Friends of Madera Canyon

Coronado Forest Sign With Mountains Westergard

Donated: 0.00%

Goal: $390,000.00

Help Us Preserve the Natural Beauty of Madera Canyon

The Friends of Madera Canyon assist the United States Forest Service with keeping trails and infrastructure clean and safe; welcoming visitors and educating them about (1) what Madera Canyon has to offer and (2) how to enjoy the natural beauty of the Canyon with minimal impact to its ecosystems.

Our Mission

Maintain reasonable public access to the Canyon,

Serve as steward for the Canyon, its animal and plant life, and its overall ecosystem.

Offer programs of public education concerning the history and ecology of the Canyon.

More About Us

Madera Canyon serves as a premier outdoor classroom and a sanctuary for all who seek the restorative benefits of the natural world. The Friends of Madera Canyon is a membership and donation-supported volunteer organization dedicated to ensuring that every visitor--regardless of age or ability--can connect deeply with this unique landscape. Now more than ever, this community support is vital; it allows us to assist the U.S. Forest Service in maintaining the canyon's cleanliness, providing essential trail and habitat restoration, and expanding our educational outreach.

This year, our dedicated volunteers and two part-time staff served as the face of the canyon, greeting thousands of guests and leading hands-on learning experiences. From our docent-led 4th-grade nature walks to our burgeoning Virtual Learning Programs, we are removing barriers to accessibility and cultivating the next generation of environmental stewards. By meticulously maintaining a safe gateway to our highest peaks, we ensure the canyon remains a welcoming world-class destination for today's community.

Key Success Metrics

Education & Inclusive Outreach

-Mentoring Future Stewards: Conducted 37 targeted educational events for youth, teens, and adults, fostering a culture of conservation through direct engagement.

-Empowering Visitors: Welcomed 4,700 visitors and distributed 5,200 brochures, maps, and birding guides, providing the essential tools for safe and informed exploration.

-Enhancing Trail Accessibility: Replaced 24 benches along accessible trails, ensuring that those with limited mobility have comfortable opportunities to rest and experience the canyon's beauty.

Volunteer-Powered Stewardship & Safety

-Critical Trail Access: Secured and created safe conditions for accessing the Old Baldy Trail, ensuring one of the canyon's most iconic routes remains navigable for hikers.

-Strategic Trail Management: Maintained 6.5 miles of sanctioned pathways and eva...

Testimonials

"[Our gift] honors the Friends of Madera Canyon who strive to maintain the natural beauty of this place. They maintain the trails, the flora and fauna signs, and customer outreach areas."

--Fred and Marion Schmidt, members since 2025

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"One of my favorite spots is Madera Canyon and I have made many, many trips there. My contributions are a way of investing in and giving back to such a wonderful spot."

--Scott Tuthill, member since 2019

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