August 2019 — Welcome, Russell Fette!
A warm welcome to Russell Fette! Russ joins CASA as our Promotions Coordinator (aka Schwag Developer, or He-Who-Makes-Cool-Stuff-for-Climbers).
Russell and his family returned to Tucson after several years in Korea and Kansas, and they are so happy to be back near their mountain playgrounds. After years of benefiting from the stewardship of other volunteers while they raised their kids on the trails and crags, Russ and his family are excited to give back to the land and community that has given them so much.
Russell and his family returned to Tucson after several years in Korea and Kansas, and they are so happy to be back near their mountain playgrounds. After years of benefiting from the stewardship of other volunteers while they raised their kids on the trails and crags, Russ and his family are excited to give back to the land and community that has given them so much.
Russ loves almost every activity available outside in southern Arizona, whether cragging, hiking, camping, trail running, or just watching our beautiful sunsets in his backyard. His favorite local adventure to date has been on Baboquivari.
Russ is passionate about protecting and sharing the amazing landscapes of the American West and feels blessed to call it home.
Russ is passionate about protecting and sharing the amazing landscapes of the American West and feels blessed to call it home.
August 2019 — CASA Buzz
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Grants / Awards / Fundraising
On August 8, CASA was honored to have Ashleigh Thompson present a more intimate version of Climbing: An Indigenous Perspective at REI. This was part of our Loving Your Local Outdoors 2019 grant. Miss the event? Check out the presentation slides here. Education The Arizona Women’s Climbing Coalition visited us last month for our Summer Education Series. They are looking for women to help start a chapter right here in Tucson! Several climbers have already begun sharing ideas about establishing this chapter. Get in touch at www.azwcc.org. This month the Southern Arizona Rescue Association performed a rescue demonstration and presented a slideshow for the Summer Education Series! We gathered at Summit Hut and the Tucson Hop Shop, Thursday, August 22. |
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We will be extending the Summer Education series a bit with two more presenters lined up for the fall! Keep an eye on our Facebook page for details.
Story Collection
Brush off those keyboards, ink sketches, rad photos, and climbing journals! Stories from the Drylands III will be launching in 2020. Missing a book? Check out the first two volumes.
Stewardship Team
Mark your calendars for March 2020! We’re psyched to be beefing up our Youth Stewardship Day event. This time around, we’ll be offering a series of pre-training for Youth and Adult Crew Leaders to building confidence and leadership skills. Community service and giving back is more fun on the mountain!
(Tentative) Next Adopt a Crag is October 5 on the Aspen Trail.
Outreach and Community
CASA is proud to continue to co-host Climbing in Color’s exciting POC Meetup at Rocks and Ropes. This summer, climbers of color and allies met together each month to share ropes. Let’s continue to celebrate diversity and inclusivity in our community!
Story Collection
Brush off those keyboards, ink sketches, rad photos, and climbing journals! Stories from the Drylands III will be launching in 2020. Missing a book? Check out the first two volumes.
Stewardship Team
Mark your calendars for March 2020! We’re psyched to be beefing up our Youth Stewardship Day event. This time around, we’ll be offering a series of pre-training for Youth and Adult Crew Leaders to building confidence and leadership skills. Community service and giving back is more fun on the mountain!
(Tentative) Next Adopt a Crag is October 5 on the Aspen Trail.
Outreach and Community
CASA is proud to continue to co-host Climbing in Color’s exciting POC Meetup at Rocks and Ropes. This summer, climbers of color and allies met together each month to share ropes. Let’s continue to celebrate diversity and inclusivity in our community!
July 2019 — 2018 Annual Report
CASA is pleased to announce that our 2018 annual report is complete. Read or download it below!
June 2019 — CASA Buzz
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Highlights
Our first Education Night for Summer 2019 on May 23 was a huge success. Read more about it below. Grants/Awards/Funding As you may have heard, CASA won an REI grant, which we will use to buy a trailer to store and schlepp the equipment we use for our stewardship activities. Education We had a great turnout at the Tucson Hop Shop for our Education Night on May 23. Somewhere between 50 and 65 folks turned up for “Climbing: An Indigenous Perspective.” Ashleigh Thompson and Sergio Avila gave the audience moving presentations about climbing stewardship on native lands. June’s Education Night will look at cracks: how to climb them and protect them. Join us at the Tucson Hop Shop on June 20, 7-9 pm. July’s Ed Night will feature presentations from the Arizona Women’s Climbing Coalition, and in August we’ll host the Southern Arizona Rescue Association. |
Stewardship Team
Thank you, Bekah Taylor, for stepping in as the new Youth Stewardship Coordinator this year. Stay tuned for info on upcoming Youth Stewardship Day plans. Collaboration CASA is proud to continue to co-host Climbing in Color’s exciting POC Meetup at Rocks and Ropes. Let’s continue to celebrate diversity and inclusivity in our community! |
May 2019 — Collaboration with Arizona Mountaineering Club (AMC)
CASA is excited to announce that we have reached a cooperative agreement with the Arizona Mountaineering Club, a Phoenix-based climbing education and advocacy group that has been operating since 1964! We have agreed to share our expertise in stewardship in exchange for learning about their education programs.
May 2019 — CASA Buzz
Anchor Team (A-Team)
The Anchor Team installed quick-lower anchors at many of the high traffic climbs on the Main Wall in Milagrosa Canyon! No one should have to “untie up high” on single pitch climbs. Unfamiliar with how to use quick-lowers? Watch a 1-min demo. Graffiti Team CASA volunteers took care of 8 separate tags at Windy Point, totaling 83 square feet. If you come across any graffiti on Mt. Lemmon, report it here. 
