Our First Week: Getting Our Hands Dirty at Lost Dutchman State park
We just wrapped up our first week volunteering at the stunning Lost Dutchman State Park in Arizona, and let us tell you, it’s been an experience! Nestled on 328 acres of breathtaking desert landscape, this park requires constant upkeep to maintain its natural habitat. We dove headfirst into landscaping, and we’re excited to share our adventures.
Meeting the Heart of the Park: The Volunteers
One of the best parts of this week has been connecting with the other volunteers. We were immediately struck by their dedication and passion for the park with a number of them returning year after year. These folks are the heart and soul of Lost Dutchman, and it’s been inspiring to work alongside them. Everyone has a story to tell and a shared love for preserving this special place. The camaraderie is fantastic, making even the toughest tasks feel manageable.
Learning the Ropes (and the Tools!): Landscaping Training
We are re-acclimating ourselves to using landscaping tools required for upkeep. There’s definitely an art to keeping a desert landscape looking its best! We learned about desert-specific plants, how to prune them, and the importance of minimizing water usage in this arid environment.
Hard Work, Big Rewards: The Landscaping Grind
Let’s be honest, landscaping in the Arizona desert is hard work! The sun is intense, the ground is rocky, and there’s always something that needs trimming, clearing, or maintaining. But despite the physical challenges, the work is incredibly rewarding. There’s a tangible sense of accomplishment that comes from seeing the immediate impact of our efforts. A neatly trimmed shrub, a cleared trail—these small victories add up to a big difference in the overall appearance and accessibility of the park. Knowing that we’re contributing to preserving this 328-acre gem for the new and returning visitors makes all the sweat worthwhile.
A Desert Oasis Worth Preserving
Lost Dutchman State Park, at the base of the Superstition Mountains, is a true desert oasis, and we’re so grateful for the opportunity to play a part in its ongoing preservation. This first week has been a fantastic introduction to the world of desert park maintenance, and we’re looking forward to continuing and sharing our volunteer journey. If you’re ever in the area, be sure to visit this beautiful park and appreciate the hard work that goes into keeping it so special. You might even be inspired to volunteer yourself!
