Hart Prairie Work Weekend August 7-9,'09

Again, this is "leadership lite" so heads up, read the following. Ask if you have any uncertainties.

Thanks

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 Shawn 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 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

Wildfire fuels reduction, wild plant seed collection, and other duties as assigned.

Please read this thoroughly and contact Shawn R 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 (see cabin assignments for bed size). 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 likely 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 reasonably 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.)

FULL as of July 1, so sorry.

Contact me for a wait list position of you like.

This event was "iffy" pending TNC's funding situation, but it's a "GO."
Arrive sometime Friday PM, work all day Saturday (or till it rains) and Sunday AM, have the run of the place till Sunday evening.

The Northern AZ Cardiac Surgeon's Group bailed out on menu planning, so we'll try to be a little more heart healthy this year. It's probably more efficient for one or a small group to do the shopping and hauling for food but we'll rotate KP duty. Volunteers?

Beautiful here this weekend, warm, sunny, bright blue sky, green aspen coming out, grass and ground cover coming in strong.

Tiny view of Hart Prairie from top of Fern Mtn.

Shawn · Posted: 8/2/2009, 8:34 pm Post subject:

Update Questions:

If anyone who signed up is not coming, please update the sign up list.

I'm seeking a volunteer grill master for the steaks Saturday night.

Thanks much.
_________________
The bear went over the mountain to see what he could see.

GTG · Posted: 8/3/2009, 7:06 pm Post subject:

Shawn · Posted: 8/3/2009, 8:09 pm Post subject:

Shawn · Posted: 8/3/2009, 10:38 pm Post subject:

As of Monday eveing, forecast:

Friday Night: A slight chance of showers and thunderstorms. Partly cloudy, with a low around 44.

Saturday: Sunny, with a high near 74.

Saturday Night: Mostly clear, with a low around 47.

Sunday: A slight chance of showers and thunderstorms. Partly cloudy, with a high near 74.
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The bear went over the mountain to see what he could see.

GTG · Posted: 8/4/2009, 6:04 am Post subject:

We'll bring the granola then and I'll plan on grilling.

Something to remember and maybe post at the top of the thread -
Everyone needs to bring their own sheets, blankets. etc.

Also, a group of us are going to Two Guns and the Apache Death Caves Friday around noon. We'll probably spend 2 -3 hours there and then probably head into town for early dinner at Beaver Street Brewery. If anyone wants to join in on any of this fun, you're more than welcome.

GTG
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Good things come to those who walk.

Shawn · Posted: 8/4/2009, 6:26 am Post subject:

I updated the thread with directions and info sheet. Please refresh your memory of the details. Thanks! See you there!
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The bear went over the mountain to see what he could see.

Hikngrl · Posted: 8/6/2009, 6:10 am Post subject:

Getting excited!
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~~~Diane~~~

I want to shine!

Shawn · Posted: 8/6/2009, 6:24 am Post subject:

Me too! I'm getting the groceries and starting some cooking tonight; taking tomorrow off to get things ready and then drive up.
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The bear went over the mountain to see what he could see.

Hikngrl · Posted: 8/6/2009, 6:32 am Post subject:

Anything you need me to do Shawn? I shall bring the veggie try since I suggested it! So that means I am bringing veggie try, creamer, and granola.....hope I have remembered everything we volunteered!
_________________
~~~Diane~~~

I want to shine!

Shawn · Posted: 8/6/2009, 7:21 am Post subject:

Thank you!
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The bear went over the mountain to see what he could see.

tibber · Joined: 16 Feb 2004 Posts: 247 Location: Phoenix

I bot some of the stuff for my salads (mandarin orange & 4-bean) last nite and will buy (fruit: bananas, apples, grapes, melons - yogurt) and prepare the rest tonite.

Anne, Linda and I will be heading north around 4 Friday.

I look forward to the hard work (it's better than going to the club Wink

) and seeing Hart Prairie again as well as renewing old acquaintances plus making some new ones.
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Angela from N Phoenix

Shawn · Posted: 8/6/2009, 8:29 am Post subject:

Thanks Angela, I won't buy the fruit then.
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The bear went over the mountain to see what he could see.

jdahling · Joined: 19 Jul 2007 Posts: 233 Location: East Valley

I'll be heading up after work tomorrow - so won't arrive until late (Ugh I-17 traffic will not be fun). Anyhow, I'm not really on the hook to bring anything - except my able body and money for the food. Anything I can bring?

Jeannine
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Cheers,
Jeannine Cool

"Life is an adventure ... Made for an adventurer ..."

nchapman · Joined: 10 Apr 2008 Posts: 5 Location: Flagstaff, Arizona

Howdy Everyone!!
Neil Chapman, Hart Prairie Preserve Manager here
Call my cell if you need anything 928-774-8892

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

You all have fun, looks like the weather will be really nice like it was last year.... Work hard and enjoy!... Sounds like it will be good weekend, with maybe a nice little thunderstom on Friday nite where you can sit on the porch to watch.
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Wanderingsoul (Michelle)

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