American Conservation Experience - Southwest Crew

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American Conservation Experience - Southwest Crew

The American Conservation Experience (ACE) is one of the nation’s premier conservation corps. Join today!

he American Conservation Experience (ACE) is one of the nation’s premier conservation corps. The Southwest Crew provides conservation opportunities throughout the southwestern United States.

07/11/2025

Descend with us into the incredible Lava River Cave right here in Flagstaff, Arizona! 🔦❄️ This isn’t just any cave; it’s a mile-long lava tube, carved out by molten rock some 700,000 years ago. Talk about a blast from the past! 🌋

For us at ACE Southwest, especially those of us deep into our LEAF (Lead, Educate, and Facilitate) professional development experience, exploring this natural wonder is an amazing way to connect with the very landscapes we’re dedicated to protecting. 🌲 Our LEAF program is all about hands-on learning, growing as leaders, and understanding what it truly means to be environmental stewards. 🌱

Navigating the cave’s dark, uneven terrain challenges our teamwork and adaptability – skills we constantly hone in LEAF, whether we’re meeting with environmental leaders or teaching our peers. 🤝 It’s a tangible link to the powerful geological forces that shape our public lands. Just like the ancient lava forged this impressive passage, our LEAF journey is shaping our members into more passionate conservationists! 💪🌎

04/09/2025

LEAFing our mark at Arcosanti! 🍃🏛️ Venturing into Arcosanti, an experimental arcology in the Arizona high desert, with our incredible ACE AmeriCorps members for one of SWA’s LEAF days! 🤩🌿 Founded by visionary architect Paolo Soleri, Arcosanti explores the concept of combining architecture and ecology to create a sustainable and compact urban environment, minimizing environmental impact. This professional development and experiential learning opportunity is designed to enrich our members’ term and broaden their understanding of innovative solutions for urban living. So much inspiration and learning amidst these unique, organically designed structures! ✨

03/17/2025

Crew Spotlight: Doe Mountain - Red Rocks - USFS

This crew is working on wrapping up some awesome work on the Doe Mountain Trail in Sedona! ⛰️ Our crew 👷‍♀️👷‍♂️ spent time building rock staircases and retaining walls in those steeper sections of the trail. 🪜 We wanted to make the trail safer and more accessible for everyone! 😊

To keep things natural, we used locally sourced rocks that blend right in with Sedona’s iconic red rock landscape. 🏜️ This project wasn’t just about making the trail easier to hike; it was about protecting the beautiful environment too! 🌿
Doe Mountain gets a lot of love (and foot traffic!), which can lead to erosion and wear and tear. 😢 By adding these rock features, we helped stabilize the trail and prevent further damage. 🛡️ This means a better hiking experience for you and a healthier ecosystem for everyone! 💖
We’re so proud to have played a part in conserving this special trail for future generations. 🙌 Let’s keep exploring and protecting our natural wonders! ✨

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02/10/2025

Crew Spotlight: Bill Williams 🌳

Floodplains and riparian buffer zones are among the most imperiled habitats globally. 🌍 Historically, these vital ecosystems have been significantly altered through drainage for agricultural purposes 🚜 and livestock grazing 🐄, as well as outright removal for aesthetic reasons, development 🏘️, and even mosquito control 🦟. These actions have resulted in the drastic reduction of these biologically diverse areas, which support an abundance of plant 🌿 and animal life 🐾.

Within Bill Williams, one of the last remaining examples of naturally regenerated cottonwood-willow forests 🌳 along the Lower Colorado River exists. This represents a critical, ecologically functional river habitat in the arid Southwest. 🏜️ Restoration efforts focused on re-establishing native vegetation are crucial for improving soil health 🌱 and promoting biodiversity 🦋 within this fragile ecosystem.

A significant challenge to these restoration efforts is the proliferation of invasive species, such as salt cedar (Tamarix spp.). 🌿 These non-native plants exhibit rapid growth rates, outcompeting native vegetation and significantly diminishing habitat quality. 😔 Effective management strategies are essential to control these invasive species and allow native plant communities to recover. 💪 The long-term health and resilience of floodplains and riparian zones depend on our collective efforts to protect and restore these critical natural resources. 💚

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01/28/2025

✨ ACE SWA 2024 Year in Review ✨

What a year it’s been! We’re incredibly proud of the amazing work our incredible team accomplished in 2024. 🌎 From thousands of trees planted, to acres upon acres of miles of trails constructed and improved, we’ve made a real difference for our planet. 🌱

Want to join the ACE SWA team and make a positive impact? 🔍 Visit our website today to explore current job opportunities!

Huge thanks to our dedicated AmeriCorps Team Leaders, Members, and Crew Leaders. Your hard work and passion inspire us every day. 👏

01/25/2025

We’re excited to announce that ACE AmeriCiros Members are assisting in the construction of a new trail in Prescott AZ that will connect hikers to an extensive network of trails! 🗺️ A dedicated machine operator, Rob, has been tirelessly clearing a challenging 2-mile section of the roughly 4-mile trail. 💪 The crew in response of Robs efforts, focused on refining the section of the trail pictured by removing stumps 🌳 and ensuring a smooth and safe hiking experience.

