Weed manager of the year: One man's quest to save the Sonoran Desert

When Don Pike takes his daily walk, he laces up his brown hiking boots, grabs his walking stick and bucket hat and heads outside. Ten feet (3m) later, he carefully slips past barbed wire and enters the Tonto National Forest in Arizona, the United States.
Unlike other parts of the Tonto, where the ground between native plants and trees is covered with dry grasses, the earth is pale, crusty and barren, like it's meant to be.
That's because Pike has been pulling weeds.
'You won't find any of them in this area here because I've removed them,' said Pike, 84, a retiree from Maine who installed floor-to-ceiling windows in his living room to better see his beloved desert.
Pike estimates that he's cleared invasive plants from roughly 222ha of desert near his home.
Pike is at war with buffel grass and fountain grass, two invasive species that are spreading in the Sonoran Desert, choking native plants, increasing the risk and intensity of wildfires and threatening a vibrant ecosystem.
He began hunting the thick grasses, which were introduced to the area by landscapers, almost 15 years ago. Since then, he estimates that he and his team of volunteers have cleared 550 acres (222ha) of the roughly 14,000 acres (5,665ha) they oversee. In 2024, that earned him the title of Arizona's Weed Manager of the Year.
Work by volunteers like Pike has always been an important supplement to managing federal lands, according to US government workers who say their programmes have been underfunded for years.
A cactus blooms in the Tonto National Forest.
But since the Trump administration and the so-called Department of Government Efficiency began mass firings of federal workers, volunteers like Pike have become more vital than ever.
'It's going to be important for the federal agencies, the Forest Service in particular, to find ways to engage people,' Pike said on his back porch in March.
'There's a lot of people that want to get involved. Particularly retirees who have a lot of skills.'
In February, at least 2,000 employees had been eliminated from the US Forest Service, which is responsible for lands across the country that, together, rival the size of Texas.
Forests like the Tonto are at risk as climate change increases the chances of wildfires and as invasive species spread. But citizen scientists like Pike are working to reduce fire and heat risks, clear hundreds of acres of invasives and capture data on threatened cactuses, helping to save what otherwise might be lost.
Parking and shade structures (right) at a trailhead in an area where abundant red brome, an invasive species of grass, raises the wildfire risk, in the Tonto National Forest.
Bringing in reinforcements
Patti Fenner was an invasive weeds specialist for the US Forest Service in 2011 when she gave a presentation to a retirees group that included Pike.
After the talk, Fenner and Pike took a hike and she pointed out how invasive grasses had begun overtaking native plants.
That first outing led to a decades-long obsession, and when Fenner retired three years later and founded Friends of the Tonto, a volunteer group with about 70 members that assists the national forest, Pike became one of the first members.
Fenner had worked in the forest since college, doing a variety of jobs. She liked the US Forest Service-style of land management because it demanded compromise from all parties. Unlike national parks, US Forest Service land is used by multiple interests, including logging, mining and ranching in addition to recreation.
Fenner holds a blade of invasive red brome grass, which raises the risk of wildfire.
But maintaining an ecological balance is also key, and when Fenner became the forest's first noxious weed manager in 2003, it felt like a Sisyphean task to clear three million acres (1.2 ­million hectares) of rapidly ­multiplying invasive species.
Pike decided to concentrate on a smaller scale, homing in on what's known as the wildland urban interface, or the space where developments like his neighbourhood creep up on ­wilderness areas like the Tonto.
A former engineer, he created a map to track the progress he made with his team of volunteers, pinning a green flag where invasives were cleared. The flag turns yellow after two years as a reminder to clear the area again. While his system is effective in his relatively small section, it's an unlikely fix for an entire forest.
'In the direction that we're headed, the desert will become a grassland,' Pike said.
Fenner became the Tonto National Forest's first noxious weed manager in 2003.
Lightning-strike fires have always been possible in the desert, but excess vegetation like red brome, a grass that dries into short haylike tufts, has contributed to bigger and more frequent wildfires in the Tonto.
One of the first huge wildfires came in 2005, when the Cave Creek Complex fire burned 243,000 acres (98,340ha).
Then, in the summer of 2020, Pike watched the sky turn orange as the Bush fire burned 193,000 acres (78,104ha), killing roughly 80,000 saguaros, the distinctive cactuses with cartoonish curved arms. Invasive plants grew back quickly, outcompeting the native saguaros and paloverde, the state tree with flowers like tiny yellow bells.
A dying saguaro cactus that was scorched by a fire in the Tonto National Forest.
So, Friends of the Tonto started a second monitoring programme for the saguaros. In late 2023, Pike created another map with more than 9,900 tiny saguaros.
On this one, green signals good health and black means the cactus is dead. He's trained about 40 people to find additional saguaros and monitor the ones already in the database.
The future of the forest
The main office at Tonto has been closed for years because the US Forest Service had trouble staffing it, even before the recent hiring freeze and terminations, largely because the pay was low, Fenner said.
Other offices within the forest used to stay open on weekends during the busy season, but that also ended years ago because of a lack of employees.
'If you're trying to get ahold of somebody there's no one to talk to,' Fenner said of the forest staff. 'It's like nobody's home.'
Ongoing budget and staffing issues at the Tonto have limited the scope of volunteer work, which is based on an agreement with the US Forest Service that spells out the terms of the relationship.
The US Forest Service did not respond to a request for comment.
Pike has been struggling to contact federal employees who can help him apply for grants.
In 2024, he helped win a US$105,000 (RM444,255) grant from the state's Department of Forestry and Fire Management to hire a contractor to apply herbicide and organise a youth group to cull invasive plants in the forest.
A detail of the epidermis of a fire-scorched saguaro cactus.
'It's not going to get better, it's going to get worse,' Pike said of communication with forest managers.
He wants to secure more grants to better manage the invasive plants, but without support from forest officials, he said, 'I can't logically expand the area that I'm covering.'
Still, they are tackling the impossible, weed by weed. At the top of a hill overlooking the Tonto called Sears-Kay, which features ruins almost 1,000 years old, Fenner spotted buffel grass in late March.
She tried to pull it with her bare hands but it was rooted too firmly. So she called Pike, and he encouraged her to go back with a shovel.
She went on a walk and pulled the plant the next day. – ©2025 The New York Times Company

Try Our AI Features

Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:

Learn with AIFact CheckingText to SpeechAI Summary

Related Articles

Time Business News

7 minutes ago

• Time Business News

Onyx Hotel – A Great Resort for Family Trips in Jim Corbett

Family holidays should be easy, fun, and relaxing. The best ones are where you don't have to plan too much, and everyone finds something to enjoy. That's what makes Onyx Hotel such a smart choice for families heading to Jim Corbett. It's a peaceful place in the lap of nature, built to give your family the comfort and break they deserve. If you want clean rooms, friendly staff, space for kids to play, and plenty of things to do, this luxury resort in Jim Corbett covers it all. Let's explore what makes it so special. Onyx Hotel sits near Jim Corbett National Park, one of the oldest and most famous wildlife parks in India. But this hotel isn't just about location. It's built for people who want to stay close to nature without giving up comfort. The building blends well with the surroundings. It doesn't feel loud or showy. Everything, from the furniture to the lighting, has been chosen to make you feel calm. The rooms at Onyx Hotel are designed for families. There's enough space for children to move around, and extra beds can be arranged easily. The décor is simple but clean. The beds are soft, the sheets fresh, and each room has a balcony or a large window that opens to the forest or garden views. Parents can rest while children watch the trees or listen to birds outside. Every room has working air conditioning, fresh towels, and warm water all day. You don't have to ask twice for basic needs. Holidays often get tricky when kids are fussy eaters. That won't be a problem here. The in-house restaurant has a wide range of food options. From Indian meals to simple snacks and fruits, there's something for everyone. The kitchen staff is happy to make light meals for young children or those who have food needs. Meals are served on time, and the dining area is clean and welcoming. For families who like to eat together in a calm space, this makes all the difference. The team at Onyx Hotel treats every guest with care. If you need something, they are quick to help. They guide you through your stay and suggest the best times for safaris or walks. Even if it's your first trip to Jim Corbett, they make you feel at ease. Onyx Hotel is close to the entry gates of Jim Corbett National Park, which makes it easy to book and reach your safari points. The drive from Delhi takes around 5 to 6 hours by car. Once you're here, you'll notice the silence, the fresh air, and the green all around. It's easy to understand why many families say this is the Jim Corbett best resort for a simple and peaceful stay. The most exciting part of visiting Jim Corbett is the safari. Onyx Hotel helps arrange your jeep safari without trouble. You might spot tigers, elephants, deer, and many birds. It's a fun outing for both adults and children. When you're not in the jungle, you can take a dip in the pool. It's well-kept and safe for children. There's also plenty of open space to play cricket, football, or just run around. Take a guided walk in the nearby forest area. The guides know a lot about trees, birds, and local plants. It's an easy walk and teaches children to notice and enjoy the world around them. Many families enjoy the quiet nights under the stars. The hotel can set up a bonfire with light snacks. You can sit around with your loved ones, share stories, and enjoy the cool breeze. Many resorts look good in photos but don't offer a good stay. Onyx Hotel is different. It balances simplicity and comfort. You get clean beds, warm showers, good food, and helpful staff – nothing fancy, but everything right. When you're with children, this makes a big difference. You don't have to worry about what to eat, where to go, or how to keep them busy. The place takes care of all that. If you're looking for a luxury resort in Jim Corbett that understands families, this one won't let you down. Families who've stayed here often share happy reviews. They talk about how calm the place is and how friendly the staff are. Many speak about the views from their rooms, the morning sounds of birds, and how much their children enjoyed the stay. Here are a few things guests often say: 'Peaceful and safe for kids.' 'Good food and helpful staff.' 'Close to the park and easy to plan safari.' 'Clean pool and big rooms.' 'Will come back again for sure.' Best time to visit: October to June October to June Travel time from Delhi: 5 to 6 hours by car 5 to 6 hours by car Ideal stay: 2–3 nights 2–3 nights Things to carry: Sunscreen, hats, trainers, cotton clothes, and a light jacket in winter Sunscreen, hats, trainers, cotton clothes, and a light jacket in winter Book early: Safari slots get booked fast during peak months, so plan in advance Holidays are not just about going somewhere new. They're about time together. At Onyx Hotel, you get just that. Away from traffic, phones, and noise, you get space to talk, laugh, and rest. The hotel also stands tall as one of the Jim Corbett best resorts, and it shows in the way they look after guests. Onyx Hotel is not a place with marble halls or gold taps. It doesn't need to be. It gives you something better – peace, safety, space, and a bit of nature's magic. For a family trip, that's what really matters. If you want a luxury resort in Jim Corbett that feels like home and fits your whole family's needs, give Onyx Hotel a try. You'll leave with stories to tell, memories to keep, and maybe even plans to come back again. TIME BUSINESS NEWS

