Friends of the Forest Sedona invites you to learn about volunteer opportunities at October 14th New Member event.
Friends of the Forest Sedona is one of the largest all-volunteer organizations in the nation dedicated to providing a volunteer workforce to the U.S. Forest Service. Our volunteers partner directly with the Red Rock Ranger District of the Coconino National Forest and last year provided over 37,500 hours of volunteer service.
Do you consider yourself a “citizen scientist”? Our Wildlife, Fish, Range, and Plants team has opportunities for you.
Do you like hiking and sharing your knowledge with others? Trail Ambassadors is calling your name.
Maybe you prefer building trails or keeping our trailheads clean. We do that work too!
Are you an archaeology buff or want to know more about our local heritage sites? Then our Cultural Resources committee is waiting for you.
Do you prefer more behind-the-scenes work? There are various ways to get involved to help keep the organization up and running.
Friends of the Forest is always seeking new members and will host an informational event on Wednesday, October 14, to share the full depth and breadth of its activities. The event will be from 2 to 4pm at the Red Rock Ranger District’s administrative building, next to the Visitor Center a mile south of the Village of Oak Creek. This will be a great opportunity to meet members, learn about the numerous volunteer opportunities, and enjoy light snacks while socializing.
The goals of Friends of the Forest are to:
- Help the Forest Service maintain its trails and cultural resources
- Reduce environmental damage caused by increasing human impact
- Assist with education and improve communication with the community
- Enhance the forest experience for visitors and residents
As stewards of the forest, members find opportunities for personal growth and public service that fit their interests and available time. No prior experience is required. Training, tools, personal protective equipment, and volunteer attire is provided. Friends of the Forest has many Committees that members can get involved with, including:
Air Sampling/Water Monitoring — Volunteers assist the Forest Service with the replacement of air sampling filters, which monitor air quality as part of the implementation of the Federal Clean Air Act regulations. Volunteers also monitor the water quality in Oak and Fossil creeks.
Cultural Resources — Trained as docents, volunteers provide information to visitors about the ancient cultures of the Palatki Red Cliffs and Crane Petroglyph heritage sites. They also conduct site photography and recording.
Graffiti Removal — This team works to remove graffiti (etching, stickers, paint) from the forest, while protecting critical archaeological sites.
Motorized Environmental Restoration — Volunteers work with the Forest Service and other volunteer organizations to restore, improve, and maintain roads and surrounding habitats in the Red Rock Ranger District.
Preventative Search & Rescue — During the summer months, volunteers help hikers understand the challenges of their planned routes, prepare appropriately, and consider alternative destinations when needed.
River Ranger Support — The “River Rats” volunteers support the Forest Service rangers who patrol the federally protected portion of the Verde River between Camp Verde and Cave Springs.
Trail Ambassador — These goodwill ambassadors hike Forest Service trails answering hiker questions, promoting the safe and ethical use of the forest, and reporting trail maintenance needs and graffiti.
Trail Maintenance & Construction — The focus of these dedicated volunteers is to maintain and restore existing non-motorized trails. Volunteers also make and install wood trail signs, install kiosks and rock cairns, and help create new trails.
Trailhead Beautification — Volunteers provide ongoing support at trailheads and parking lots, including picking up litter; clearing weeds, branches, and brush; and repairing fencing.
Visitor Information Services — Stationed at the front desk of the Visitor Center, these volunteers greet visitors and provide information about recreation opportunities on the Coconino National Forest around Sedona.
Wildlife/Fish/Range/Plants — These volunteers work on diverse projects coordinated by the district wildlife biologist such as conducting agave and firefly inventories, retrofitting range/cattle fencing to be more wildlife friendly, taking care of Forest Service horses, and maintaining gardens at the Visitor Center.
Other Opportunities — Volunteers also handle all infrastructure and technology support needs (finance, website, system administration, specialized software), membership, hospitality, and the newsletter.
Community members interested in volunteering are encouraged to attend the October 14 New Member event. For more information on the event and joining Friends of the Forest, visit www.friendsoftheforestsedona.org.
Author, Melissa Pontikes
Serving Sedona, written this week by Melissa Pontikes, volunteer with Friends of the Forest, appears Wednesday in the Sedona Red Rock News.