Hart Prairie Work Weekend - October 21-23 2011 (Another!)

This is our regularly planned annual weekend at Hart Prairie.
Please come planning to work at any various task at the preserve.
Note we will be handling the signup here, so get signed up here asap (first come, first served) with the dates you are coming.

We also need to round up food options so we can all contribute to food or we can do a food buy and have everyone contribute. Please post your preference.

Hart Prarie Preserve Work weekend
October 21-23 2011$25.00 for food
You can contact Neil @ nchapman@tnc.org
Great views, fence work, good food, seed collecting, weed removal, cool crisp air, slash and rounds...

How to get there: If you are coming from Phoenix, be aware that it will take you at least 3 hours (3.5 from Tempe) so arriving Friday is best. If you arrive after dark, look for the porchlight to your left as you come in, you'll be seeing a rail fence in your headlights. We'll keep someone around to direct you to your cabin as long as possible. If you know you'll be really late, please let us know and we'll figure something out.

* From the south, take I-17 to Flagstaff, I-17 becomes Milton Road after you enter Flagstaff.
* Continue north, pass under a railroad bridge and turn left onto Humphreys
* Turn left at Columbus (at traffic light) onto Hwy 180
* Follow 180 out of town approximately 10 miles and past the Arizona Snowbowl ski resort
* Just past mile post 225, turn right onto Forest Road 151 (there is a bright yellow daytime headlight use sign at this turn);
* Drive 4.5 miles and look for The Nature Conservancy sign on the right.
* Leave the gate the way you find it. Please drive slowly into the Preserve (15 mph);
* From the gate to cabins is about half a mile
* Drive to your assigned cabin or ask whereabouts upon your arrival, unload, and please park your vehicle in the corral parking area north of the lodge, please back into your spot

Information Sheet
Most of you all know this but just in case: please read this thoroughly and contact Neil or Shawn if you have questions.

Key Information
• Cabins are rustic but comfortable, beds are fine, bring your own linens or sleeping bags.
• The sewer system works but how or why is largely a mystery; use the composting toilet if at all possible
• Shower house is a wonderful luxury after a good day of grubby work. Bring your own towel and toiletries.
• Water is trucked in, use it sparingly, please don’t waste it. If you see a plumbing leak let the Preserve folks know immediately.
• Any food left out unprotected-indoors or out-will likely be confiscated by small furry critters of the night.
• We will be TNC volunteers this weekend, please sign the waiver forms.
• **No pets are allowed on the preserve.** (Sorry 'bout that.)
• There are no commercial facilities at the preserve, i.e., no store, no ice, no sodas, etc. Bring what you need with you.
• We are responsible for cleaning up the cabins before we leave.

What to wear and bring
• Sturdy shoes, work gloves, water container to take to the work sites (additional water available)
• Snacks if you need any to help you make it to lunch time
• Sun protection (wide brim hat, loose clothing that covers limbs, sunscreen); the air is clear and the elevation is 8,400 ft, sun burn happens quickly.
• Long-sleeve shirt and pants (recommended)
• Rain gear and warmer clothing (Check the forecast – It is generally 15 degrees cooler!!! than Flagstaff.) [http://www.wrh.noaa.gov/forecast/MapClick.php?site=FGZ&llon=-112.433747&rlon=-111.171247&tlat=35.829584&blat=34.567084&smap=1&mp=0&map.x=137&map.y=98]
• Personal first aid kit
• Towels and toiletries
• Sleeping bag or linens – extra blankets available in the cabins
• Small cooler for your snacks/drinks and food for any meals not arranged by the group (Refrigerator in lodge kitchen will be used by our chefs.)
• Flashlight or head lamp is a must (not fun getting lost at night traversing between buildings)
• Cabins and bathrooms have lights but the Preserve's electricity is home made--solar and a generator-- so please use appliances sparingly (if not needed immediately-shut it off).
• Binoculars, Camera
• The Preserve provides eating utensils and dishes.

Cabin dwellers: Cabins have small heaters that work quite well
Bring sleeping bag and pillow or your own bedding. Keep all personal food items in a cooler or plastic bin to protect from small critter invasion. Keep doors closed.

Physical requirements to participate:
Moderate to hard work, lighter options availalble. Work elevation is just over 8,400 feet—a big change from the valley. Work at your own pace, think safety!

Meals
• Meals are a group effort. Dish washing duties are shared; please step up for a meal’s worth.
• BYOB
• Bring your own food for snacks during work and any additional meals you will need if you choose to arrive or leave outside the provided meal service period. (See arrival and departure options below.)
• There is a well equipped kitchen, and a gas grill out back.