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Highlights
The membership drive rocked this year! Thanks for joining or renewing. If you still need to renew, click here. Our first Education Night for Summer 2019 is Thursday, May 23. Join us! The Anchor Team and Graffiti Team started off the year strong. Read more below and left. Grants/Awards/Funding CASA’s REI grant funds will be put toward scoring our Stewardship program a trailer in 2019! Education We’re kicking off our summer education nights with a presentation by local Tucson climber Ashleigh Thompson, of the Red Lake Ojibwe! Join us Thursday May 23 from 7-9pm at the Tucson Hop Shop for Climbing: An Indigenous Perspective. Stewardship Team Did you know? Burrowing Owls are protected in Arizona, which is why our next Adopt a Crag will be in the fall — so we can avoid disturbing their nesting areas. Stay tuned! Youth Stewardship Day This year’s Youth Stewardship Day will be totally rad! We have a limited number of crew leaders slots, so be ready to sign up. We'll be recruiting 14 adult crew leaders and 14 teen crew leaders. We will have more details in the months to follow. Outreach and Community Upcoming events! Fall Beanfest is scheduled Oct 18-20. Mark your calendars! It was awesome to see everybody cranking hard at the Locals Only Comp at Rocks & Ropes! |
Access Issues
The Bighorn Sheep closure ended April 30. See map (p. 3) to review formerly off-limit climbing areas in the Pusch Ridge Wilderness.
In Southern Arizona, raptor breeding season is roughly February through July. Nesting raptors are protected by law. CASA recognizes that any climbing area may be considered off limits, subject to the conditions. Do your part to be on the right side of the law (and the birds)—and have fun and be safe out there.
The Bighorn Sheep closure ended April 30. See map (p. 3) to review formerly off-limit climbing areas in the Pusch Ridge Wilderness.
In Southern Arizona, raptor breeding season is roughly February through July. Nesting raptors are protected by law. CASA recognizes that any climbing area may be considered off limits, subject to the conditions. Do your part to be on the right side of the law (and the birds)—and have fun and be safe out there.
April 2019 — CASA Buzz
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It’s our April member drive! Can you help us reach 400 members in 2019? We’re 117 donors strong so far. Your donation will be matched! Renew online or come see us at the gym! We’ll be at Rocks and Ropes April 16,18, 23,25, and 30. See you at the The BLOC on April 24.
Welcome to the CASA Team! We’d like to welcome all our new volunteers who’ve dedicated their time to sustain and nurture this organization. CASA is all-volunteer run. These new folks have stepped up to fuel the engine that brings you great events year round: Maggi Dawson — Member Drive Coordinator Bekah Taylor — Education Coordinator Eli Guiterman — Future Treasurer Cliff Gyves — Media Coordinator, Asst. Education Coordinator Nick Henscheid — Webmaster, Director Katie Markovich — Membership Coordinator Brian Rasmussen — Graffiti Removal Coordinator Erin Thompson — Deputy Director, Future Secretary Don Wilson — Social Media Coordinator Grants CASA is a recipient of a 2019 REI grant for our stewardship work! Thanks for dropping your tokens in CASA’s bucket! Education We’re expanding our education program! Expect to see more offerings in addition to summer Education Nights and something entirely new just down the road. Want to help as an instructor? Have other ideas? Contact our Education Coordinator Bekah Taylor (bekah@theclimbershome.org) or her assistant Cliff Gyves (cliff@theclimbershome.org). Collaborations Climbing in Color’s first POC Climbing Meetup at Rocks and Ropes is Thursday, April 25 at 5:30 pm! CASA is proud to co-host this event and celebrate our diverse community. The Arizona Mountaineering Club (AMC) graciously invited CASA to send reps to observe their Beginning Outdoor Toprope Course in March. The AMC wishes to emulate CASA’s robust stewardship program and will be picking our brains--and calendars--to get some ideas. You may see some AMC officers visiting our meetings and events in the coming months Be sure to give them a warm CASA welcome! |
Graffiti Removal
The Graffiti Removal Team is planning to remove some unsightly tags at Windy Point in the next couple of weeks. If you’re out on the mountain and come across any graffiti please report it, and we will get to it as soon as possible. Stewardship Thanks to everyone who came out to Mt Lemmon for the Adopt-a-Crag on March 17. Come out to our Mt Lemmon Highway Cleanup on April 28. Meet at The BLOC parking lot at 9 am. Sign up here. Also stay tuned for the fall Youth Stewardship Day on National Public Lands Day, September 28th, 2019. We are looking for 12 adult crew leaders and 12 teen crew leaders. Community We are stoked to have provided port-a-potties again for this spring’s Beanfest (March 22-24) at the West Stronghold. Thanks for helping leave no trace. Our very own Bekah Taylor served as Beanmistress, a.k.a. The Bean Queen, and turned a normally two-day event into a three-day extravaganza! Did you see that CASA now has a LinkedIn page? |
March 21, 2019 — Good news for climbers and falcons in Cochise Stronghold!
Photo by Jeff Ladderud
The Forest Service has lifted nesting raptor closures in the Stronghold and is trusting climbers to NOT disturb the birds. If climbers choose to disturb nesting raptors, the closures will be reinstated (and likely expanded). Please report nesting raptors on Mountain Project. Educate yourself and others!
