I’ve been workin’ on the Arizona Trail

SaddleBrooke hikers participate in an October work party on the Arizona Trail. Photo by Gary Faulkenberry.

SaddleBrooke hikers participate in an October work party on the Arizona Trail. Photo by Gary Faulkenberry.

Elisabeth Wheeler

SaddleBrooke hikers went on a “search and destroy” mission to remove catclaw bushes growing on the southern end of the Oracle Passage of the Arizona Trail on Oct. 16. Catclaw, an aggressive bush that grows quickly, can cut the arms and legs of hikers and cyclists who travel the trail. In addition to the trimmers, two sub-groups renovated drainage ditches to improve the trail tread.

Trail volunteers then celebrated their excellent work with treats by Liz McClutcheon and Elaine Fagan. Mike Knowlton provided beverages. Team leaders were Zach MacDonald of the Arizona Trail Association, Gary Faulkenberry and Co-Stewards Ray Peale and Elisabeth Wheeler.

The November work session will be Wednesday, Nov. 20, departing from SaddleBrooke at 7:30 a.m.

To join the fun or contribute treats, contact Seana Kobek at [email protected], or Elisabeth Wheeler at [email protected].