Agenda
Friday - You may arrive any time after 1:00 +/-.
The kitchen will be open to you to make your dinner. You will be responsible for cleaning up after yourself. There may be room to store your food in the kitchen however, the group meal provisions have first dibbs on the limited refridgerator space. (See what to wear and bring above.)
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azbackpackr · Posted: 8/22/2011, 5:36 am Post subject:

Woo hoo! Where do I send the money? And, furthermore, just FYI, I will eat anything except poptarts and corndogs. Mr. Green

.....So, I guess I am now supposed to send an email to the email address listed above?

Hikngrl · Posted: 8/22/2011, 6:18 am Post subject:

No, if you are signed up here you are fine! Money and food will be figured out as we get closer. Please don't send any money anywhere yet.
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~~~Diane~~~

I want to shine!

azbackpackr · Posted: 8/22/2011, 6:24 am Post subject:

Thanks very much! Looking forward to it!

Nighthiker · Joined: 05 Jan 2003 Posts: 1714

Thought about posting work assignments ? No not who does what, but what needs a who.

GTG · Posted: 8/23/2011, 11:38 am Post subject:

We won't know what they are until we get there. Probably hauling rounds, clearing branches from felled trees, making burn piles, weed removal, seed collecting. It could be any number of things.

GTG

Nighthiker · Joined: 05 Jan 2003 Posts: 1714

May be in a cycling event that week end.

GTG · Posted: 8/25/2011, 3:37 pm Post subject: Food and Such

paintninaz and I will be going over the food stuff this weekend. It would be my choice to do it as we have done in the past and she and I can purchase the grub and everyone can pitch in towards it. I figure we'll do the same type fare as usual, steaks for dinner, sandwiches for lunch and eggs, bacon and pancakes for breakfast.

I may also brew a batch of beer to share if anyone is interested?

GTG
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Good things come to those who walk.

azbackpackr · Posted: 8/25/2011, 6:00 pm Post subject:

Oh, no, we're not interested. We just want to work work work, get blisters, and go to bed with sore backs. That's it. Pure altruism. No frills. Do-gooders with a Cause. No beer no pot no nothing.

Wink

Trishness · Posted: 8/26/2011, 5:55 pm Post subject:

azbackpackr · Posted: 8/26/2011, 7:06 pm Post subject:

paintninaz · Joined: 06 Jan 2003 Posts: 3515

Deborah · Joined: 06 Oct 2008 Posts: 297 Location: Tucson

I'm in! It will be great to see some old friends I haven't seen except on Facebook.!
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Those who dwell among the beauties and mysteries of the earth are never alone or weary of life. - Rachel Carson

azbackpackr · Posted: 8/27/2011, 8:51 pm Post subject:

Great Deborah! It'll be good to see you! I'll be sure to save you some corndogs! Mr. Green

GTG · Posted: 9/3/2011, 10:19 pm Post subject: FOOD!

So Tracy, Diane and I went through the food needs for the weekend and came up with a menu for the weekend. We always have plenty of food for all plus some. We figure $25.00 per person for food for the weekend should cover all costs. Let me know if this works for y"all and we'll plan it.

Friday - Everyone takes care of their own meals. There may be an early group for lunch at Beaver Street Brewery.

Saturday Breakfast - coffee, creamer, swift kick in the rear, juice, milk, fruit, bagels, cream cheese, Costco muffins, steel cut oatmeal.

Saturday Lunch - sandwich stuff - coldcuts, cheese, vairied breads, condiments, lettuce, tomato, onion, chips fruit, vegetable platter, provide your own drinks.

Saturday Diner - Steaks, baked potatoes, baked sweet potatoes, ceasar salad. Provide your own drinks or sample some of Todd's homebrewed creations to be declared at a later date.

Sunday Breakfast - coffee, creamer, slow kick in the rear, juice, milk, breakfast burritos, fried potatoes, leftovers from Saturday breakfast.

Sunday Lunch - leftovers.

For those interested post your counts in for Pop Tarts and corndogs.

Thanks,
GTG
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Good things come to those who walk.

wanderingsoul · Joined: 19 Jul 2004 Posts: 2285 Location: Gilbert AZ

Sounds like a dandy menu and shaping up nicely... Let me know if there is something you need/want me to do.
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Wanderingsoul (Michelle)

Positive Thinking Is the Spark that Makes Dreams Happen~~~Unknown