Friends of Madera Canyon Join the Forest Service to Dedicate the MT. Wrightson Picnic Area and Trailhead

The sun gradually warmed the group that congregated next to the new accessible restrooms at the end of the road into Madera Canyon. The Friends of Madera Canyon set up their colorful display and a table full of refreshments and food. Members of the U. S. Forest Service arrived and many guests came to watch and listen to the brief dedication ceremony for the Mt. Wrightson Picnic Area and Trailhead , formerly Upper and Lower Round-Up or Right and Left Round-Up.

 

Coronado Forest Supervisor Jeanine Derby and immediate Past President of the Friends, Keith Siebers, cut the ribbons opening the new area to the public.

The over $1 million and year-long construction project is finally over after frustrating delays culminating with abandonment by the main contractor. The Forest Service provided a good plan that the subcontractors were finally able to complete on October 1, 2004. The road now makes a circle up to the right with three parking areas, then swings east and back south with more parking and the principal trailheads of the Old Baldy and Super Trails that lead to Mt. Wrightson. New restrooms have been installed, one paid for by the Friends. All of the picnic tables formerly in the riparian area near the creek beds were moved up to high ground. Several new picnic areas were added and all have beautiful steps with sandstone treads leading to the tables and grills. The disturbed areas have been revegetated with young native trees and bushes.

Stan Helin, Program Leader for Engineering, Lands, Minerals, recreation, and Special Uses, called the group together at 10:00 AM and congratulated all of the planners, project administrators, advisors, and contributors mentioning the Green Valley Hiking Club and the Friends of Madera Canyon for their assistance in making the project a success. He introduced Jeanine Derby, Coronado National Forest Supervisor, who echoed Helin's appreciative thanks to all. Nogales Ranger District Forest Ranger, Keith Graves, also thanked the group and turned the microphone back to Stan Helin, who spoke about the history of development of Madera Canyon and how what has been accomplished this year will live on for many to enjoy into the future. With that, Jeanine Derby and Keith Siebers, past President of the Friends of Madera Canyon, cut the ribbon to open the area to the public.

Stan Helin, Project Leader for the construction program, addresses the group.  

Everyone had a chance to try some of Luis Calvo's Prickly Pear Lemonade and have a large helping of hogie sandwich roll partly donated by Safeway Stores but mostly supplied by the Friends.

Friends of Madera Canyon Board members set up a table of food and refreshments for those attending the dedication.

A table with information about the Friends was well attended and conversation continued until about noon with hikers, picnickers, and others chatting with the many Forest Service staff members and Friends docents and board members.

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