Sonoran Broadband • Entered by Emily Matyas on May 13, 2025
Spring Seeker Hike
February 1, 2025
Participants and Hours
| Pre Planning hours | 0.5 |
| Post Admin hours | |
| Activity Hours | 3.25 |
| Participants | 5 |
| Total Hours | 16.75 |
Key Issue: Water-related Conservation
Activity Type: Stewardship (monitoring, sampling, planting, etc.)
Key Partners: Sky Island Alliance; Springs Stewardship Institute
Landscape/area: Tonto National Forest (2866663 acres)
Measurable Outcomes
Outcome 1: Event Attendees (5 people)
Outcome 2: Hiked (3 miles)
Outcome 3: Trail/land monitored (1 sites/plots)[/if 1231]
Short Description of Activity
A hike to find and monitor Willow Springs in the Tonto National Forest, and send data about the health of the spring to the above partners.
Reflection/Evaluation
The hike to the suspected area was short, although finding it was difficult. The All Trails app wasn’t detailed enough to find the exact trail. We were lucky to see a ranger who sent us in the right direction, where we saw a map displayed at the trailhead, which was also a popular OHV road. Following the wash and our app map, we finally discovered some evidence of spring activity, such as a cement tank and pipes. But we couldn’t find the exact source until we walked back and forth following our course on the Gaia app. It seemed to stop us by a creosote bush.Upon closer examination, we discovered a build-up of rocks next to a very small cement box with hole in it. Bravo! That was the spot where the water would flow out if the spring were active. That day, there was no water, not surprising considering the month. It might be advantageous to go back in the spring. We learned that not all apps have correct or sufficient information, and to try one or the other and keep an eye out for clues of where water might be.
Photos/Uploads
Upload 1 |
Upload 3 |
Upload 4 |
Photo Captions
1 – Read for the hike
2. Andrea showing Amy the app
3. Andrea photographing a backpack for scale against the spring opening
4. Roz by the tank