Service Project at Chiricahua National Monument

Date and Time:
Sat, Sep 21, 2024; 12:00 PM - Sat, Sep 28, 2024  12:00 PM 

Organized By: Central New Mexico Group

Location: Pinery Canyon Campground, Forest Road 42, San Simon, AZ 85632, USA

Map | Directions

Event Organizers:
Stan Peyton
   stanpeyton@gmail.com
   (702) 347-3331

Join Stan and Diane and the Austin Sierra Club group  for a week of camping and service work at Chiricahua National Monument. This National Monument contains one of the Six Best Hikes I Have Done in My Life (according to Stan).

*** RSVP ON MEETUP ALONE DOES NOT RESERVE A SPOT ON THE TRIP***

Wikipedia:

• "Located approximately 36 miles (58 km) southeast of Willcox, Arizona, the monument preserves the remains of an immense volcanic eruption that shook the region about 27 million years ago. The thick, white-hot ash spewed forth from the nearby Turkey Creek Caldera, cooled and hardened into rhyolitic tuff, laying down almost 2,000 ft (610 m) of highly siliceous, dark volcanic ash and pumice. The volcanic material eventually eroded into the natural rock formations of the present monument."

https://www.nps.gov/chir/index.htm

As was the case in 2021 at Glacier National Park's Bowman Lake, we will be camping in a place that is not near Park Headquarters. Instead, we have been given access to the Forest Service's Pinery Canyon Campground (see map with photos). It has water, tables, fire rings and pit toilets.

From the Park Service's Facilities Management Chief: Pinery Campsite is an excellent option, and it has a tent space that can accommodate ~10-15 tents, fire ring, sheltered cooking and eating areas (canvas wall tent and carport structure), port-o-pots, drinking water, picnic tables, bear boxes, and emergency phone (landline).

onsiderations for Pinery: There is no cell service at the camp, and monsoonal rains can make ingress/egress impossible if the creek floods. If the wash crossing does flood, there is a foot bridge to access Pinery Canyon Road, but the crossing usually becomes passable by vehicle within 24 hours.

Projects we'd like to see completed - we'd provide the tools/materials and coordination by one of our employees:

Re-decking the footbridge at the Bonita Creek Nature Trail
Silver Spur trail invasive plant removal and trail and sidewalk maintenance.

Elevation approx 5,200'.

We will have a day off for hiking.

Participants are responsible for their own transportation, camping equipment, and breakfasts and lunches. You and partners will also be responsible for feeding the entire group one evening. This includes bringing and preparing the food, Dish Patrol and washing said pots and pans.

The National Park Service is providing free park admission, campsite, and work tool usage.

To sign up:

The Austin group of the Sierra Club is hosting a service trip.  The Rio Grande Chapter is working with them again.Join Stan and Diane for a week of camping and service work at Chiricahua National Monument. This National Monument contains one of the Six Best Hikes Stan has Done in his Life.This monument is Located approximately 36 miles (58 km) southeast of Willcox, Arizona, and preserves the remains of an immense volcanic eruption. https://www.nps.gov/chir/index.htmElevation approx 5,200'.Service projects:  Re-decking the footbridge at the Bonita Creek Nature Trail, Silver Spur trail invasive plant removal and trail and sidewalk maintenance.We will have a day off for hiking.Participants are responsible for their own transportation, camping equipment, and breakfasts and lunches. You and partners will also be responsible for feeding the entire group one evening. This includes bringing and preparing the food, Dish Patrol and washing said pots and pans.The National Park Service is providing free park admission, campsite, and work tool usage.

To sign up:    review requirements at https://www.meetup.com/austin-sierra-club-outings/events/299723904/?utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=share-btn_savedevents_share_modal&utm_source=link

*** RSVP ON MEETUP ALONE DOES NOT RESERVE A SPOT ON THE TRIP***
Don't sign up unless you are serious about attending!

Level: Moderate

Cost: none

Signup Instructions: signup directions are included in the event description.

Bring: Container(s) for leftovers Kneeling padGeologist's Hammer (we are not kidding)Tent and implements of sleepingCovid maskDishtowelEarplugsEvening meal for Saturday, September 14FlashlightFood and drinks for all your breakfasts, snacks and lunchesHatLong pantsMugPersonal prescriptions and first aid kitPlate/bowlSilverwareSunscreenTweezersWater bottleWork gloves

Signup Restrictions: No children, no dogs

Austin Sierra Club event description