Stan Ross is a Dove Mountain resident, Tortolita Alliance member and pro-active invasive species volunteer. Stan, along with the Desert Museum and Tortolita Alliance, is sponsoring the second “Beat Back Buffelgrass/ Save Our Saguaros” event in the Tortolita Mountains on Sunday, February 23.
Buffelgrass is an invasive grass species that has established a strong foothold in the Tucson Basin. Buffelgrass and saguaros cannot coexist. Buffelgrass outcompetes saguaros for space, nutrients and water, slowly eliminating saguaros from the landscape. It also poses a serious fire risk, burning hot and fast.
This year's event will concentrate on the mountain foothills adjacent to the Wild Burro trail. It is an easy walk from the Wild Burro trailhead and digging out Buffelgrass is not particularly hard. Here are the details.
When: Sunday, February 23, 8 AM - 12:00 noon
Who: All ages are welcome
Where: Meet at the Wild Burro Trailhead [14810 N Secret Springs Dr., Marana, AZ 85658]
and walk about 10 minutes to the site. There is plenty of parking at the Wild Burro Trailhead. Parking is free and there are restrooms.
What: Dig out Buffelgrass in the Tortolita Mountains
Wear: Sturdy shoes, long pants, hats and sunscreen. We will supply gloves.
Bring: 2 liters of water and snacks
Added Bonus: Baby saguaro will be given away, plus donuts
Sign up: Sign up at the Desert Museum Website Bufflegrass and Fountain Grass Control-Site List (scroll down to this event) or reply to Stan Ross at: shr90602@gmail.com. Please be sure to sign up. That way we know how many tools to bring.