Special Projects » Budding Botanists : Spring Stewards : Local Projects
Become a spring steward volunteer
Springs - and the riparian ecosystems they support - are unique harbors of biodiversity in the typically dry landscapes of the Southwest. Not only do they provide critical water and food resources for wildlife and humans, but they are also rare and subject to threats by human activities and global warming. Accordingly, it is extremely important that we understand the condition of Colorado Plateau springs so that we can make proper decisions to protect and restore them.
Spring Steward volunteers are a key element in a broad partnership to collect baseline information about springs on the Colorado Plateau. This is a long-term opportunity for those looking to deepen their understanding of water issues in the Southwest. Volunteers will help scientists and resource managers from the partner agencies to assess baseline spring conditions in Northern Arizona. To become a Spring Steward volunteer one does not need formal training in hydrology, just a willingness to learn and commit to helping with ongoing projects. As a Spring Steward volunteer you will:
- Learn basic spring ecology, how to do hydrologic measurements, how to identify spring types, how to use a GPS and compass
- Work alongside regional hydrology and botany experts to learn hands-on about spring ecology
- Network with others who are interested in hydrology and natural history
- See some of the gems of the Colorado Plateau firsthand while working to protect and understand them
Background and Goals for the Project
Springs are places where unique plants, invertebrates and bird life converge to create strongholds of biological diversity. In recognition of the biological significance of springs in the Grand Canyon region, Grand Canyon Trust, Grand Canyon National Park, the National Park Service Southern Colorado Plateau Inventory and Monitoring Program, and the North Kaibab and Coconino National Forest Service have joined together to bring their collective resources toward inventorying these important ecosystems.
Click here to read more about the projects in this partnership.
Your Commitment
Grand Canyon Trust is seeking volunteers who want to be trained in protocols for monitoring springs, and who can commit to at least one project each year. Periodically we will be offering half day training sessions in Flagstaff. After completing a training, you will be expected to participate in at least one organized volunteer trip or commit to survey local Flagstaff springs in Coconino National Forest. This will be a unique opportunity to work alongside regional experts and learn new skills.
About the Trips
Many of the springs are in remote locations that require days of backpacking, or access by river. However there are many local springs within a day's drive from Flagstaff as well as ongoing multi-day trips to monitor and restore springs on the Kane and Two Mile ranches. Click here for a full schedule and to apply for individual trips. Contact us if you would like to be placed on a list to receive regular updates about all things springs.