January 2019 — CASA Buzz
°°°SCHWAG°°°
The Goat Returns! Our Year 1 shirt is back with your favorite goat. Look for the shirt soon—yours when you renew or become a 2019 CASA member starting with the April member drive! Buy a trucker-hat & support CASA! Over $10 of each sale goes directly to CASA. Thanks, Connect Climbing! Free CASA (temporary) tattoos are available at CASA events! °°°OTHER WAYS YOU CAN HELP°°° Anthology #3 - Want to be part of it? We need enough people to commit to writing a piece or contributing art. Tell us you’re in by email, Insta, or Messenger. Our graffiti crew is on the hunt for new tags at Windy Point. Please report graffiti. |
°°°UPCOMING EVENTS°°°
Sat. Feb 2 — CASA’s 4th Anniversary Party & Potluck. Sign up to bring a dish! Beverages provided by Harbottle Brewing Company. This event is sponsored by Abbot Taylor Jewelers. Celebrate with us! Thus. Feb 7 — No Man’s Land Film Festival celebrates women in the outdoors! The event sells out, so get your tickets asap! Thanks, Summit Hut, for sponsoring this event. No Man’s Land slideshow: Submit your rad photo of your female climber friend! Sponsored by Roadrunner Bicycles. Cheers to our Lady Beta Award winners, Christa Melde and Josephine "Jo" Corder! We’ll be honoring these two awesome women for their contributions to the climbing community at the film festival. HUGE NEWS! Feb 23 is the Homestead Climbing Festival! Swag, t-shirt, meals, coffee, fun, campfires, and of course, climbing. Get tickets! YOU have helped put on 20 Adopt-a-Crags so far! Our next event will be March. Keep an eye open for details. °°°REMINDERS°°° Quick lower system — CASA’s upgrading anchors on Tucson’s favorite climbs. TR + lower on your own gear; last person clips the fixed ‘biners and gets a free ride down. No one should have to untie up high. The Bighorn Sheep closure in effect from Jan 1 to April 30, limiting climbing areas in the Pusch Ridge Wilderness. |
January 10, 2019 — Farewell, Eric Sophiea
After four years of hard work and dedication, Eric Sophiea will be leaving CASA to pursue other challenges. Eric is one of the founders of CASA and was instrumental in its success. He has volunteered thousands of hours to ensure the smooth operation of the organization. In his tenure, he has held a wide variety of positions, from President to Crew Leader, always bringing his insight and dedication to whatever task he was involved in.
All of us at CASA would like to thank Eric for his vast contribution. The southern Arizona climbing community has benefited greatly from his time and vision. We wish Eric all the best in his new adventures.
Eric's work leaves CASA financially and structurally sound, and we will be using his departure as an opportunity for greater community involvement in our leadership. CASA is and has always been an organization dedicated to supporting climbers and creating community—a home for climbers. In the next few months, CASA will be actively recruiting new volunteer staff members to take over some of the functions that Eric has been performing. If you have always considered becoming part of a fun and vibrant organization, this is your chance.
Thank you, Eric, and may you find success on your new path.
All of us at CASA would like to thank Eric for his vast contribution. The southern Arizona climbing community has benefited greatly from his time and vision. We wish Eric all the best in his new adventures.
Eric's work leaves CASA financially and structurally sound, and we will be using his departure as an opportunity for greater community involvement in our leadership. CASA is and has always been an organization dedicated to supporting climbers and creating community—a home for climbers. In the next few months, CASA will be actively recruiting new volunteer staff members to take over some of the functions that Eric has been performing. If you have always considered becoming part of a fun and vibrant organization, this is your chance.
Thank you, Eric, and may you find success on your new path.
December 2018 — CASA Buzz
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Here's what's buzzin' at CASA! Happy Solstice! It's winter (well, almost) in southern Arizona.
CASA Trucker Hats: Get 'em before they’re gone! Profit from each hat ($10) is donated to CASA. Thanks to the strong crew that came out to Sheepshead in Cochise. ALL THREE of the Access Fund teams joined, and they were really psyched about the turnout! Get tickets to No Man’s Land — on sale now. The 2019 climbing festival celebrating women in the outdoors is sponsored by Summit Hut. Submit your rad photo of female southern Arizona climbers. This year's slideshow is supported by Roadrunner Bicycles. CASA is now also adding quick-lower systems to existing climbs. No one should have to untie up high! CASA’s 4th Anniversary Party is Saturday Feb 2nd. Bring friends + fam. Check out the party and bring a dish to share. Here’s the deal. We’d love to do Anthology 3. We need enough people to commit to contributing a story or art. Will you? We make it easy! Email us and tell us you’re in. Our graffiti crew treated several tags at Windy Point covering about 120 sq feet. Woot! Please report graffiti. |
Want to help maintain bolts in Southern AZ? Look for an upcoming chance to get a FREE wrench and learn to torque bolts when they’re loose.
Free CASA tattoo! ;) Everybody’s getting one. Come see us at an event for details. Love bees? This sweet pic is by Holly Albrecht, local Tucson photographer — Thanks, Holly! Follow her on Instagram at @hja.photography. |
November 2018 — CASA Buzz
Coming soon: Help maintain bolts in Southern AZ — Get a FREE wrench + learn to torque bolts when they’re loose.
Reel Rock — Two nights, Dec 3rd & 10th! Catch the film and support the Youth Team. Tickets for sale NOW at the BLOC & The Loft. CASA, the Access Fund, and the Wilderness Society have been working with the Forest Service to ensure continued climbing access at the Dry. |
Hope you all had a great Thanksgiving! What are your big climbing plans for the late fall season?
Here's what's going on with CASA >> Stewardship and Stew! Adopt a Crag and Community Dinner will be at Cochise - Sheepshead on Dec 1st, Saturday. Info & sign-up! CASA Trucker Hats — Get ’em before they’re gone! Profit from each hat ($10) comes back to CASA. Our newest sponsor: Connect Climbing — purveyor of great climbing apparel and swag. Thanks to the strong crew that came out to Windy Point in October. The work looks great! Welcome new directors Maggi Dawson and Vice President Geir Hundal. Join the team and help CASA do all this amazing stuff! Summit Hut is sponsoring CASA in 2019. Tell them “Woot!” next time you’re there. CASA’s 4th Anniversary Party is Saturday Feb 2nd. Calendar that! Now! |
October 2018 — CASA Buzz
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It’s sending season! CASA has been crushing it, and we hope you are too!
