Canyon News

May 21

Doug Moore and Bob Pitcher led a nature walk on the Carrie Nation Trail Thursday morning.  We saw or heard at least 22 different types of birds, 8 types of butterflies, squirrels and deer.  Also Columbine and Monkey flower in bloom along with verbena and fleabane.  For the detailed list of what we saw and heard go to: https://friendsofmaderacanyon.org/nature/

May 20 

A new species of moss from the arid southwest; an addition to the biodiversity of Madera Canyon. https://trogon.page/2026/05/20/a-new-species-of-moss-from-the-arid-southwest-an-addition-to-the-biodiversity-of-madera-canyon/  

 

May 17 

A male Hooded Warbler was observed and heard singing on the Carrie Nation Trail.  It breeds no closer than central TX, but is seen in this general area about once a year.

May 17 

A Prothonotary Warbler was seen higher up on the Carrie Nation Trail.  It lives in swamps in the eastern US, but is sometimes seen in AZ.

Information reported by Bob Pitcher.

May 17

The Summer 2026 issue of AAA’s VIA magazine features an article about Madera Canyon https://mwg.aaa.com/via/national-parks/best-places-bird-watching-west Scroll down to see the article.

 

May 16

The first six Bench dedications are posted on the FoMC website for general viewing. Go to Donors and drop down to Dedicated Benches.

May 15

US Forest Service crews have been working in Madera Canyon as part of a vegetation maintenance project.  6 x 6 piles of cut vegetation must cure for 1-2 years before being burned when conditions are favorable under supervision of fire crews who follow strict safety protocols.  For more information go to  https://www.fs.usda.gov/r03/coronado/projects/archive/64846

May 15

The Friends of Madera Canyon May board meeting took place at the Santa Rita Lodge yurt for their 40th Anniversary Planning Retreat lead by Executive Director Kristin Wisneski-Blum.

May 13

Walden Grove High School graduate, Xavier Limon is the 2026 recipient of the $5,000 Bud and Mary Gode Scholarship awarded by the Friends. He will continue his studies at the University of Arizona in the fall. See more about the Bud and Mary Gode Scholarship here.

May 12

Rose-breasted Grosbeaks are rare in AZ; a female has been seen coming to the feeders at the Santa Rita Lodge along with the common Black-headed Grosbeaks.

May 12

Berylline hummingbird seen at the Santa Rita Lodge this week.  Beryllines are Mexican birds, rare here, but there’s been one in the mid-Canyon each of the last several years, staying all summer. 

May 10

Mother’s day at Madera Canyon had a moderate number of visitors, and even though it was a very hot day it was shady and still some water running in Madera Creek.

May 9

Walden Grove HS AP Environmental Science field trip to Madera Canyon. Fantastic, curious, fun group of students!

 

May 3-9

Potable water repair is still underway throughout Madera Canyon. The USFS discovered several leaks in the lines. This has resulted in the system being shut down intermittently, sometimes for prolonged periods. Until work is completed it is advised that you bring your own water.

The Pass Fee machine is working again at the Proctor parking lot. Passes can be purchased electronically with a credit card there and at the upper parking area or via traditional cash pay envelopes at all areas.

We welcome three new seasonal USFS employees that will be active in Madera Canyon to assist visitors and brush trails. They are Brittani Elm, Arthur Moran and Ethan Dudden.

The USFS fire crews have been clearing brush near the road to help mitigate fire risks. Give them a thumbs up, OK or a personal thanks as you drive by.

FoMC Trail Maintenance Crew did tread work for erosion control and accessibility on the Lower Nature Trail south of Whitehouse Picnic Area.

April bird spotting’s were over 100 in the Proctor area, including a Crested Caracara.

See monthly Birdlists for the Proctor area and the Upper Canyon on the Birding Page, where you will also find the Birding Report by Bob Pitcher.