Friends Wins Wilderness Stewardship Partner Award

The National Park Service's Intermountain Region (IMR) has recognized Friends of Saguaro National Park (FOSNP) as the 2024 External Wilderness Stewardship Partner of the Year! "Friends shares a commitment to wilderness and demonstrates that IMR partners are leaders in wilderness stewardship. They have embraced the wilderness character of Saguaro National Park with bold, imaginative ideas and initiatives that reach well into the 21st century. Thank you for keeping Saguaro National Park on the cutting edge of wilderness preservation. Congratulations on this regional award and we hope you win the national award later this year!" said Deanna Greco, Associate Regional Director for Resource Stewardship and Visitor Protection.   

 

Friends received the award by providing donor funding to support a variety of initiatives that advanced wilderness stewardship, conservation, and community engagement. High-elevation surveys in the Rincon Mountains monitored key species, including the threatened Mexican Spotted Owl, quaking aspen trees, and American black bears. Next Generation Ranger Interns facilitated owl population assessments, collected black bear hair samples for genetic analysis, and refined aspen monitoring protocols, contributing to long-term conservation strategies. Additional efforts included the removal of barbed wire fences in both park districts, restoring wildlife connectivity and improving habitat for migratory species. Friends sponsored two Wilderness Volunteers projects to remove one acre of invasive grasses and dismantle miles of fencing, enhancing the ecological health of remote wilderness areas. Environmental Education programs played a critical role in connecting youth and communities to wilderness. Friends funded the Hiking Club program, now in its twelfth year, provided monthly guided hikes and educational activities for underserved schools, fostering wilderness stewardship and personal connections to public lands. Curriculum-based initiatives like the Junior Ranger and Cactus Ranger programs further inspired conservation awareness among young participants, fostering early conservation values. Past, current, and future support from Friends also strengthened the park’s livestock program by funding the purchase of new mules and training for National Park Service packers, ensuring that critical wilderness logistics are maintained. "Through these accomplishments, Friends has played an essential role in supporting conservation, safety, education, and community engagement. Their support reflects a shared dedication to ensuring Saguaro National Park remains a protected and cherished wilderness resource for generations to come," remarked Deanna Greco.

 

"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.