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Adopt A Cactus Program Helps Keep Park Open!

By Patricia Carter

(January 2012. Apache Junction.) A year and and a half ago I began a great journey volunteering for the Friends of Lost Dutchman SP.

My journey started when I first moved to Arizona back in the year 1998 … I was living in West Mesa and really was mesmerized when discovering the Superstition Mountains. I just had a feeling that someday I would be a part of those mountains somehow. I remember first hiking at the Superstition Mountains and felt the earth rumbling beneath me. There is something so spiritual about these mountains. While hiking at Lost Dutchman State Park we came across a man working on the trail and we just talked to him for a bit. He stated he really had to get the trail in shape for the park was in danger of closing by a certain month. And I said “Are you serious that this park might close?” He said yes. He also stated that he was a volunteer. My friend and I went inside the office after our hike and there was another volunteer working behind the desk and I asked him the same question. He said yes and he gave me an education as to why and what happened. He said if I wanted to get involved I could volunteer. He gave me the name of the Friends Organization which would be where I would want to volunteer.

The Friends Organization puts on events to raise money to keep the park opened. From that day on I have a deep passion for this volunteer group. We have put on events, raised money for the park and all the money raised goes directly to Lost Dutchman State Park. Every Sunday from 9:00 am to 1:00 pm I get the opportunity to greet visitors as they drive in and collect the fee of only $7.00 to hike in the park. What a great fee instead of being cooped up in a movie theatre that costs much more! Campers come to enjoy the beauty of the mountains. The people are just incredible! I get to meet and sometimes for a brief moment get to dip in the lives of people from not just Arizona but from all parts of the country and the world! All the volunteers are so friendly and genuine. The park rangers at Lost Dutchman State Park are so much fun to be with and are so dedicated to their park. I get to meet local merchants also which is a fun way to familiarize myself with the community I live in. I can’t say enough of how being a volunteer for this organization has enriched my life. Being in nature is my favorite thing to do and the Superstition Mountains at Lost Dutchman State Park fulfills that deep passion. 

I have taken on the responsibility of heading up the Adopt A Cactus Program. This is a great way to raise money to keep the park open and running. Visit the Adopt A Cactus Program website. It’s also a great gift for someone or a tribute to a loved one. Even a group can adopt a cactus! Your contribution is also be tax deductible! Won’t you join in either as a volunteer and/or adopt a cactus? We would love to see you come aboard!

For interest in adopting a cactus visit: AdoptACactus.org
For interest in volunteering for the Friends group visit: FriendsOfLostDutchman.org