Next Adopt a Crag will be at Windy Point on October 28th, Saturday. See you there! Sign up. The third annual Youth Stewardship Day was a blast. Shoutout to more than 100 volunteers who removed litter on Mt. Lemmon. This youth-centric event is in conjunction with National Public Lands Day and sponsored by BroadPath Healthcare Solutions. Summit Hut is sponsoring CASA in 2019. Tell them “Woot!” next time you’re there. CASA’s Executive Director presented at the Access Fund’s National Climbing Summit Conference. We shared what we’ve learned with other LCO’s from across the country. Two of CASA’s Team were in New York accepting the Sharp End Award at the Access Fund’s Awards Dinner. Congrats to Geir and Eric S. Thanks for coming out to Tucson Hop Shop for the last education night! Thanks to Kevin M Fay, at Motus Performance. CASA is now also adding quick-lower systems to existing climbs. No one should have to untie up high! Learn more here. |
Want to help maintain bolts in Southern AZ? Look for an upcoming chance to get a FREE wrench and learn to torque bolts when they’re loose.
It was great to see so many folks at Casa Video October 2nd! Thanks to Le Buzz for sponsoring these events. CASA and the Wilderness Society have been working with the Forest Service to ensure continued climbing access at the Dry. |
September 2018 — CASA Buzz
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Fall is almost here (or so the calendar says...) and naturally we are busy as bees!
Our next educational night at Tucson Hop Shop is Tuesday, Sept 18, 7PM! Come out and learn about Bulletproof Shoulders for Climbers. On September 22, 2018, we're hosting our third annual Youth Stewardship Day—middle and high school students participate in outdoor stewardship on Mt. Lemmon in honor of National Public Lands Day. More info here. Tucson Hop Shop is signing up for another year sponsoring CASA and stepping up to the next level! The next Adopt a Crag will be at Windy Point on October 28th, Saturday. See you there! Sign up. |
No one should have to untie up high! The A-Team is now also adding quick-lower systems to existing climbs. Top-rope or lower on your own gear, then the last person for the day clips the fixed ‘biners and gets a free ride down.
Miss seeing your friends? Join CASA at Casa Video October 2nd, 6 PM.
The Forest Service has chosen not to include Windy Point Vista parking as a new fee area on Mt. Lemmon! CASA is still working with them to also keep the current free parking at Gordon Hirabayashi, another proposed fee area.
CASA and the Wilderness Society have been working with the Forest Service to help make sure that climbing at the Dry is not impacted by the Recommended Wilderness designation. Things are looking good for us right now!
Miss seeing your friends? Join CASA at Casa Video October 2nd, 6 PM.
The Forest Service has chosen not to include Windy Point Vista parking as a new fee area on Mt. Lemmon! CASA is still working with them to also keep the current free parking at Gordon Hirabayashi, another proposed fee area.
CASA and the Wilderness Society have been working with the Forest Service to help make sure that climbing at the Dry is not impacted by the Recommended Wilderness designation. Things are looking good for us right now!
August 2018 — CASA Buzz
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We've flown (buzzed?) through most of the summer! School's in, and fall is on the way. Yay! On September 22, 2018, CASA will host our third annual Youth Stewardship Day. This day provides middle and high school students the opportunity to participate in outdoor stewardship on Mt. Lemmon in honor of National Public Lands Day. We need your help if you're over 18 and want to volunteer! Learn more here. We’d love to see you there! CASA’s 2017/2018 RTP grant is complete—and we’re through the first hurdles of executing another one in 2019! This work helps all trail users in the Santa Catalina Mtns! Look for one more educational night at Tucson Hop Shop in mid-September. Sept 18th, 7:00 PM! Next Adopt a Crag will be at Windy Point on October 28th, Saturday. See you there! The A-Team has been hard at work replacing bolts and is now also adding quick-lower systems to existing climbs that don’t need other hardware upgrades. Top-rope or lower on your own gear, then the last person for the day clips the fixed ‘biners and gets a free ride down. No one should have to untie up high! See the latest A-Team report. |
Miss seeing your friends? We’re planning another CASA at Casa Video for September. Stay tuned!
CASA’s Anchor Team will be at the Access Fund’s Vertical Stewardship Workshop to share our innovative methods of bolt replacement with the national community. The Forest Service has chosen not to include Windy Point Vista parking as a new fee area on Mt. Lemmon! CASA is still working with them to also keep the current free parking at Gordon Hirabayashi, another proposed fee area. |
July 2018 — CASA Buzz
It's been a buzzy summer! Cicadas, skeeters, bees — oh my. Here's the scoop from CASA.
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Over fifty climbers turned out Thurs 7/19 at the Tucson Hop Shop for Steering Clear of Trouble with Geir Hundal. Great tips for minimizing rock climbing near-misses and accidents. CASA’s Edu program is supported by Garland Spears, LLC Tucson Real Estate. Thanks, Garland!
We need adult volunteers for Youth Stewardship Day 2018 on Saturday, September 22nd! Registration opens soon. Raptor breeding season is wrapping up. Thanks for giving breeding falcons and other raptors their space! Last CASA at Casa Video Film Bar is Tuesday, August 14th! See ya there. The Forest Service changed their recommended wilderness boundaries—CASA is working with Access Fund and the Wilderness Society to help protect sport climbing at the Dry. The good news is that rock climbing in the Cochise Stronghold is not threatened! |
June 2018 — CASA Buzz
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We're in the crux of the summer, trying to make it to a rest at the monsoon...
