Friends of the Well

November Minutes (coming soon!)

Volunteers needed for Montezuma Well Field Restoration

The National Park Service is seeking volunteer help for an exciting field restoration project next month. Volunteers will help staff plant 900 native potted plants, sowing 12 acres of native seed and clear and cut approximately 750 feet of irrigation ditch. These tasks are an essential part of the Park Service plan to restore open low growing mesquite bosque and grassland habitat. It is both a great learning opportunity for those interested in the restoration of native habitat and a chance to meet and work with some wonderful staff and volunteers!

When: There are two volunteer dates available; a weekday date and a weekend date.
Wednesday, Feb. 17, 8:00 a.m. start
Thursday, Feb. 18, 8:00 a.m. start
Friday, Feb. 19, 8:00 a.m. start
Saturday, Feb. 20, 8:00 a.m. start

Where: Montezuma Well National Monument (meet at the picnic grounds)

What you need: Long-sleeve shirt and pants, gloves, sturdy shoes, a water bottle (we will have water dispensers to refill your water bottle) and snacks. If you plan to work for the entire day, please bring a lunch with you.

Background:
The 5-year Montezuma Well Pasture Restoration project, funded by the Arizona Water Protection Fund, was initiated in 2008 with our project partner Natural Channel Design, Inc. The purpose of this project is to: 1) restore and enhance riparian vegetation/habitats by removing invasive weedy species, and replacing them with native species along the flood terrace of Wet Beaver Creek; 2) reconnect the riparian habitats that are created by Wet Beaver Creek and the irrigation ditch, 3) restore and enhance the declining riparian desert bosque and grassland habitats, and 4) to provide educational opportunities for Monument visitors regarding the importance of
riparian plant communities and their habitats. During the five years of
the project, invasive and non-native vegetation that now dominate the project area will be removed mechanically and chemically. The invasive/non-native vegetation will be replaced by native vegetation plots designed to maximize diversity, creating a rich mosaic of plants and habitats.

Restoration Grant Application .pdf