The Maricopa County Parks and Recreation Department is calling on local residents to volunteer for the Desert Defender program, a community-driven initiative aimed at improving the health of regional parks and combating invasive species that threaten the desert ecosystem.
The program starting back up again in the new year is held 8-11:30 a.m. most Fridays and Saturdays at Estrella Mountain Regional Park, 14805 W. Vineyard Ave. in Goodyear.
Participants in the Desert Defender events will receive hands-on training to identify invasive plant species, understand their environmental impacts, and actively participate in their removal.
“The whole purpose of the Desert Defender series is really to improve the biodiversity of our parks, using conservation efforts and getting the public involved in becoming stewards of the land,” said Juanita Armstrong-Ullberg, natural Resource Specialist for Maricopa County’s Parks and Recreation Department.
Invasive plants such as Buffelgrass, Salt Cedar, and Stinknet pose a threat to Arizona’s desert landscapes. These species not only outcompete native plants that local wildlife depend on for food and shelter but also increase the risk of wildfires due to their high flammability.
Invasive species have become particularly problematic in Arizona’s desert parks. Buffelgrass, originally introduced for livestock grazing, forms dense, fire-prone monocultures that can alter ecosystems and increase the frequency and severity of wildfires. Similarly, Stinknet, a highly allergenic plant introduced from Africa, is spreading rapidly across the Phoenix area and poses a serious environmental threat.
Volunteers will learn about the growth cycles and removal techniques for these species and others, such as Malta Star Thistle, a species known for depleting soil moisture and outcompeting native plants.
The Desert Defender program also emphasizes mapping invasive species as a tool in managing their spread. Volunteers use a smartphone app to document the presence of invasive plants and assess their life stages. This data helps the county better target resources for removal efforts and track the success of interventions.
In addition to invasive species removal, the program focuses on sustainability through native seed collection and restoration. Volunteers help gather native plant seeds, which are processed and stored for future planting efforts.
Seed Pellet-Making Workshops teach participants how to prepare the seeds with protective coatings, ensuring they thrive in the harsh desert climate. These pellets are later distributed during Native Seed Toss Events in the fall, helping to reintroduce native plants and stabilize soil in areas impacted by wildfires and invasive species.
“Here, action starts with education, so we’re still hosting events but (with) some rain, we will need extra help,” said Armstrong-Ullberg.
The program is open to individuals age 13 and older, and minors age 13 to 17 must be accompanied by an adult or provide a waiver from a guardian. Volunteers are encouraged to bring work gloves, water and a snack. They are advised to wear long-sleeved shirts, pants, and closed-toed shoes for safety.
The Desert Defender program is part of a broader collaborative effort between the Maricopa County Parks and Recreation Department, the Central Arizona Conservation Alliance, the White Tank Mountains Conservancy, the McDowell Sonoran Conservancy, and other local agencies. Together, they are making strides in restoring native biodiversity and ensuring the long-term health of the region’s desert parks.
Volunteers are needed at several regional parks, including Estrella Mountain, Cave Creek, Usery Mountain, McDowell Mountain, San Tan Mountain, and Spur Cross Ranch Conservation Area.
At Goodyear’s Estrella Mountain regional park, January events start on Saturday, Jan 3.
Visit maricopacountyparks.net to learn more about the Desert Defender program and register for upcoming events.
James Goldmeer Reporter | Goodyear & Litchfield Park
Meet James James Goldmeer joined Independent Newsmedia, Inc., USA, in July 2024, starting their career as a reporter in Goodyear and Litchfield Park.
Community: James grew up in the West Valley, calling Avondale home and going to school in Glendale and Peoria. Returning to the community after university, James plans to get involved in everything arts and culture, and civil rights.
Education: Northern Arizona University a bachelor's degree in Journalism, a certificate in Professional Communications, with a minor in English.
Random Fact: James spent half a year as an intern for the Arizona House of Representatives communication team, working with legislators to inform the public through press releases and social media.
Hobbies: James collects postcards and old books, reads memoirs and attends local jazz shows.
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