New Service Event: Salt Cedar Removal
Well, it is short notice, and it may not appear to be the most exciting opportunity (at least compared to baby eagles), but we do have another event for the Nature’s Classroom Homeschool Program. It will still be fun, and we could use your help.
Salt Cedar Removal
What: We will be walking the river bed (although there might not be water in it), removing large amounts of the highly invasive salt cedar. This plant outcompetes many of our native plants (like cottonwood). It grows very quickly. In addition, it is highly flammable and is much of what burned during last summer’s Ethan Fire near PIR. We want to try to control this plant as much as possible. While out in the field, you will learn a little bit about the property owned by the Arizona Game and Fish Department as well as this invasive species. In addition, the chance of seeing birds and some other wildlife is pretty good. As a bonus, we will actually be using the plants we remove. The larger branches will be cleaned and bundled and used for an art activity at the upcoming Tres Rios Nature Festival. Festival visitors will be able to make their own walking sticks out of the salt cedar that we will remove. Please be advised that we will not actually be making the walking sticks during this event, just preparing them for use at the festival.
When: Thursday, February 19, 2009 from 8:30am until noon.
Where: Robbin’s Butte Wildlife Area off Highway 85 near Buckeye, AZ
Who: All ages are welcome, young children will be the responsibility of the parents. Participants should expect to be outdoors the entire time. Terrain will be somewhat rocky desert, with all of the dangers (things that bite, sting, and poke) that come with it. Participants will be cutting down branches and carrying to the trailer, and should be capable of doing these activities to some degree.
Miscellaneous Info: Participants are asked to bring gloves and sturdy boots. In addition, if you have your own loppers to cut down branches, that is greatly preferred. Space is somewhat limited for this activity so registration does not guarantee participation. Everyone who registers will be notified prior to the event. More specific details will be provided to those accepted to participate.
Registration Information: To register for this event, complete and submit the form available at http://spreadsheets.google.com/viewform?key=pixviqYWWomXtY9DDcLYvJQ&hl=en
The annual Arizona Game and Fish Department’s Outdoor Expo will be taking place at the end of March. Like last year, we are hosting a Youth Day to take place the day before the Expo opens to the general public. All Homeschool families are encouraged to participate. Here is some additional information: