Volunteers on Board, Work is Underway

Success has many parents. In the case of the ongoing effort to remove invasive species from our native desert environment, those parents are a wide range of homeowners and local residents who believe in the mission of the Desert Preservation Initiative (DPI). Not only do they agree that tamarisks and other invasives pose a threat to the natural environment, but they are also willing to roll up their sleeves and do the hard work of cutting, hauling, and removing those plants.

Current projects undertaken include work on a number of properties. The first was Dave Tall’s home, to be followed by work for homeowners Richard and Leslie Bradley, Kay and Michael Hodson, and David and Inge Tay. Four other projects have also been approved by the local Architectural Control Committee (ACC).

“The group from the DPI that worked on my property did an excellent job,” says Dave Tall. “The clearing of the tamarisk tangled brush in the wash on Chavano looks amazing.”

Inge Tay reports, “We fell in love with the Kayenta community when we first visited in December 2020, so Dave and I were happy to do what it takes to maintain this beautiful landscape.  As our property is still bare, David and I also felt that would be the best time as it would only help us when we have to do our landscaping. 

“We found the whole process of working with DPI and Carrie Wilson very easy,” she continues, “and we so appreciate that everything had been thought of.”

“We have some amazing volunteers who have really been willing to put in the time and effort to move these projects forward,” says Dan Beck, DPI vice-president and volunteer coordinator. “And while it’s hard work, everyone is having fun working together and meeting new people.”

If you’re not the type to roll up your sleeves and grab some pruning shears, DPI could still use your help. DPI needs volunteers willing to take on a variety of non-physical tasks that include such things as site monitoring for tamarisk regrowth, tracking and recording project steps and progress, and maintaining homeowner and volunteer records.

With these and other projects on the horizon, a key element to building on the current success would also include direct financial support—donations to fund supplies and safety gear for those already hard at work in the washes and ravines around Kayenta and Ivins. Visit our website at desertpi.org to learn how you can make a tax-deductible donation to DPI.