CASA applied for the We Can grant by Outdoor Research! It’s super competitive. Annually, they fund one project to improve access to the outdoors, where access = Land, Experience, and Community. Wish us luck! Lots of you Got Buzzed with us at our Bees, Falcons, Climbers education night at the Tucson Hop Shop. Another bunch of you joined us recently to sharpen up your bolt knowledge with Geir Hundal’s Beers and Bolts II. Geir is also running self-rescue courses in July and August. CASA members receive a discount on the classes. For more info, go here. Shout-out to our Education Program sponsor, Garland Spears, LLC Tucson Real Estate. An energetic 37 muscle machines joined us June 9 for Adopt a Crag 18! Together we repaired and restored the heavily used Aspen and Marshall Gulch trails near Summerhaven, Mt. Lemmon. Check out the production details, gift card raffle winners, and crew leaders. Big shout-out to our Adopt a Crag sponsor, Summit Hut! Next big volunteer event is Youth Stewardship Day on September 29. Mark your calendar! Remember to report concerning bolts. |
Summer rains approach—and with the heat and deluge come chill evenings at CASA at Casa Film Bar. Join your friends and climbing fam. Grab a beverage, break out the popcorn, and watch some climbing films! The next one is Thursday, July 19.
Coronado National Forest Service Management Plan released—CASA is reviewing it and working with the Access Fund and other partners to advocate for climbing.
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May 2018 — CASA Buzz
Welcome to our newest member of the Board of Directors: Kale Kacperski! Thanks for stepping up, Kale!
June 9th Adopt a Crag in the shady and cool pines at Marshall Gulch. Sign up here. |
We're buzzing into the summer.
233 individuals donated and doubled their impact this Spring. Thanks to all of you for being part of this team! Thanks to CASA's sponsors, directors and some generous individuals for matching member donations! We’ll be at Tucson Hop Shop for three Thursday education nights: May 24, June 21, & July 19. First topic: Bees, Falcons, and Climbers—learn how to keep yourself and wildlife safe. Be on the lookout for new steel “quick lower” carabiners at the tops of popular climbs. CASA believes that “no one should untie up high!” Use fixed carabiners for the last climber to clean and lower safely—they are not for top-roping! Watch some climbing films and have a beverage with us! CASA at Casa Video Film Bar returns for three nights this summer: June 19, July 17, & August 14. CASA presents our work and successes at the Arizona Mountaineering Club’s June meeting in Phoenix. Presenter: CASA Executive Director Eric Sophiea. |
April 2018 — CASA Buzz
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April Member Drive Update: Over 150 people have joined CASA in 2018, already. Our goal is 300 members! We need your help to make sure CASA has enough funding for our next year’s work. New — Become a monthly donor to make giving easier!
Two CASA volunteers, Geir Hundal and Eric Sophiea, were honored with the Access Fund’s Sharp End Award! 41 awesome peeps hauled out 47 big bags of trash, a cinder-block, two tires/wheels, a hunk of mystery-metal, and the usual chunk of car. Must’ve been our April 7 annual Highway Cleanup! Volunteers obliterated 7 graffiti tags at Windy Point in April. Look for upcoming Education Nights at Tucson Hop Shop in May, June, and July. Beanfest attendees appreciated the toilets provide by CASA. Two VIP’s from the American Alpine Club also used them in the days afterward and personally thanked CASA. Leave no trace! |
Eric Sophiea represented CASA at a National Park Service Wilderness Climbing Management conference and showcased our work at Windy Point.
June 9 is our next Adopt a Crag up on the ponderosa summit. Save the date! |
April 13, 2018 — CASA 2017 Annual Report
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April 2018 — Access Fund Names Outstanding Climbing Advocates
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March 2018 — CASA Buzz
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Please join us in thanking Alex Brummer for his three years of service with CASA. Alex brought valuable insight and experience to our team and we wish him well at his postdoc position at UCLA.
Eric Ruljancich of Pika Consulting powered through 6 Trails Workshops and 6 Micro Trail Days this spring. These events, part of CASA’s RTP grant project, bring trail maintenance expertise to the broader outdoor community. The CASA leadership helped move the Beardsley Boulder Pile graffiti removal project forward during its early stages. Check out this cool Phoenix cleanup day, powered by Natural Restorations! Lady Beta Award Winners Stef Caffarel, Kate McHugh, and Lora Rivera--three amazing women give back to their climbing community. Select their names to see what they shared that night. |
Last but not least, Eric Sophiea made banal jokes at nearly all events with an extra special effort at EFR’s birthday party. <3
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February 2018 — CASA Buzz
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Windy Point needs some love! Register for the March 4th Adopt a Crag.
Eric Ruljancich of Pika Consulting is expanding the depth of Tucson’s trail volunteer skills through a series of training workshops. This program reaches a broad group of trail users from across the state as part of CASA’s Recreational Trail Program project. Funded by a grant from Arizona State Parks. CASA needs your help finding corporate sponsors to support our work! Do you know of a business that wants to give back, support our work, and get showered with praise by the outdoor recreation community? Let us know. Thanks for making CASA’s presentation of No Man’s Land Film Festival a success—it was a sold out show and amazing celebration of women adventurers! Let’s do it again next year. Missed the Lady Beta Award presentation? Watch it here. |
Snag a copy of our CASA Anthologies at Summit Hut, Rocks & Ropes, the BLOC, Antigone Books, or online.
Thanks for celebrating three years with us! It was great to see a big crowd at Borderlands Brewing for CASA’s anniversary party.
Pooped at Beanfest in the last few years? CASA will be providing portable toilets again to help you leave no trace of beans in the Stronghold.
That climber on the home page of our website? Yeah, him. Shout-out to Brian Rasmussen for stepping up to lead our efforts against graffiti on our mountain. Thanks, Brian!
