Help sought to clean up Red Rock Canyon

It can be tough and dirty work. But it's also loads of fun and personally rewarding.

Friends of Red Rock is putting out the word: It needs volunteers to help on Red Rock Day, this Saturday.

The effort coincides with the National Make a Difference Day. Red Rock Day will have volunteers working various projects from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.

In past years, the Friends of Red Rock outfitted volunteers in commemorative T-shirts or gave them specially designed bandanas, belly bags or sports bottles. This year, everyone will receive sunglass holders.

"We're going for a total ensemble look," joked Jim Cribbs, ranger and coordinator.

Work projects will include fence building, securing handicapped access to trail heads, painting, preparing campground tent pads, trail repair, landscape improvement and trash removal. The Howard Hughes Corp. donated much of the money for materials.

Residents donate their time -- if it's nice out.

"Last year, we had terrible weather," said Scott Bahan, assistant volunteer coordinator. "The first day it rained, and we had a dismal turnout."

This year, coordinators chose to make it a one-day event. When they began planning the effort, they decided to focus on just a few projects to ensure everything got done.

Top priorities were fence building, pruning plants along the scenic drive and painting everything from trash cans to bathrooms. The idea to keep the scope narrow was well intended, but, like the weather, things changed.

"This year, we thought we'd try getting 10 projects done," Cribbs said. "But everyone kept coming up with ideas for projects and, well, now we're back up to 20."

Water lines, for example, are needed to water the gardens near the Visitors Center. Right now, hoses have to be pulled out and snaked through the parking lot. A trench needs to be dug through the asphalt so PVC pipes can be laid down and water spouts affixed to the ends.

The handicapped parking area at Willow Springs needs to be redone. That requires tearing up the current surfacing and replacing it with eight truckloads of rose composite. After the composite is dampened, it dries to a hard surface, ideal for wheelchairs as well as the environment.

Another task that demands a strong back is graffiti removal. Spray paint cans are easy to carry, and mischievous people use them to deface rocks far back on the trails.

Removing the paint usually requires a sand blaster, which works off a gas generator. The equipment has to be lugged to the site of the graffiti and back again.

Trash pickup at Red Rock Wash, one of the lowest points in the area where nature seems to collect litter, is another area that needs tending.

Bahan said he'd like to see 200 people come help out this year. Cribbs was more optimistic and said he expects 300 to 400 and hopes some of them are trained craftsmen, like painters and landscapers.

The effort relies heavily on donated materials and equipment.

"I can't ask companies to donate," Cribbs said. "That would be illegal because I'm a government employee. But I can point out the need. So that's what I do. I point out the need."

He estimated the day would use $4,000 in materials and between $25,000 to $30,000 in manpower, if his office had to pay for it.

Volunteers will be divided into groups and be supervised by trained workers. A short informative session will be held for participants on how to work in Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area's sensitive environment.

They will also learn basic safety procedures and how to use two-way radios to communicate with event officials.

All participants will receive a complimentary midday barbecue lunch, and the band Stuck in Reverse is slated to perform during the meal.

For information on signing up, contact volunteer coordinator Cribbs or his assistant Scott Bahan, both of the Bureau of Land Management, at 515-5350. The Friends of Red Rock contact is Chuck Williams at 255-8743.

Groups of 10 or more are encouraged to preregister. Workers under 18 must have a signed parental consent form.

The biggest need for Red Rock Day will not be that day at all, Cribbs said. He is looking for a place to hold a volunteer recognition luncheon or dinner.


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