Safford, Ariz. The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) Safford Field Office will celebrate National Trails Day and Earth Day on Saturday, April 26, with a volunteer project at the Gila Box Riparian National Conservation Area (RNCA). Individuals, clubs, and service groups are invited to participate in this outdoor project.
The project will begin at 7:30 a.m. at the BLM Safford Field Office; participants will caravan to the trail in their personal vehicles. The BLM will provide work gloves, water, sport drinks, and a cooler to keep drinks on ice. Participants should bring snacks, a water bottle, and their lunch.
As part of an Eagle Scout project, Boy Scouts will work on a new trailhead for the Gila River Water Trail. Other participants will hike portions of the trail, removing trash and other flood debris. The Water Trail is the last three miles of the river in the Gila Box RNCA from Bonita Creek to Dry Canyon. Volunteers will focus on Dry Canyon, Spring Canyon, Riverview Campground/Flying W Picnic Area, and Serna Cabin.
Participants will need to wear long pants, a long-sleeved shirt, hat, sunglasses, sunscreen, and sturdy shoes. A BLM volunteer agreement must be completed and anyone under the age of 18 must have parental or guardian authorization. Participants must be at least six years of age and accompanied by a parent or guardian if between the ages of 6 and 18.
Volunteer applications can be obtained at the Safford Field Office at 711 14th Avenue. To request an application by email, contact Jeff Wilbanks at Jeff_Wilbanks@blm.gov. All forms must be signed and returned to the BLM by April 23. For more information, call Wilbanks at (928) 348-4573.
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