About this Event
The Work
We will be removing invasive Johnsongrass from around small endangered Eryngo plants that are native to this site. The Johnsongrass threatens the recruitment of the endangered plant and uses water that would otherwise sustain a series of large wet meadows at Lewis Springs.
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 removing invasive Johnsongrass and bagging seedheads for disposal off-site. Be prepared for getting dirty as we will also be digging and carrying plants (which are quite large). Worksites may be steeply sloped and uneven, with the potential for loose footing.
Location
Lewis Springs is located just east of San Pedro River in an area known as Government Draw. The Lewis Springs site is situated within the San Pedro River Riparian National Conservation Area which is manage by the BLM. This section of the San Pedro River is know for its biodiversity and archaeological history! Field guides and binoculars are encouraged! Learn more about the conservation area.
Getting There
The drive to the meeting area is paved the whole way via I-10 and higway 90. Consider possible inclamate weather and traffic issues. The nearest food and fuel services are located in Sierra Vista. There will be an option to drive personal vehicles to the site. High clearance vehicles are required to drive personal vehicles to the site staging area. Due to limited parking space at the site staging area carpooling in personal vehicles is encouraged.
Option 1
Meet at the SIA office at 3127 N Cherry Ave. to caravan or carpool to Lewis Springs at 1:45 p.m. on Friday. We will head east on 1-10 toward Benson (and a bathroom break) before hading off toward Sierra Vista.
Option 2
If you would like to meet us out there, just let us know when to expect you on Friday evening.
From Tucson: (86 miles) Take I-10 east to Benson exit 302 for HW 90 south toward Sierra Vista. Stay on HW 90 until makeing a right at the San Pedro House Nature Store & San Pedro Riparian National Conservation Area Visitor Information center where we will meet.
From Phoenix: (195 miles) Take I-10 east to Benson, then take exit 302 for HW 90 south toward Sierra Vista. Stay on HW 90 until makeing a right at the San Pedro House Nature Store & San Pedro Riparian National Conservation Area Visitor Information center where we will meet.
Trip Logistics
- Friday, 1:00 p.m. — Meet with SIA staff at our office to carpool to the San Pedro River Information Center.
- Friday, 5 p.m. — If you would like to meet SIA at the guesthouse, you may arrive after 5 p.m. on Friday. Follow our green SIA arrow sign for the correct turnoff.
- Saturday, 7:30 a.m. — Be prepared to go over the day's work and head out. We will work throughout the day with a break for lunch.
- Sunday, 7:30 a.m. — Be prepared to go over the day's work and head out. We will work throghout the day with a break for lunch.
- Sunday, 6 p.m. — We will be back to our Tucson office by 6 p.m.
Final details will be sent out to participants in advance of the work weekend. There is a chance we will be moving camping sites, but we won't know until later in October.
If you would like to join us for a single day instead of camping, please select the appropriate ticket type when registering.
We'll plan in some time on Friday, Saturday, Sunday, for you to enjoy the rest of the San Pedro River Riparian Conservation Area also!
Unfortunately, pets are not allowed on this trip.
If you have further questions, please email Becca Thompson at [email protected]
Event venue & nearby stays
San Pedro House Nature Store & San Pedro Riparian National Conservation Area Visitor Information, 9800 Arizona 90, Sierra Vista, United States
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