Friends of Lost Dutchman State Park

When was the last time you found yourself running up and down the Siphon Draw Trail with an enthusiastic group of 20 year olds, wielding picks, shovels and rakes? Well, the first week in December 2011 that’s exactly where my volunteer duties at Lost Dutchman State Park found me as I coordinated the efforts of the AmeriCorps crew working at the Park. “AmeriCorps is a program of the Corporation for National and Community Service, an independent federal agency whose mission is to improve lives, strengthen communities, and foster civic engagement through service and volunteering.” (http://www.americorps.gov).

The Siphon Draw Trail is one of the most popular trails at Lost Dutchman. It is a grueling 3 mile trek that terminates at the top of the Flat Iron and is a challenge for even the most arduous of hikers. Because of its steep incline the trail is subject to severe erosion when it rains, and requires consistent maintenance to keep rocks and debris from obscuring the trail. The most effective way to control trail erosion is to install “water bars” across the trail at strategic locations to divert the water off the trail. Water bars can be constructed by digging in recycled rail-road ties, telephone poles or large rocks diagonally across the trail thus re-routing the flowing water off to the sides of the trail. It is hard, heavy, time consuming work but our 10 person crew from AmeriCorps attacked that trail with vigor.

Over the course of 6 days these young people installed 12 water bars beginning at the Jacob’s Crosscut Trail junction and winding up the trail to the wilderness boundary. Using re-cycled guard rails donated by A-DOT they dug, raked and even swept the Siphon Draw Trail. Most of these young people were from urban metropolises from the East Coast but they took to the work like experienced farm hands. December 2011 wasn’t usual for the Sonoran Desert. It was cold and overcast, raining most mornings the glorious Arizona sun didn’t shin until well past noon. But in spite of the weather the crew, layered in fleece and rain gear, smiling, curious about the plants and animals that inhabit the landscape, worked HARD!

I worked too, and for me the experience was rejuvenating. How lucky I was to meet these caring, excited, interested young people. When I began volunteering at Lost Dutchman I had no idea the doors it would open for me. I envisioned doing a little trail work, maybe leading a hike or two. Little did I know that I would have the opportunity to engage with people from different communities, carving life-paths, beginning their individual journeys and learning to give back to their communities before they even defined who those communities would be.

The same opportunities are available for you. Think about it….when was the last time you felt so engaged? Lost Dutchman State Park is more than a gateway to the wilderness, it is a doorway to the neighbor you didn’t even know you had. Come and visit we’ll welcome you with open arms.

Georgy Naimoli
January 2012

by: Patricia Carter

A year and and a half ago I began a great journey volunteering for the Friends Organization to save Lost Dutchman State Park. My journey started when I first moved to Arizona back in the year 1998…I was living in West Mesa and really was mesmerized when discovering the Superstition Mountains. I just had a feeling that someday I would be a part of those mountains somehow. I remember first hiking at the Superstition Mountains and felt the earth rumbling beneath me. There is something so spiritual about these mountains. While hiking at Lost Dutchman State Park, a year and a half ago, we came across a man working on the trail and we just talked to him for a bit. He stated he really had to get the trail in shape for the park was in danger of closing by a certain month. And I said “Are you serious that this park might close?” He said yes. He also stated that he was a volunteer. My friend and I went inside the office after our hike and there was another volunteer working behind the desk and I asked him the same question. He said yes and he gave me an education as to why and what happened. He said if I wanted to get involved I could volunteer. He gave me the name of the Friends Organization which would be where I would want to volunteer. The Friends Organization puts on events to raise money to keep the park opened. From that day on I have a deep passion for this volunteer group. We have put on events, raised money for the park and all the money raised goes directly to Lost Dutchman State Park. Every Sunday from 9:00 am to 1:00 pm I get the opportunity to greet visitors as they drive in and collect the fee of only $7.00 to hike in the park. What a great fee instead of being cooped up in a movie theatre that costs much more! Campers come to enjoy the beauty of the mountains. The people are just incredible! I get to meet and sometimes for a brief moment get to dip in the lives of people from not just Arizona but from all parts of the country and the world! All the volunteers are so friendly and genuine. The park rangers at Lost Dutchman State Park are so much fun to be with and are so dedicated to their park. I get to meet local merchants also which is a fun way to familiarize myself with the community I live in. I can’t say enough of how being a volunteer for this organization has enriched my life. Being in nature is my favorite thing to do and the Superstition Mountains at Lost Dutchman State Park fulfills that deep passion.

I have taken on the responsibility of heading up the “Adopt A Cactus Program”. This is a great way to raise money to keep the park open and running. Learn more about the “Adopt A Cactus Program” at the website adoptacactus.org. It’s also a great gift for someone or a tribute to a loved one. Even a group can adopt a cactus! We are currently offering a Holiday Special for the 5 year term. Hurry and take advantage of the $100 off savings!!! This special runs through January 1st, 2012. Your contribution will also be tax deductible!!! Won’t you join in either as a volunteer and/or adopt a cactus? Would love to see you come aboard!!!

For interest in adopting a cactus go to the website: adoptacactus.org