Join In! Volunteer
Volunteers are the heart of our organization. Volunteering is a way of life in Green Valley — how we meet other interesting people, how we get things done in a non-profit organization, and how we give back to our community. Consider a variety of volunteer opportunities, including; Adult Education, Kids Education, Canyon Clean up, Trail Preservation, Events, Visitor Welcoming, Material Distribution, Fundraising, and Administrative. If you have time, even a few hours a month, and want to be involved and support Madera Canyon, we’ll help you find a position best suited to your interest and experience.
Help in the Canyon
Canyon Clean-up
Help with Canyon Preservation
Trail Clearing and Maintenance
Trail Map Distribution
Help with Education
Kids’ Nature Walk Docent Program
Scholarship Award Program
Accessible Trail Tour Leader
Visitor Information Station
Administrative Help
Email blasts
Grant Finding & Writing
Web Site Management
Donation & Ticket Management
Help with Events
Local Festival Booths
FoMC Fundraisers
Partner Booths
For more information and help finding a volunteer position, contact:
Volunteer to Combat Invasive Grass
The Friends of Madera Canyon seek a volunteer to combat the invasive grass, Yellow Bluestem. This involves spraying pesticide once or twice annually in late summer, typically in August. Volunteers must become Certified Applicators by the State Arizona, which involves an online application, a $55 fee (reimbursed by FoMC), a short class, and a test.
The role is vital to preserving the natural beauty and biodiversity of Madera Canyon. Volunteers will receive support and guidance from experienced members of our team, ensuring they can carry out their work safely and effectively. Additionally, this volunteer opportunity offers a meaningful way to contribute to the local environment and help protect it for future generations.
If interested contact David Linn at fomc.bod@gmail.com
Marketing Events for FOMC volunteers
At various times of the year, Friends of Madera Canyon sets up booths at different events where we can let people know about Madera Canyon and the Friends. These are opportunities for FOMC to talk about what the Friends do to help to preserve and protect Madera Canyon and encourage more people to become members to support our activities as well as become volunteers. We always need volunteers to help to staff the booth and talk with attendees about Madera Canyon and what the Friends do.
In 2024, we exhibited at events such as the Tucson Festival of Books (March 15 & 16, 2025) which drew 130,000 attendees over one weekend on the UA campus. Over 300 authors were presenting author panels as well as exhibitors from other non-profits, bookstores and all sorts of literacy related activities. The Western National Parks Association has a large tent and stage area along with Tucson Audubon and other related organizations.
Other examples of events where we exhibit include:
- Fiesta on December 7 & 8 at Tumacacori National Historical Park
- Tubac Festival of Arts on February 5-9, 2025 in Tubac
- Hawk Watch on March 15, 2025 in Tubac
- We also exhibit at Tucson Audubon Birding Festival which takes place in August.
You can contact Hilary Hamlin at fomc.bod@gmail.com if you have questions or to express interest in volunteering.
I am An Ambassador
In the most recent edition of the Chatter, May 2024, the FoMC introduced the Ambassador Initiative and wrote that it is looking for volunteers. Ambassadors are FoMC members who, when visiting the Canyon, act as a mobile information source. That is, an Ambassador mingles with other visitors dispensing useful tips and facts. The job involves hiking your preferred trails while wearing a Forest Service vest, making yourself approachable to visitors of the canyon. Training in the many features of Madera Canyon will be provided.
David Linn has followed up with the following:
“I am an ambassador volunteer representing the Friends of Madera Canyon. And it is great work! When I feel like enjoying the Canyon either hiking or bird watching, I simply put on my Forest Service/FoMC vest and pursue my activity. I do make a point of being engaging with other visitors, starting conversations and offering appropriate suggestions.
It is pleasant. I have met people from all over North America, and I must say, I have never had an uninteresting conversation. Something to be said about a near guaranteed positive encounter. Try it.”
David Linn
For questions or to sign up, contact me at fomc.bod@gmail.com
I AM A GUARDIAN
Once a month we walk a trail in Madera Canyon taking photos of any problems like fallen trees, graffiti, and damaged trails, etc. My hiking partner and I walk about 3 miles each month. It’s called a job but it’s a joy to be there listening to the birds, the creek and seeing the flowers. It’s a special time, a nurturing time. Come join us. You won’t regret it.
If you would like to help in this effort, contact us at info@friendsofmaderacanyon.org.
Keeping the Canyon Clean on Monday mornings — a friendly group of volunteers arrive to pick up litter left behind by weekend visitors — cleaning picnic, parking, and roadside areas. Now the canyon is more litter free than in the past, encouraging both old and new visitors to keep the canyon clean. If you would like to help in this effort, contact us at info@friendsofmaderacanyon.org.
The Green Valley Hiking Club periodically maintains trails, cutting weeds & brush, removing litter, and sweeping the handicap-accessible trail prior to use by assisted living groups. Removal of graffiti from several areas continues to be a need, usually along the stream on rock surfaces, stone walls in parking or picnic areas, and on picnic tables and benches. It is a federal offense and those responsible are subject to fines, or more.