This Grand Canyon Visitor Center Native Restoration program aims to re-establish the park’s native plant communities and interface with the public about this invaluable natural resource within Grand Canyon. Our restoration initiative includes planting salvaged and locally- propagated plants, removal of invasives, and working with the nursery on propagation projects and seed collection. We have big ambitions to restore the site into a thriving, attractive, and interactive section of the park, and are employing sustainable methods including water collection to achieve it.
The Visitor’s Center and Mather Point plantings represent the natural ecosystems found throughout the park, and are a valuable tool to engage and educate the public on the importance of native vegetation and stewardship. We work with the Interpretation Division in order to inform and inspire visitors and volunteers to contribute to the protection of natural resources and ecological integrity in national parks, as well as in their home communities.
This is an excellent opportunity for Master Gardeners needing volunteer hours to exercise and share their skills, as well as to learn from our demonstration gardens of Northern Arizona’s plant communities including high elevation desert grassland, pinon- juniper woodland, riparian communities, and succulent landscapes. There are ample opportunities to utilize and develop individual strengths in gardening as well as knowledge of botany and ecology. Volunteers also have a chance to interact with visitors and park community about this restoration effort. No previous experience is necessary to participate.
Our volunteer days are currently on Saturday and Tuesday mornings, but alternate and additional days can easily be arranged. Park entrance and campsites are provided free of charge to volunteers. We encourage you to bring friends and volunteer with us for the weekend! Individual volunteers must be 18 years of age, or accompanied by a parent or guardian.
To contact us about volunteering, or if you would like any more information, please call project intern Sarah Geggus at 928-638-7753, or email our Volunteer Coordinator, Laura Getts, at Laura_Getts@nps.gov.
Thank you for your help in passing on this information to anyone who may be interested.
Regards,
Sarah Geggus
Grand Canyon Visitor Center Horticulture and Outreach Intern, Vegetation Program
Grand Canyon National Park
928- 638-7753 Phone
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