Yahoo

7 minutes ago

• Yahoo

Wales' papers: Assisted dying law passes and pensioner killed by new driver

Western Mail Daily Post South Wales Evening Post The Flintshire Leader South Wales Echo The Wrexham Leader South Wales Argus Abergavenny Chronicle Monmouthshire Beacon Brecon & Radnor Express Cambrian News Tenby Observer Barry and District News Penarth Times Free Press Series

Rhyl Journal

7 minutes ago

• Rhyl Journal

Former Big Brother contestant to be ordained in St Asaph

Glyn Wise, who finished second on the 2006 series of the Channel 4 reality show, will be ordained as a deacon during a ceremony at St Asaph Cathedral on Saturday, June 28. He is one of six individuals that will be ordained by the Right Reverend Gregory Cameron, Bishop of St Asaph, at the service in North Wales. Rt Revd Gregory Cameron said: "I am thrilled that we have once again six bright and different candidates for Christian ordained ministry." Mr Wise, a fluent Welsh speaker from Blaenau Ffestiniog, will continue his training for the priesthood in the Aled Mission Area, which covers Old Colwyn and Betws yn Rhos. He recently completed a 770km pilgrimage along the French Camino route to Santiago de Compostela, which took him 22 days. Other candidates include Ian Williams, a former prison governor and rugby league player originally from Cumbria. He will serve in the Estuary and Mountain Mission Area, supporting Well-Being @St James, a new well-being and healing centre at St James' Church in Holywell. Jampa King, a former Buddhist who converted to Christianity after visiting the Shrine of St Melangell in Pennant Melangell, will also be ordained as a deacon. Originally from Hemel Hempstead, Mr King has lived in Wales for some time and said he finally feels at home there. He previously worked in education and family support, including as a centre lead at a Surestart children's centre for the Children's Society. Sharon Morgan, from Ruthin, will serve in the Hope Street Mission Area in Wrexham. She spent many years in Pentecostal churches and previously taught maths and worked with children unable to attend school. Ms Morgan also ran a tuition business and is married to the Reverend Dan Morgan, who became Vicar of Denbigh last year. David Dobbs, another deacon candidate, will serve in the Estuary and Mountain Mission Area. He previously ran one of the largest independent care companies in Wales and recently stepped down from a long career in social healthcare to focus on fostering and his curacy. Mr Dobbs and his wife have been foster carers for many years. He also hosts a Facebook prayer group with more than 33,000 members. Revd Pam Hallam is the only candidate to be ordained as a priest this year. She has been serving in the Offa Mission Area since her ordination as a deacon in 2023. Born in Southsea, Wrexham, she has lived in Gwersyllt for 42 years. Before training for ordination, she worked at the Shooting Star Cancer Unit at Ysbyty Maelor. Rt Revd Cameron said: "The Church will be all the richer for their experience, and the enthusiasm they bring to ministry." Ahead of the ordination, all six candidates will take part in a retreat at St Beuno's Jesuit Spirituality Centre in Tremeirchion. The retreat will be led by Canon Dr Jane Williams, McDonald Professor in Christian Theology at St Mellitus College. The ordination service begins at 10am and is open to the public, with candidates welcoming support from their communities. The Diocese of St Asaph stretches from Llandudno in north-west Wales to the Welsh–English border and as far south as Newtown in Powys. It is one of six dioceses within the Church in Wales, an autonomous province of the Anglican Communion.