Friends Wins Wilderness Stewardship Award

The National Park Service has recognized Friends of Saguaro National Park (FOSNP) as the 2024 External Wilderness Stewardship Partner of the Year!

 

FOSNP received the award by providing donor funding to support wilderness stewardship and the preservation of wilderness character through direct project funding and matching funds. Wilderness stewardship work supported by FOSNP funding included wildlife and plant surveys, trail work, education and outreach, and youth internship programs.

 

High-elevation surveys in the remote Rincon Mountains provided critical data on key species, including the threatened Mexican Spotted Owl, quaking aspen, and American black bear. As part of the Next Generation Ranger Corps Internship Program, interns conducted species monitoring, genetic sampling, and refined aspen protocols, ensuring data-driven conservation strategies aligned with wilderness stewardship goals. Additional efforts restored natural conditions and improved the undeveloped quality of wilderness character in the Saguaro Wilderness through the removal of obsolete barbed wire fencing in both park districts, reconnecting wildlife corridors and improving habitat for migratory species.

 

Four interns were hired through the Next Generation Ranger Corps Internship Program, providing them with immersive wilderness stewardship training. Two interns served as crew leaders for the Youth Conservation Corps, mentoring students through an eight-week program focused on trail work and environmental education. The remaining two interns worked on trail crews, supporting critical maintenance efforts in wilderness areas. In 2024, interns contributed 33,516 hours to park operations, including species research, invasive species control, fence removal, trail maintenance, education, and visitor engagement. FOSNP also funded new mules and packer training, ensuring backcountry access while maintaining traditional, low-impact wilderness travel.

 

Wilderness safety and emergency response capabilities were strengthened, ensuring rangers are equipped for backcountry search and rescue operations. Key improvements included replenishing medical kits, expanding heat-related heat-related illness response tools, and providing specialized survival gear. Dark Sky Week celebrations, following Saguaro National Park’s 2023 designation as an Urban Night Sky Place, highlighted the intersection of cultural heritage and wilderness preservation in 2024. Cultural demonstrations, interpretive waysides, and portable red lights for evening programs deepened visitor understanding of dark sky conservation and reinforced the role of natural nightscapes in preserving wilderness character in the park.

 

The funding and collaboration provided by FOSNP supported holistic wilderness stewardship for the park throughout 2024 and helps ensure the Saguaro Wilderness will be protected for future generations.

 

"It's an honor to receive this recognition for our work to protect Saguaro National Park's congressionally designated wilderness. We would not be able to fund these initiatives without the generous support from our donors and leadership from our Board of Directors. Thank you for your commitment to Saguaro National Park," said Fred Stula, Executive Director of Friends of Saguaro National Park.