July 31, 2006
The Grand Canyon needs your HELP
The Grand Canyon National Park Foundation is looking for motivated, enthusiastic individuals to work as short-term volunteers with the Park’s Backcounty Vegetation Program!
One of the most significant threats to global biodiversity is the invasion of exotic plants. Tamarisk (Tamarix ramosissima), also known as salt cedar, is an invasive exotic tree that grows in stands along rivers and streams in the western United States. These prolific non native trees displace native vegetation, create conditions that are inhospitable for the germination of native plant seeds, impact wildlife abundance, and increase fire frequency. The spread of tamarisk has gone beyond the river corridor of the Grand Canyon and poses a significant threat to tributaries and springs that remain as some of the last examples of pristine riparian habitat in the desert southwest. This encroachment not only threatens native vegetation communities but also wildlife that depend upon these sources of water. Luckily, you can help!
To date, volunteer crews have removed over 200,000 tamarisk trees from over 100 side canyons. Volunteers are essential to making this project a success and have donated over 20,000 hours, kneeling beneath dense canopies with handsaws in action. Does this sound like fun to you? At this point in the project, we are reaching remote areas via backpacking on 4-8 day trips. The work is hard and the days are long, but the sense of community and accomplishment are great.
Volunteer Requirements:
Ability to…
• live in remote areas with few amenities where inclement weather is possible.
• work extended schedules with long work days.
• maintain a positive attitude in a group setting for extended periods of time.
• backpack with a load of 50 pounds or more over rough terrain.
This project is sponsored and funded by the Grand Canyon National Park Foundation. The Foundation works to build the ethic of stewardship for the Grand Canyon through private philanthropy, volunteer leadership, and public outreach. To date, the Foundation has raised $15 million for the Park. Donations to the Foundation support projects like this that protect and preserve the Canyon’s natural, cultural, and historic resources. You can learn more about the Foundation at www.gcnpf.org. or for more information contact Terra Crampton at terra@gcnpf.org, (928) 774-1760 or visit our volunteer website: www.gcvolunteers.com