Arizona Conservation Corps

As our Flagstaff crews continue to do some awesome work this summer, our Tucson crews finished up this past May. Today, we would like to highlight Crew 110! ✨

Crew 110 had a variety of project sites from Organ Pipe Cactus National Monument to Saguaro National Park and Tumacacori National Historic Park. 🌵 Getting through the rocky terrain of Organ Pipe Cactus National Park, they removed invasive plant species such as buffelgrass, stinknet, and Sahara Mustard. Over at Saguaro National Park, they learned about the history of Saguaro, maintained the corridor on Cactus Forest Trail, and transplanted prickly pear and cholla. Lastly, this crew was able to partner with the Nosotros Academy Gardening Club to remove invasive Johnson grass and replant Native grasses at Tumacacori National Historical Park.

One crew member added, “The replacing of the invasive with native plants not only helped facilitate a more desired habitat for the native ecosystem, but educated youth on the importance of land stewardship and the relationship we have with our environments.”

A huge thank you to Crew 110! We appreciate everything you have accomplished this season! 👏

Conservation Legacy
Organ Pipe Cactus National Monument
Saguaro National Park
Tumacácori National Historical Park

IP Highlight: Martín Leon

Martín is an IP with USFS Recreation out of the Mogollon Rim Ranger District at Coconino National Forest. 🌲As he primarily assists the Recreation department, he has taken care of campsites, gathered and tested water samples, removed fallen trees on forest roads with chainsaw work, and even learned how to do minor pipework while using a water buffalo!

Martín adds, “I try and volunteer for any certification I can receive while working with the Forest Service because in the future, I would very much love to work for them…. I’m happy and grateful that Arizona Conservation Corps is giving me the opportunity to experience this!”

We share the excitement that Martín has for his IP term and would like to express a huge thank you for his work! 👏

Conservation Legacy U.S. Forest Service Coconino National Forest