Arizona Trail work event

Standing: Garrett Ressing, Brenda Dawson, Bob Garner, Elissa Cochran, Ray Peale, Mike Wolters, Norm Rechkemmer; kneeling: Kent Naugle, Frank Earnest, Mike Watch, Pam Wakefield, Terry Caldwell, Steve Aiken, Fred Norris, Elisabeth Wheeler; photo by Elisabeth Wheeler

Standing: Garrett Ressing, Brenda Dawson, Bob Garner, Elissa Cochran, Ray Peale, Mike Wolters, Norm Rechkemmer; kneeling: Kent Naugle, Frank Earnest, Mike Watch, Pam Wakefield, Terry Caldwell, Steve Aiken, Fred Norris, Elisabeth Wheeler; photo by Elisabeth Wheeler

Sue Bush

Summer rains bring overgrowth, especially catclaw bushes, on the Oracle Passage of the Arizona National Scenic Trail. Catclaw thorns draw blood when hikers get too close. Sixteen members of the SaddleBrooke Hiking Club mounted an assault on the extensive catclaw bushes threatening hikers on a portion of the Oracle Passage. The battle with the catclaw bushes is not over, but significant progress was made on one section during our work event on Wednesday, October 18. Zach McDonald, Ray Peale and Elisabeth Wheeler led the assault teams. After satisfying work, refreshments were provided by Norm Rechkemmer, Pam Wakefield and Arlene Gerety.

The next SaddleBrooke work event on the Arizona Trail is Wednesday, November 15, departing SaddleBrooke at 7:30 a.m. and returning by noon. Come and join this satisfying outdoor work by calling or emailing Elisabeth Wheeler, 520-818-1547, or [email protected].