Lower San Pedro/Mammoth Area
Buffelgrass (Pennisetum ciliare) Removal Work Day



 

When
Saturday, Dec. 5, 2009
9 a.m. - noon
 
Overview
Buffelgrass grows densely and crowds out native plants of similar size. Competition for water can weaken and kill larger desert plants. Dense roots and ground shading prevent germination of seeds. It appears that buffelgrass can kill most native plants by these means alone.
 
This work day will include pulling, digging, excavating the invasive buffelgrass (which grows in dense clumps) on a south-facing 35 degree rocky slope in cholla country. The slope requires sure-footedness.
 
What to Wear
Sturdy shoes, long pants, hat, gloves and carry a small backpack with water bottles, snacks and other necessary personal gear.  
 
What to Bring
Water, lunch and snacks, sunscreen, bug spray, any other desert gear you like to have along, and a small-toothed comb in case you touch a cholla. We will be relatively close to the truck which will have a water cooler with ice and snacks, and an ice chest. There will be a small first aid kit but if anyone has special needs (Epi-pens, etc.) please bring that.

Tools including shovels and other digging type tools will be provided. If you have a favorite extraction/ digging tool, please bring it.  

Directions
We will meet at the abandoned gravel pit on River Road outside of Mammoth. Take 77 North through Mammoth. After crossing the dry San Pedro River, make a right onto River Road. Travel less than ½ mile. On the left will be a cleared out parking area next to the gravel pit. If you reach Verdugo Ranch Road (on the right) you’ve gone too far. Celeste Andresen will meet you at the gravel pit in her black Ford F150. Celeste's cell number is (520) 609.3420 if anyone gets lost along the way. From the Tucson office, it will take about 1.5 hours to reach the gravel pit. We will shuttle from the meeting location to the work site as a high clearance 4WD vehicle is needed. We'll then hike approximately 100 yards to the work site.

Workday Leader
Celeste Andreson, 7B Ranch Steward, along with other Conservancy staff. 
 
Registration
Contact Dorothy Boone at (520) 547-3437 or dboone@tnc.org to volunteer. Your help will be greatly appreciated.