautions. If you’d like to bring kids, please contact us first. Choose how to get there: You can either meet us there, caravan with us from SIA’s office, or carpool in SIA vehicles (masking will be based on case numbers and discussion with other carpoolers). We'll be camping, and each household should bring their own food, camping gear, and cooking gear. Working outside, of course! We will stay safely spaced out while working. We’ll have a thermometer available in case anyone starts feeling off. What to Expect/Bring SIA will provide potable water, and folks are welcome to bring their own as well. Bring plenty of snacks and a lunch, if you like. Bring work clothes and appropriate close-toed shoes that you don't mind getting dirty and potentially torn. Bring sun protection: sunscreen, long-sleeves, hat, etc. Getting There Upon 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 1 Meet at the SIA office at 3127 N Cherry Ave. to caravan or carpool to the field site at 5:15 a.m. Option 2 Meet at the Guindani Trailhead parking area at Kartchner Caverns State Park at 6:30 a.m. Trip Logistics Saturday, 5:15 a.m. — meet with SIA staff at our office to carpool Saturday, 6:30 a.m. — meet at Kartchner Caverns State Park and hike for about 20 minutes to McGrew Spring.Saturday, 12:00 p.m. (or earlier) — finish up for the afternoon and then head back to the Guindani Trailhead parking area. Unfortunately, pets are not allowed on this trip. If you're interested in camping the night before, volunteers for this event have the option of free camping in the campground with picnic tables, showers, and bathrooms. Please let us know if interested. If you're interested in carpooling or caravaning from the Sky Island Alliance office, please contact Jimmy at [email protected] or Sarah at [email protected]