Elisabeth Wheeler
On March 21 SaddleBrooke hikers celebrated the completion of over 450 volunteer hours (since October) on the Arizona National Scenic Trail. Volunteers under the guidance of Zach MacDonald of the Arizona Trail Association enjoyed a morning of putting the finishing touches on 1.5 miles of newly built trail on the Oracle Passage of the Arizona Trail. The work was light, the temperatures were cool, and the camaraderie was exuberant. The celebration continued at the Kannally Ranch House in Oracle State Park where lunch was provided by the Arizona Trail Association as a thank you to SaddleBrooke volunteers. Zach MacDonald honored Gary Faulkenberry of Oracle State Park as a Volunteer of the Year. Anna Perreira of the Arizona Trail Association highlighted the accomplishments of the association and the statewide outdoor youth education program, Seeds of Stewardship. Vincent Micallef, manager of Oracle State Park, described the improvements coming to the park and the expanded educational programs for youth. The SaddleBrooke Hiking Club was recognized as a donor to the education program at Oracle State Park.