Recent storms have roughed up the trails at San Tan Mountain Regional Park, and park staff and volunteers plan to spend Saturday, Oct. 24, putting them back in shape.
About 15 members of the Arizona Rangers' Pinal Company are expected to join the work at the park, 6533 W. Phillips Road, the Queen Creek Independent reported, citing a press release. "Recent rains have left their mark on the landscape, creating a need for some extra care and maintenance to keep the trails in good shape for everyone to enjoy," the release said.
The Arizona Rangers are an all-volunteer nonprofit that assists law enforcement and traces its roots to Arizona's territorial days.
The announcement, as reported, did not give a start time or say whether the park is taking more volunteers.
Programs on the calendar
Maricopa County Parks has several programs at the park over the next 10 days, and each requires advance registration.
- Full Moon Hike, Monday, Oct. 26, 5:30 to 7:15 p.m. A ranger leads a slow-paced walk to watch the sunset and moonrise, heading out on the mostly level Service Road and returning on the rockier Moonlight Trail. The county suggests a flashlight and a UV light for spotting scorpions, closed-toe shoes and plenty of water; no pets. The group is capped at 20; register by calling the San Tan Nature Center at (602) 506-2930, ext. 7, before registration closes Saturday, Oct. 24. The entry booth will not be staffed, so drivers should bring exactly $10 in cash to pay at the self-serve kiosk or display an annual pass.
- Seed Toss, Saturday, Oct. 31, 8 to 10:30 a.m. Volunteers scatter native seed pellets made earlier this year as part of the county's Desert Defenders restoration work. Sign-up is through a link on the county parks event page. Participants should bring work gloves, water and a snack and wear long sleeves, pants and closed-toe shoes. Families are welcome, parents must stay with children, and the county recommends a minimum age of 5. The event may be canceled if fewer than two people register.
A Halloween-themed Creepy Crawly Critters night hike set for Thursday, Oct. 22, is limited to 10 people, and its registration closed Oct. 20.