⚠️ Trails play a vital role in conservation 🌲 by concentrating human impact 🚶‍♂️ and minimizing damage to the broader wilderness. 🏞️ Moreover, connecting people with nature 🌳 fosters appreciation 💓 and inspires support for conservation efforts. 💚

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01/24/2025

Yesterday AmeriCorps members dedicated one of their off days to serving the Flagstaff community at Flagstaff Family Food Center. 🧑‍🍳 With enthusiasm and teamwork, they prepared and served a warm and nutritious dinner to individuals and families experiencing food insecurity. 🍲 This impactful experience perfectly aligns with the Center’s vital mission: “To provide access to nutritious food and resources that empower individuals and families in our community to achieve food security and self-sufficiency.” ❤️

This volunteer event was an aspect of their LEAF (Lead, Educate, and Facilitate) program, a program specifically designed to enrich their AmeriCorps service. LEAF Days provides opportunities for AmeriCorps members to engage in experiential learning, develop professionally, and strengthen their commitment to community service. ✨

01/13/2025

Recently, our Crew Leaders and Project Managers participated in an intensive Rock Work and Driver Training ⛏️The rock work portion took place at the stunning Little Colorado River Navajo Tribal Park near Cameron, Arizona. 🏞️

The training incorporated a “train-the-trainer” model, commencing with a day led by National Trails Trainer Jake Groth. 🧑‍🏫 Project Managers focused on project planning, implementation strategies, and established “hard skill” stations for hands-on learning. 🔨

The following days were facilitated by our skilled Project Managers, emphasizing the development of critical rock work skills. ⛰️ The culmination of this phase involved the construction of a multi-step staircase, providing valuable practical experience. 🪜

Next up in the scheduled training days included a comprehensive driver training component conducted by Mark Comer SWA’s Fleet and Facilities Manager. 🚗 This segment focused on enhancing the ability of Crew Leaders and Project Managers to navigate challenging terrain safely and effectively, preparing them for unforeseen obstacles that may be encountered while operating ACE trucks on remote trails. 🚧

12/13/2024

🌵 Organ Pipe Cactus National Monument - Crew Spotlight 🌵

In the Sonoran Desert of Arizona is a treasure trove of biodiversity! 🏜️ This incredible place protects the iconic Organ Pipe Cactus 🌵 and a vast array of desert life, including the endangered Sonoran pronghorn 🦌 and the desert bighorn sheep 🐏.

✨ From saguaro-studded landscapes to rugged mountains, the monument showcases the delicate balance of desert ecosystems. ⛰️ It’s a vital hub for ecological research and a haven for nocturnal wildlife thanks to its dark skies designation. 🌟

✨ Did you know? Even seemingly simple tasks like brushing trails are crucial! 🥾 It helps prevent the creation of unauthorized paths, allowing for easier access for research and keeping the park pristine for everyone to enjoy. ✨

12/09/2024

Crew Spotlight: Granite Mountain Hotshots Memorial Trail 🌄

The Granite Mountain Hotshots Memorial Trail is a space of tribute to the 19 brave woodland firefighters who perished in the tragic Yarnell Hill Fire of 2013.

As you ascend the trail, you’ll encounter poignant plaques honoring each fallen hero, their stories etched in words by their loved ones. The trail culminates at an observation deck, offering a somber view of the Fatality Site 400 feet below.

This sacred space is not just a memorial; it’s a place of reflection, healing, and remembrance. As you visit, please treat it with the utmost respect. Let’s honor the sacrifice of these heroes by preserving their legacy and ensuring that future generations understand the dangers and importance of wildland firefighting.

11/25/2024

The Grand Canyon: A Natural Wonder, Needing Our Care 🏞️ MULTI CREW SPOTLIGHT!!!

Did you know that millions of visitors explore the Grand Canyon each year? 🥾 While it’s a breathtaking sight, this high traffic takes a toll on the park’s infrastructure.
ACE joined forces with the Grand Canyon National Park Service to help preserve this iconic landmark. After months of hard work and dedication, our incredible ACE Corps Members are putting the final touches on their Grand Canyon project! 🥾💪 They’ve spent countless hours maintaining the iconic North Kaibab Trail, ensuring it remains accessible and safe for visitors. From clearing drains to constructing rock structures, their efforts have made a significant impact on preserving this natural wonder. 🏞️

We’re incredibly proud of their commitment to conservation and public service. Their work will benefit generations to come. 👏🚧

Let’s work together to keep the Grand Canyon pristine for generations to come! 🤝

Address

Arizona, United States
Flagstaff, AZ

Website

https://www.usaconservation.org/locations/southwest/

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