WMG’s signature River Run Network event features creek walks, creekside picnic, and group work party tackling the invasive species Arundo donax. Like many creeks and rivers in the Tucson region, this sensitive riparian area once flowed for most of the year. Arundo is harmful because it drinks up to 3-4 times as much water as native desert plants, crowds out native species and habitat, and increases the risk of flooding and wildfire.

Since this effort began in 2021, volunteers led by Jim Washburne, WMG’s Senior Project Specialist and Arudo eradication expert have removed over 56,000 pounds – 28 tons – of Arundo from Tanque Verde Creek and we look forward to removing more with your help!

By helping to remove Arundo at this event, you’ll be helping to restore groundwater levels and surface flow in the Tanque Verde Creek. At this event, you’ll be removing Arundo, then we will have time to come together and enjoy food and celebrate our unique desert creeks. Come work with WMG staff and other River Run Network volunteers in a beautiful riparian area to remove this invasive species and contribute to the restoration of surface flows and the riparian forest.

Our tentative schedule for this event:
1:00pm-4:00pm: Arundo Removal & Creek Walk
4:00pm-6:00pm: Celebrate & Eat Together

This event will be outside including rough terrain. You will be walking and working in sandy, rocky, possibly wet soils, and navigating through riparian environments as well as using tools and moving heavy arundo stalks. Please wear appropriate shoes and clothing for hiking and working outdoors: close-toed shoes, long pants and long sleeves, bring water, a hat and gloves. We expect participants will walk 2-3 miles during the course of the event.

This event is organized through WMG’s River Run Network. If you are not yet a member, we will add you to the River Run Network (RRN) when you register for this event. RRN membership is free and gives you access to a variety of virtual, dispersed, and physically distanced events including creek walks, restoration activities, river clean-ups, and free educational workshops.