Hikers trekking along the banks of Oak Creek in the Crescent Moon Ranch and picnic site about 7 miles south of Sedona are treated to some of the most photographed scenes in the Southwest. The Coconino National Forest property is located near iconic Cathedral Rock and encompasses the historical ranch site with its famous water wheel.
First established in the late 1800s, the ranch went through several owners and iterations before being purchased by the Forest Service in 1980. Since then, the site’s stone-corrugated metal-and-wood buildings have fallen into disrepair. This past fall, HistoriCorps, a nonprofit that provides volunteers with hands-on experience in preserving historical structures on public lands across America, conducted four week-long sessions to restore the rustic attractions.
“We’ll be working to stabilize and repair four structures,” says Alex Randall, HistoriCorps crew leader. “The well house and water wheel will get a new roof, mortar and fire-retardant shingles. We’ll also re-roof and fix the rock walls of the blacksmith house, replace the roof and doors on the main barn and do repairs on the
hay barn.”
“This is the first project in the Red Rock District,” says Karen Malis-Clark, retired Coconino National Forest public affairs worker and current HistoriCorps volunteer. “But there are several more Arizona projects coming up, and we can always use more volunteers.” No previous construction experience is needed to pitch in. “Volunteer cooks and helpers are needed, too,” Malis-Clark adds.
In addition to learning safety protocols and preservation skills, HistoriCorps volunteers are provided with free meals, tools, equipment, campsites and the joy of sleeping under the stars while making like-minded new friends. Best of all: They’re preserving viewscapes and historical places for generations to come.
IF YOU GO
HistoriCorps
historicorps.org
Crescent Moon Picnic Site
fs.usda.gov/recarea/coconino/recarea/?recid=55286
