Friends of the Forest Sedona is one of the largest all-volunteer organizations in the nation that is 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 36,500 hours of volunteer labor.
Do you consider yourself a “citizen scientist”? Our Wildlife, Fish, and Rare 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. Yep – we do that work too!
Are you an archeology 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 on Wednesday, October 15th will be hosting an informational event to share the full depth and breadth of our 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
In becoming stewards, Friends of the Forest members are offered personal enrichment and public service opportunities based upon one’s interest and 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 that once lived or visited 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 summer months, volunteers share their knowledge and experience by informing hikers of what they are taking on, what they should have to be appropriately prepared, and offering them alternative destinations.
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/or 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/Rare Plant Projects — These volunteers work on diverse projects coordinated by the district wildlife biologist such as conducting lichen 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 (financials, website, system administration, proprietary apps), membership, hospitality, and the newsletter.
Author, Melissa Pontikes
Don’t miss the October 15th New Member event! For more information on the event and joining Friends of the Forest, visit www.friendsoftheforestsedona.org.
Serving Sedona, written his week by Melissa Pontikes, Friends of the Forest, appears Wednesday in the Sedona Red Rock News.