Thanks for celebrating three years with us! It was great to see a big crowd at Borderlands Brewing for CASA’s anniversary party.
Pooped at Beanfest in the last few years? CASA will be providing portable toilets again to help you leave no trace of beans in the Stronghold.
That climber on the home page of our website? Yeah, him. Shout-out to Brian Rasmussen for stepping up to lead our efforts against graffiti on our mountain. Thanks, Brian!
January 2018 — CASA Buzz
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Want to increase your trail skills and give back? Learn to identify and perform needed maintenance on your local trails! CASA's Stewardship Coordinator Eric Ruljancich will be leading a series of free no-experience-needed workshops on Jan 20, Jan 27, Feb 3, Feb 10, Feb 11, and Feb 24. Space is limited—so register soon. More info here.
Happy anniversary! We’re celebrating three years on Saturday, Feb. 3rd (6-9pm) at Borderlands. A couple of drinks on us. Or a drink and some chow. Or just chow. You choose! Guests receive two tokens to redeem for either pints at Borderlands or $5 off your purchase at EnjoyaBowls Food Truck parked outside. Plus cool raffle prizes! More info + RSVP on Facebook.) Tickets to the No Man’s Land Film Festival on Thursday, Feb. 15th are on sale and going fast! Snag yours for $10 each at Rocks and Ropes, The BLOC, or The Loft ($12 at the door). Also highlighting local lady climbers and adventurers in a pre-event slideshow. Submit your awesome photos! |
Thanks to CASA volunteers Brian Rasmussen and Eric Sophiea, say goodbye to graffiti on Hitchcock Pinnacle at Windy Point. See the before/after animation. Support graffiti removal by joining CASA today and reporting graffiti you see on Mt. Lemmon.
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December 2017 — CASA Buzz
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COMING UP
Tickets to the No Man’s Land Film Festival go on sale January 1st! Snag yours for $10 at Rocks and Ropes, The Bloc, or The Loft ($12 at the door). Happy anniversary! We’re celebrating three years on Saturday, Feb. 3rd (6-9pm) at Borderlands Brewing Company. Details here. Everyone's invited. Bring friends and fam to raise a glass to YOU amazing volunteers, supporters, donors, and partners. You’ve made CASA’s 3rd year a huge success! P.S. First beer's on us! |
PAST MONTH
CASA's Adopt a Crag 14 at The Homestead (Dec 2) was a huge success! 45 volunteers from Phoenix, Tucson, and beyond put their muscle into taking care of this shared crag. Crews led by the Access Fund and CASA volunteers built staircases to help reduce erosion, re-routed eroded climber trails, expanded a parking area near the trails, and more!
What a fantastic turnout to our Anthology 2 book launch! So many great people and stories gathered at Ermanos. Thanks to all who made the night special. Get the box set directly from CASA—or visit Rocks & Ropes,The BLOC, Summit Hut, or Amazon for this or last year’s!
Looking for someone to speak to your team about CASA’s work in the community? We’d love to tailor a presentation to meet your specific needs and interests! Email Executive Director Kristyn Conner to schedule.
November 2017 — CASA Buzz
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- CASA is helping other climbing advocates across the country. Carolina Climbers Coalition wants to hire their first staff, so we're sharing what we learned. We provided logistical startup assistance to the Northern Arizona Climbers Coalition to share what we learned during our incorporation and tax-exemption process. We helped the Prescott Climbers Coalition a couple years back, too. It takes a village, y'all!
- Thanks to Summit Hut, CASA CRUSHED it at the Beer 'n' Gear night. Summit Hut collected donations for CASA and provided chow, beverages, deals and prizes to over 200 people that showed up.
October 2017 — CASA Buzz
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September 2017 — CASA Buzz
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- Gear and Beer Pint Night is coming up on November 9th at the Oro Valley Summit Hut! Hang out with CASA, have a beverage, and get some great deals on climbing gear.
- On December 7th, join us at Ermano's to get your copy of the Anthology, a tasty beverage, BBQ, and/or food from their menu.
- Please register for the Adopt a Crag 12 at Marshall Gulch on October 1st.
- November 5th is Adopt a Crag 13 at Windy Point.
- The Anchor Team is at it again updating bolts across the mountain! See the list of updated climbs here.
- CASA volunteers continue scrubbing graffiti from the rock on Mt. Lemmon. We hope you enjoy not seeing it! Report Graffiti.
- We're accepting applications for an Executive Director! Check out the job announcement. If you know anyone who might be interested, send them our way!
- Beanfest is October 22nd at the Vineyard Cove campground in the East Stronghold. CASA will be providing toilets to help keep Cochise clean! Thanks for you help in reducing climber impact.
August 2017 — CASA's President, Eric Sophiea, wins the Cox Conserves Heroes Award! Thanks to everyone who voted!
July 2017 — CASA Buzz
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April 2017
March 2017
Desert Savvy Training: Conscious Climbing Impact
April 1, 2017
Double your impact
Donations in April are being matched by Rocks & Ropes, The BLOC, and Tim Richardson of Habitation Realty (up to $3000)! It's a great time to sign up or renew. Your membership will score you the new 2017 design t-shirt and a bunch of new member discounts around town and online!
Don't miss out on an opportunity to learn about Desert Savvy Climbing. Participate in our April 1st Conscious Climber Impact course! Thanks to Joe Cleinmark for teaching and Geir Hundal for the Education Team leadership.
The Anthology is happening again! Submissions open April 1st. Submit your stories for the CASA Climbing Anthology 2.
Want to expand your knowledge of trail work and erosion control? Stay tuned for more crew leader training opportunities coming soon!
See you April 2nd for a quick litter cleanup day along Mt. Lemmon Highway. Meet at the BLOC at 9:00!
