2019 NCCC Team Wrap-Up

2019 NCCC TEAM WRAP-UP

For the third year in a row, SDMB had the pleasure of hosting an Americorps NCCC team. The National Civilian Community Corps is a national service program in which college-age young adults devote 1-2 years to supporting government and nonprofit programs across the country. Previous NCCC teams assisted with completion of the McKenzie Ranch XC Race Venue and Hohokam Trail (2018) and trail building and restoration work at Painted Hills Trails Park (early 2019). To learn more about AmeriCorps NCCC, go to: https://www.nationalservice.gov/programs/americorps/americorps-programs/americorps-nccc

For this team (called Earth 9) we decided to take a collaborative route and work with some of our favorite partner organizations to expand the ways the team could benefit the Tucson trails community. In their time in Tucson, Earth 9 worked with SDMB, Tucson Off-Road Cyclists & Activists (TORCA), the Arizona Trail Association, and Pima County Natural Resources, Parks, & Recreation (NRPR). SDMB submitted the application for the team, provided overall project coordination, and coordinated and paid for housing. Thanks to Homegrown Tours for donating an MTB outing for the team, and huge thanks to our anonymous donor for assisting with housing!

Earth 9 was in Tucson for a total of six weeks.

For week 1 the team participated in a day of orientation and mountain biking courtesy of Homegrown Tours. They spent the rest of the week working with TORCA, doing brushing and tread work on Green Mountain Trail. TORCA reported that they brushed the entire trail from top to bottom and fixed sections of tread that were eroding.

For week 2 the team worked with the Arizona Trail Association. The majority of the week was spent working on the AZT from Molino Saddle to West Spring Tank (on the descent to Milagrosa), with a day spent installing a Super Gate south of Sahuarita with volunteers.

For weeks 3 and 4 the team worked with Pima County NRPR. They did trail maintenance at McKenzie Ranch and helped keep the parking lot in good shape for events, and roughed in nearly a mile of new singletrack at Painted Hills Trails Park.

For weeks 5 and 6 the team worked with SDMB at 100-Acre Wood Bike Park. They removed nearly 40 cubic yards (2 full dumpsters) of trash, cleared a huge pile of African Sumac, helped finish the Green Flow Trail, and started dirt work on the Green XC Trail.

This is your donations and membership dollars at work. Without your contributions, SDMB would not have the funding or staff time to coordinate projects like bringing AmeriCorps NCCC teams to Tucson.

Thanks for all your ongoing support!

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Mt Graham Article about SDMB Volunteers

By Michael Dematties • July 29, 2026

Local News Volunteers Partner with Forest Service to Restore Mount Graham’s Cunningham Loop Trail July 26, 2026 - by News Director Share Share Pin It Share Forest Service Photo: A dedicated group of community members and trail advocates spent early Saturday morning giving back to the Pinaleño Mountains, coming together to restore key portions of the western Cunningham Loop Trail #316 in the Safford Ranger District. Gila Herald Staff Reports MOUNT GRAHAM — A dedicated group of community members and trail advocates spent early Saturday morning giving back to the Pinaleño Mountains, coming together to restore key portions of the western Cunningham Loop Trail #316 in the Safford Ranger District. The workday—organized by the Sonoran Desert Mountain Bicyclists (SDMB)—brought together 23 volunteers, group members, and U.S. Forest Service personnel, including Safford District Ranger Voelker. The team focused efforts on the southeastern section and connector trail of the western loop. Cunningham Loop Trail #316 is a popular destination for both mountain bikers and hikers, utilizing a blend of historic roadways and singletrack to form an approximately 4.5-mile loop. Forest Service Photo: Volunteers use a crosscut saw to enable moving a large log out of the way. To carry out the restoration without disturbing local wildlife or disrupting the natural surroundings, volunteers relied on traditional, non-motorized hand tools—including crosscut saws, McLeods, pickaxes, and pulaskis. The use of these purpose-built tools allows trail maintenance and construction to proceed quietly year-round. Organizers noted that the volunteer crew represented a wide variety of backgrounds, united by a shared goal to improve outdoor access and enhance the overall visitor experience in the Pinaleños. Collaborative efforts between local organizations like SDMB and the Forest Service remain vital for keeping trails open and well-maintained across the district. Forest Service Photo: The trail has been restored. How the Public Can Help Community members looking to support the trail don’t necessarily need a shovel to contribute. Trail organizers encourage local hikers and mountain bikers to get out and explore the newly restored path. Regular foot and bicycle traffic plays an important role in trail maintenance by helping compact the soil and prevent future erosion. To learn more about local trail stewardship initiatives or get involved with future workdays, visit the Sonoran Desert Mountain Bicyclists website or check out details on the Cunningham Loop Trail #316 .