JUNE 26-28 HIIT SPRINGS

HIIT Springs Habitat Restoration Project Underway

The Arizona Elk Society kicked off its largest habitat restoration project of the year during the weekend of June 26–28, with an incredible turnout of volunteers gathering just south of Williams to begin work at HIIT Springs.

This important restoration project is focused on protecting the springhead and improving the long-term health of this valuable water source. During the wet season, elk, deer, and other wildlife naturally congregate around the spring, but years of heavy use have compacted the soil surrounding the springhead. Excessive soil compaction can reduce the spring's ability to naturally recharge and flow. By constructing a protective fence around the spring, wildlife will still have access to water while allowing the springhead and surrounding wetlands an opportunity to recover.

The project will also restore critical aquatic vegetation that has been heavily grazed over time. As native grasses, sedges, and other wetland plants return, they will stabilize the soil, improve water quality, provide habitat for birds, amphibians, insects, and other wildlife, and increase the overall biodiversity of the area. Healthy springs like HIIT Springs play an essential role in Arizona's ecosystems, making their protection a conservation priority.

This ambitious project will ultimately include more than 1,000 linear feet of continuous rail fence surrounding the spring complex. Volunteers arrived Friday morning to establish camp before heading straight to the jobsite. With eight corner posts already installed during a previous workday, crews immediately began laying out the fence line, marking post locations, drilling holes, and setting posts in concrete.

The work proved challenging from the start. Rocky ground slowed progress as volunteers repeatedly encountered large rocks that required jackhammers before holes could reach the required depth. Despite the difficult conditions, volunteers remained determined, setting 13 posts before wrapping up the first day.

Saturday brought even more volunteers to the project. After a brief safety meeting, crews spread out across the site and tackled the remaining fence line. Thanks to outstanding teamwork and dedication, nearly every post was installed and concreted by late afternoon. It was a perfect example of how many hands truly do make light work.

The weekend concluded Sunday morning after volunteers packed up camp, despite strong winds and nearby wildfire activity throughout the weekend. Their hard work established a tremendous foundation for the remaining phases of the project and demonstrated the remarkable commitment of AES volunteers to conserving Arizona's wildlife habitat.

The work isn't finished yet. Two additional volunteer weekends are scheduled for July 17–19 and July 31–August 2, when crews will install the continuous rails, complete the fence, and finish protecting this important spring ecosystem. Whether you're a longtime volunteer or looking to join your first habitat project, we'd love to have you on the mountain helping make a lasting difference for Arizona's wildlife.

Together, we're protecting springs throughout Arizona—and ensuring it continues to provide clean water and healthy habitat for generations of wildlife to come.