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MADERA CANYON - Recreation day use fees will be waived at the Coronado National Forest's popular Madera Canyon Recreation Area on Saturday, October 6, 2012 in recognition of 25 years of successful collaboration with the Friends of Madera Canyon and the 40th anniversary of the Volunteers in the National Forests Act of 1972. Nature walks, interpretive programs, food, and music highlight the day's festivities. Guided walks begin at 9:00, 10:00, 11:00 a.m. and 1:00 p.m. The event ends at 2:00 p.m.

The Friends of Madera Canyon and the Nogales Ranger District will provide displays, staff, and information at the Proctor Day Use Area, which will serve as headquarters for the event. Other activities will be held at the Whitehouse Picnic Area including an opportunity to meet some of the founding members of the Friends of Madera Canyon. Music will be provided at the Whitehouse picnic area from 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.

The Friends of Madera Canyon have contributed significantly to the sustainability of recreation and the health of the Madera Canyon ecosystem during the past 25 years. Engaged in a wide range of activities, the group has organized volunteers to do a multitude of projects including cleaning and maintaining campgrounds and engaging in cooperatively funded projects such as the Amphitheater Day Use Area Bridge, which restored the natural flow patterns of Madera Creek. Their primary mission remains the education of youth and adults regarding the significance of the Madera canyon ecosystem and the ethics of public land recreation.

The event is also being celebrated as part of the 40th anniversary of the Volunteers in the National Forests Act of 1972. The Act provided authority for the Forest Service to work with volunteers and recognized a growing and diverse population desiring to donate their time and skills to public service. The partnership between the Friends of Madera Canyon and the Coronado National Forest is one of many successes nationwide of the legislation.

For more information on the event and a schedule visit the Friends of Madera Canyon website at http://www.friendsofmaderacanyon.org/25schedule.html.