AMC Stewardship Event: Buffelgrass Control at South Mountain Park

Let's get the grass out!

We’re kicking off 2026 with a new stewardship project at South Mountain Park and Preserve, where we’re partnering with City of Phoenix Parks and Recreation Department to help mitigate the invasive buffelgrass that threatens the Park.

Buffelgrass is a fire-prone ornamental grass, introduced from Africa, that has gained a foothold in Arizona’s low desert regions. Left uncontrolled, it grows in dense stands, crowds out native Sonoran Desert plants, and can fuel devastating wildfires. So let’s help get it out!

We will be thatching and/or removing buffelgrass along the Alta Trail. Thatching is a method of “scalping” the grass so that it cannot spread seed. Find more information on buffelgrass at www.buffelgrass.org

Accessing the work area requires a 1.5 mile hike, and some of the terrain is in a steep drainage that will necessitate safety ropes and climbing gear while working. So this is a great opportunity to use our technical skills to help protect and preserve our local environment.

Agenda: We will meet at 8 a.m. near the Central Avenue entrance of South Mountain Park & Preserve and carpool from there to the Alta Trail Trailhead. We will hike in to the work area, then work in pairs or small groups for a few hours to thatch and/or remove buffelgrass, then will carpool back to the meeting location. Exact details will be sent to confirmed participants.

Requirements: All participants must be current AMC members with a current liability waiver on file, and must have completed AMC’s Basic Outdoor Rock Climbing School or have equivalent climbing experience. If you need to join or renew prior to the event, you may do that on our website: https://www.arizonamountaineeringclub.org/membership

Each participant should bring: climbing helmet, harness, belay/rappel device, autoblock, 48” sewn runner, personal anchor, minimum 3 locking carabiners, heavy duty full-fingered work gloves, sturdy closed-toe shoes (high-top recommended), long pants, long-sleeved shirt, sun protection, water, food, and any other gear that you might need to stay safe and comfortable for a day outside.
Optional: FRS radio may be helpful.
Safety vests, bags, buckets, and other work materials will be provided.

Additional details: Participants must sign a Phoenix Parks and Recreation waiver on the day of the event and must comply with any additional requirements necessary to ensure the safety of South Mountain Park visitors, City of Phoenix Park and Recreation personnel, and other AMC participants.

To register: please sign up for the waitlist and provide your full name and email so that Event Organizers can verify membership status. Confirmed participants will then be moved to “Going.” Selection for participation and event assignments are at the discretion of Event Organizers. Maximum 8 participants.

DISCLAIMER: Climbing is a personal choice and requires personal responsibility. Climbing and associated activities are dangerous and can result in injury and/or death. Climbing exposes you to risks. Risks are not eliminated by training, or skill. By your participation in any AMC activity or event, you accept and assume any and all risks, including those created by negligence, connected to such activity or event.

Questions? Contact Lisa Gerdl, Event Organizer at canyonsprite@gmail.com