It’s Save Our Saguaros Month! Our ecosystem needs your help!
Every year, in the month of February, we call on our community to help us save saguaros and the animals that call them home. From what? Buffelgrass and fountaingrass! These invasive grasses smother young saguaros and fuel fires that can kill both young and old saguaros alike.
Why is buffelgrass a threat?
In southern Arizona, the rapid spread of buffelgrass is transforming fire-resistant desert into flammable grassland. Buffelgrass outcompetes native plants for space, water and nutrients. As buffelgrass increases in abundance, native species decrease in abundance. Buffelgrass, and fountaingrass, can cause the loss of the entire Sonoran ecosystem, turning it into a barren grassland. The increased fire threat and loss of habitat is also a severe detriment to the economic health of Pima Country and all of Southern Arizona.
Learn more about the threat posed by buffelgrass here.
What can you do to help?
The Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum organizes buffelgrass mapping and pull events to help identify and eradicate this harmful invasive plant species. Come help remove buffelgrass from Tucson Mountain Park. Camp Cooper has made parking available to volunteers and organizers to assist with this event. Sign-up at the link below and ensure the well-being of our Sonoran paradise and the mighty saguaros!
Wednesday, February 23, 2022
Time: 8 am to about noon
Organization: Pima County Natural Resources Parks & Recreation – Sonoran Desert Weedwackers
Description: Volunteers will remove weeds from Tucson Mountain Park, working off-trail, often on rough terrain. Usually, the weeds are piled on-site and secured with rocks to prevent seed dispersal.
Meeting Location: Camp Cooper parking area off of Trails End Road. Signs will be present to direct you to the meeting location.
Buffelgrass pull location: 5601 W Trails End Rd., Tucson, Arizona 85745
Volunteers: 12 registered out of a total capacity of 30
Tools Provided: Gloves, rock hammers, and digging bars. Some volunteers bring their favorite tools.
Bring: Sunscreen, lots of water, and energy snacks.
Wear: Sturdy pants and shoes, a hat and a long-sleeve shirt. If the weather warrants, bring a windbreaker or light raingear.
Additional Information: A map will be sent to your email after registering for the site. Please feel free to contact me by phone or email if you have any question. Co-coordinator for this event is Barbara Jones and can also be contacted at bwjones123@hotmail.com
