Phoenix Heat Wave? No Problem!

On the morning of Monday, June 27, a group of roughly 70 volunteers woke up with a common goal in mind.

What drove them to wake up as early as 5am to reach the Rio Salado Audubon Visitor Center? Was it the rush to beat the rising sun? Or maybe it was to get into an early rising routine?

What if we were to say it was to perform service for the community? Well that sounds about right.

Our Tour 40 team worked alongside the Audubon Center and Phoenix City Parks and Recreation to develop three projects for the service day. These included: invasive plant removal, trash clean up and trail maintenance.

From 7am to 10am, teams of volunteers worked on all three projects while combating the desert sun. Water was provided at several locations throughout the project site to ensure volunteers had ample access to water. As the day progressed, volunteers continued to bring a great attitude to the projects.

We even had a visit from Southwest Airlines CEO Gary Kelly! Gary and other staff from the Southwest Dallas headquarters were part of a great opening ceremony to start the service, worked alongside staff from the Phoenix airport throughout the volunteer day and helped close out the day on a high note.

The Tour 40 team was able to manage the project successfully thanks in part to the great volunteers who arrived eager to work and make a difference.

Overall 15 bags of invasive plants, 10 bags of trash and 6 bags of recyclables were removed near the riverbed by the Audubon Visitor Center. In addition, volunteers helped Phoenix City Parks and Recreation staff to rake 30 piles of brush for removal.
Thank you to all the SWA Staff and Volunteers for coming out and making this a great event in Phoenix. Thank you to the Rio Salado Audubon Visitor Center and Phoenix City Parks and Recreation for accommodating the project and for a great day!

We’re headed west--Los Angeles here we come!

Tyler and the Tour 40 Team