Written by Foster Mellott, Wild Stew Field Crew Member.
Hundreds of cuts and scrapes latticed my arms and legs by the end of the hitch. We spent the week in Fossil Springs cutting Himalayan Blackberry, an invasive plant with thorns growing up, down and sideways across its tangled vines. Although the Blackberry was tough to root out, we were happy to be restoring such a special area in Arizona.
After meeting with Friends of the Verde River, our partners on this project, Jonathan, Viola, Eric and I hiked into camp on the first day, taking the Flume Trail to our site. It was one of nicest backcountry hikes we’ve had in a while, and our campsite was incredible. It sat just above Fossil Creek and we had access to a clear swimming hole, which most of us enjoyed spending time at daily after work. After the last few months were spent on frontcountry projects, it was a great feeling to be back in the Wilderness, falling asleep with the rushing sound of a creek flowing.
We spent most of the week cutting out a gnarly patch of Himalayan Blackberry to make way for the native, Arizona Dewberry. After a wildfire that burned a few years ago, the Himalayan Blackberry grew back aggressively and now much of the creek banks are carpeted with it. In order to get the Blackberry out, two of us lopped the stems at the bottom and rolled up giant mats of it that we piled up. Another two people would go behind the loppers, cut the stems lower and dab them with herbicide. We made good progress with this hitch, cutting 12,927 stems! In order to be thorough, Jonathan and I had to put on our swimsuits and lop the stems growing out of the creek banks.
During one of our long days, we explored the main Fossil Springs just downstream of where we were working. These springs were flowing straight out of a wall of travertine. Years ago, there was a trail, leading tourists to this wall, however, now there is Blackberry growing over it, covering up the springs, and closing off the trail. Although we were able to cut out a lot of Blackberry, I hope that one day the Blackberry can be entirely removed and the springs will be visible again!
By the end of the hitch I was honestly feeling bittersweet. This was my last hitch with Wild Arizona, and while I’m excited about my future, I’m going to miss working with such a fun group of professionals in some of the most incredible places in the Southwest. Wild Arizona has given me the chance to sharpen my skills and work on some truly important projects. I’m taking way more away from this than just the cuts across my arms.
Sunshine & Snowstorms 
on the Highline Trail