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What have the YES! Youth contributed that is sustainable?

 

In concert with their partners, scientists and managers:  The endangered Huachuca water umbel plant transplanted into one of the Cieneguita habitat ponds in 2013 has already spread to two other Cieneguita ponds—and that’s great news for this plant that looks somewhat like small green spaghetti strands and supports aquatic fish and frogs. 

 

At Cottonwood Tank, a restored pond for Chiracahua leopard frog habitat, over 200 frogs were counted at the last census and signage explains the importance of aquatic habitats and species to stakeholders that visit Las Cienegas. 

 

They expanded the YES! Program to include a Volunteer Day, initiated monitoring and other activities that other youth can do, and through their positive interactions with scientists mentors, we have recruited more partner to work with youth.

I'YES! 2012 - Native Frog Habitat at Cottonwood Pond

 

In 2012, YES! was piloted with 7 students, mainly from the Empire High School in Vail or connected with the Ironwood Tree Experience (formerly with Prescott College). 

 

Seven students focused their efforts at improving Cottonwood Tank pond for future leopard frog reintroduction. They mapped the study area, propagated deer grass and planted, purchased rocks for stabilizing bank and water tank, laid out placement of fencing, established photo monitoring points, and designed educational signage for the site. 

 

 

I'YES! 2013 - Cieneguita Ponds

 

Nine students focused on improving the Cieneguita ponds for aquatic species of animals and plants. They learned to identify a variety of grasses, sedges, and other native desirable plants.

 

Almost 50 Huachuca water umbel plants were transplanted to one pond and logs were added to protect small fish. Students developed our first volunteer day at the site, transplanting over 150 plugs of native grasses and removing dirt piles. Two television crews filmed their work and reported the story.

 

 

I'YES! 2014 - Soil Erosion and Invasive Species Removal

 

Twelve students in nine-sessions assisted by several scientists and volunteers: 

  • Completed a sacaton vegetation community restoration project—they purchased five tons of rock and placed them strategically to reduce erosion and increase moisture and seed retention for the grasses; they placed downed mesquite limbs for erosion control and to prevent off road access by vehicles. Students purchased five more tons of rock for habitat improvement on another frog pond. 

 

  • Successfully ran a volunteer day to complete their restoration work at the Cieneguita wetlands. Youth led 23 other volunteers in removing invasive species (cattails and bulrush) and transplanting spike rush to out-compete the non-native plants in two habitat ponds. YES! students were responsible for leading the days events and managing all volunteers.

 

  • Students completed an initial design and allocated funding an interpretive sign for the sacaton erosion project and funding smaller conservation signs for the Cieneguita habitat ponds. 

 

 

I'YES! 2015 - Sacaton Study Area and Restoration

 

Students assisted by several scientists and volunteers: 

  • Removed unwanted vegetation from an historic structure to prevent fire spread 

 

  • Completed a sacaton vegetation community restoration project by setting iup a long-term study area to evaluate retoration techniques such as placing rock structures, fencing, ground scarification, and replanating.  Students learned to grid and map, set up photo points for monitoring and working with a local rancher to assist them.

 

  • Successfully ran a volunteer day to complete their restoration work. YES! students were responsible for leading the days events and managing all volunteers.

 

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