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

Membership Management
Email blasts
Grant Finding & Writing
Web Site Management
Donation & Ticket Management

Help with Events

Kids in the Canyon
Local Festival Booths
FoMC Fundraisers
Partner Booths

For more information and help finding a volunteer position, contact:

To be a volunteer in Madera Canyon, you must be a FoMC member due to Forest Service Insurance rules.

Marketing Events for FOMC volunteers

In August, FOMC will have a booth at the Tucson Audubon Birding Festival.  This event goes for 4 days from August 7-10 and is inside at the Doubletree Hotel on Alvernon across from the Reid Park Zoo in Tucson.

Staffing a booth involves chatting with Festival attendees, handing out FOMC brochures, talking about Madera Canyon and selling things like t-shirts and books as well as FOMC memberships.  

There will be at least 2 people per 2 hour shift.  A formal call for volunteers will go out in July but 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 linngvrhc@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.

Volunteer of the Year

Each year, the Board of Directors names a person who has made a significant contribution as a volunteer for the Friends of Madera Canyon. Because Bud Gode, a former board member and board President was the ultimate volunteer, the person named by the board becomes the Bud Gode Volunteer of the Year.