Springs Restoration in the Whetstone Mountains

Join us for a day removing invasive species and building a cattle-exclusion fence around McGrew Spring in the Whetstone Mountains!

McGrew Spring is a secluded, shady oasis in southern Arizona’s beautiful Whetstone Mountains. Closed to the public, the spring is more than two miles from any other water source and is a favorite haunt of coatis, black bears, mountain lions, coyotes, and birds. The spring is at about 4,500 feet elevation, and there is a 20-minute walk to access the site.

Unfortunately, in recent years, McGrew Spring has become overtaken by an invasive plant called horehound growing throughout the old cattle-exclosure fence. And the fence has come down, allowing cattle trespass and trampling, which has damaged the native plant community. On Oct. 2, we will be rebuilding the fence and removing the remainder of the invasive plants from the site.

We’ll meet out at Kartchner Caverns State Park at the Guindani Trailhead parking area at 8 a.m.

If you’re interested in camping the night before, volunteers for this event have the option of free camping in the campground with picnic tables, showers, and bathrooms. More details to come upon registration.

If you’re interested in carpooling or caravaning from the Sky Island Alliance office, please contact Sarah at sarah@skyislandalliance.org