Donations in April are being matched by Rocks & Ropes, The BLOC, and Tim Richardson of Habitation Realty (up to $3000)! It's a great time to sign up or renew. Your membership will score you the new 2017 design t-shirt and a bunch of new member discounts around town and online!
Don't miss out on an opportunity to learn about Desert Savvy Climbing. Participate in our April 1st Conscious Climber Impact course! Thanks to Joe Cleinmark for teaching and Geir Hundal for the Education Team leadership.
The Anthology is happening again! Submissions open April 1st. Submit your stories for the CASA Climbing Anthology 2.
Want to expand your knowledge of trail work and erosion control? Stay tuned for more crew leader training opportunities coming soon!
See you April 2nd for a quick litter cleanup day along Mt. Lemmon Highway. Meet at the BLOC at 9:00!
February 2017
On Saturday, Feb 25th, CASA hosted the first ever Adopt a Crag at Baboquivari Peak.
41 volunteers showed up for this incredibly successful event. Multiple people and organizations worked hard to make this day a reality
Baboquivari Peak has a powerful significance to many and especially to the Tohono O'odham people. It was both an honor and a privilege to give back to this special place.
This Adopt a Crag would not have been possible without the hard work of the following people and organizations:
• Matt Nelson
• James Martinez
• Veronica Harvey
• The Tohono O'odham Nation
•The Access Fund Conservation Team (Andrea and Annabelle)
• The Arizona Wilderness Coalition
• Eric Sophiea
• Lora Rivera
• Andy Bennett
• Joe Cleinmark
• Eric Ruljancich (Canada)
And most important, thank YOU: All you volunteers who donated your time, energy, and sweat to help make the world a little better.
Results of our work on the Baboquivari Access Trail:
• 2.4 Miles of trail cleared of brush
• 27 Drains
• 4 Check dams
• 115' Berm removed
• 15' Retaining wall
• 340' of resurfaced tread
If you missed this event please consider coming out for our Adopt a Crag 10: Mt Lemmon Highway Cleanup, April 2. More details soon.
Thanks for supporting CASA and stewardship!
41 volunteers showed up for this incredibly successful event. Multiple people and organizations worked hard to make this day a reality
Baboquivari Peak has a powerful significance to many and especially to the Tohono O'odham people. It was both an honor and a privilege to give back to this special place.
This Adopt a Crag would not have been possible without the hard work of the following people and organizations:
• Matt Nelson
• James Martinez
• Veronica Harvey
• The Tohono O'odham Nation
•The Access Fund Conservation Team (Andrea and Annabelle)
• The Arizona Wilderness Coalition
• Eric Sophiea
• Lora Rivera
• Andy Bennett
• Joe Cleinmark
• Eric Ruljancich (Canada)
And most important, thank YOU: All you volunteers who donated your time, energy, and sweat to help make the world a little better.
Results of our work on the Baboquivari Access Trail:
• 2.4 Miles of trail cleared of brush
• 27 Drains
• 4 Check dams
• 115' Berm removed
• 15' Retaining wall
• 340' of resurfaced tread
If you missed this event please consider coming out for our Adopt a Crag 10: Mt Lemmon Highway Cleanup, April 2. More details soon.
Thanks for supporting CASA and stewardship!
January 2017
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE — January 31, 2017
CASA (Climbing Association of Southern Arizona) is excited to announce that we have received a sizable grant from the Arizona State Parks Recreational Trail Program!
The grant is to be used in the Santa Catalina Ranger District on 21 miles of established trails. CASA will be partnering with the Arizona Conservation Corps, the Forest Service, and the Arizona Trail Association to perform maintenance work on trails that access climbing areas in the Catalinas. The work will also benefit all other users of these trails including mountain bikers, equestrians, and hikers.
Additionally the grant will be used to provide workshops for volunteers from all user groups to help create a larger base of skilled volunteers. The $73,000 grant monies will be used to pay for Conservation Corps trail crews, program coordination, signs, educational materials and other project expenses
This work will be executed over approximately the next 12 to 18 months. There is currently a publicly listed Request For Proposal (RFP) to execute and implement the work.
CASA (Climbing Association of Southern Arizona) is excited to announce that we have received a sizable grant from the Arizona State Parks Recreational Trail Program!
The grant is to be used in the Santa Catalina Ranger District on 21 miles of established trails. CASA will be partnering with the Arizona Conservation Corps, the Forest Service, and the Arizona Trail Association to perform maintenance work on trails that access climbing areas in the Catalinas. The work will also benefit all other users of these trails including mountain bikers, equestrians, and hikers.
Additionally the grant will be used to provide workshops for volunteers from all user groups to help create a larger base of skilled volunteers. The $73,000 grant monies will be used to pay for Conservation Corps trail crews, program coordination, signs, educational materials and other project expenses
This work will be executed over approximately the next 12 to 18 months. There is currently a publicly listed Request For Proposal (RFP) to execute and implement the work.
December 2016
- Ever get tired of seeing TP at the crag? Us too. The CASA Education Team is developing a Leave-No-Trace class for climbers. Stay tuned.
- CASA climbers are eligible for a discount on Geir Hundal's classes; the next one will be offered in April and May!
- We had a fabulous holiday turnout for the Anthology Book Release Party at 1912 Brewing Company. Thank you all for coming! If you haven't got your copy, you can buy one from CASA at our next event or pick one up at Summit Hut, Rocks & Ropes, or Amazon.com.
- Thank you for your hard work Dec 3 at the Homestead Adopt a Crag! 56 climbers completed 2 new trails to popular walls, installed new kiosks, and 10 large drainage structures that will preserve the access road. The Access Fund hopes this can be an annual event, maintaining our primo winter limestone climbing area, improving conditions, connecting with community, and developing future stewards.
- Adopt a Crag 9 is right around the corner, slated for February 25-26, at beautiful Baboquivari or Cochise.
- Ongoing Anchor Replacement starts with you: Report bad bolts!
- CASA at Casa Video on Sat. evening, Jan 7. Hang out at CASA Video Bar on Speedway, have a drink, and watch a climbing film.
- 2nd Year Anniversary Party on Sat., Feb. 4. Celebrate our second year of great work together. Join us at Public Brewhouse and Ermanos!
March 6, 2016
Click here to view report
February 20, 2016
In partnership with the Arizona Wilderness Coalition, the U.S. Forest Service, and Dragoon Brewing Co.... Ladies and gents. Adopt a Crag 5.
Total volunteers: 38
Volunteer hours: 352 (Approx $10,000)
22 erosion control check dams
6 water bars/drains
250 feet of social/spur trail closed
8 water bars/drains cleaned/repaired
A GIGANTIC thank you from CASA to all of you! We can't make our climbing areas better without your help. #leavenotrace #adoptacrag #stewardshipAccess Fund
Total volunteers: 38
Volunteer hours: 352 (Approx $10,000)
22 erosion control check dams
6 water bars/drains
250 feet of social/spur trail closed
8 water bars/drains cleaned/repaired
A GIGANTIC thank you from CASA to all of you! We can't make our climbing areas better without your help. #leavenotrace #adoptacrag #stewardshipAccess Fund
October 25, 2015
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Before and after photos from our October Adopt a Crag Event at Gordon Hirabayashi Campground
2,500 square feet of eroded ground restored 25 feet of retaining wall built 15 check dams installed 31 plants transplanted 1/2 a pound of native seed collected and planted 
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September 17, 2015
June 15, 2015
Crew Leader Training
On June 15, CASA conducted an 8-hour training for our volunteer Crew Leaders. The group learned leadership, risk management, and technical erosion control skills. As part of their training, they built upon the work that was started in February on the access route to North and South Fin at Windy Point. They had a lot of fun! Currently CASA has 6 Crew Leaders who are available to lead technical stewardship projects.
If you are interested in becoming involved in our stewardship program, please contact us.
On June 15, CASA conducted an 8-hour training for our volunteer Crew Leaders. The group learned leadership, risk management, and technical erosion control skills. As part of their training, they built upon the work that was started in February on the access route to North and South Fin at Windy Point. They had a lot of fun! Currently CASA has 6 Crew Leaders who are available to lead technical stewardship projects.
If you are interested in becoming involved in our stewardship program, please contact us.
May 24, 2015
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Hardware replacement best practices
CASA volunteers had a great day researching fixed hardware replacement. They refined methods for sustainable and minimal impact bolt replacement, including a system for effectively replacing most bolt types using the existing hole. |
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May 17, 2015
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May 17 Adopt a Crag report:
We built 24 new stone steps, placed tons of stabilizing rock, and broke in all of our new tools. Our dedicated and motivated volunteers continue to impress. Next time you are climbing at the Fins or at Beaver Wall at Windy Point, check out our volunteers' hard work, and consider becoming a donating member. Thanks to everyone who came out to move rocks, tell bad jokes, and give back to the community. Thanks to RBar Energy for supplying yummy food to fuel the hard work. Thanks to Access Fund for support, and the CASA stewardship team for making it all happen. A special shout out to John Hinrichsen for supplying the doughnuts. If you are interested in being part of these events in the future check the events section or follow us on Facebook. If you would like to be involved in a support or planning role, message us. We could really use your help. Thanks again, climbing community! |
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May 14, 2015
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CASA has new tools!
We will be breaking these in during our May 17th Adopt a Crag at Windy Point. We now have the capacity to run 3 crews using our own equipment, giving us more flexibility and autonomy. Thank you to our 126 donating members! You have helped make this possible. Your support empowers us to continue doing excellent work. Congratulations, Southern Arizona climbing community, on your new tools! |
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April 27, 2015
Congratulations, Southern Arizona!
We now all have a climbing organization that's an official 501(c)(3) tax-exempt nonprofit. The IRS just approved CASA's application!
Now you can deduct your donations to CASA (and any that you already made to us). This also opens more doors for us to do good work giving back to the climbing community.
We're all reaping the benefits from getting our ducks in a row from the start! From our corporate filings to our bylaws to our structural policies, we've set out to do this right. Thank you to everyone who has contributed and supported our efforts!
We now all have a climbing organization that's an official 501(c)(3) tax-exempt nonprofit. The IRS just approved CASA's application!
Now you can deduct your donations to CASA (and any that you already made to us). This also opens more doors for us to do good work giving back to the climbing community.
We're all reaping the benefits from getting our ducks in a row from the start! From our corporate filings to our bylaws to our structural policies, we've set out to do this right. Thank you to everyone who has contributed and supported our efforts!
April 20, 2015
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Clean and Climb Success!
60 bags of trash. One spare truck tire. Half of a bumper. 40 feet of rebar. 60 feet of steel pipe. Thank you Volunteers for making Mt. Lemmon a lot cleaner! |
April 7, 2015
March 18, 2015
CASA wins $2,000 Summit Hut Banff Grant
CASA grant writer, Alex Brummer (below), receives one of Summit Hut's $2,000 Banff Grants.
CASA grant writer, Alex Brummer (below), receives one of Summit Hut's $2,000 Banff Grants.
March 17, 2015
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Summary of the Feb 28th Adopt a Crag
In sum: 43 Volunteers 450 volunteer hours 41 stone erosion control steps built 400' of spur trail and social trails closed 150 square feet of eroded bank stabilized 16 bags of trash removed 6 graffiti tags removed Total rock moved ~ 15 tons Click here to read the full report (pdf doc) |
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