by Matt Konkle
Torque Managing Editor
For centuries, the Yuha Well has helped define history in California’s Imperial Valley.
Tucked down into the state’s bottom section, just a few miles north of the Mexican border and about ninety minutes west of San Diego, it first served as a watering hole for those traveling from Sonora, Mexico to Alta, California back in the late 18th century.
These days, thanks to vandals, most of this area is now limited use with no automotive vehicles permitted in order to protect and preserve sensitive wildlife species or archeological sites. Additionally, an informative sign marking this historical landmark fell into disrepair about a decade ago.
This is why a small group of volunteers from the Rebelle Rally and Total Chaos headed out into the Yuha Basin on a recent Saturday, armed with a Quadratec ’50-for-50’ Trail and Public Land Stewardship Grant. These volunteers spent the day installing new signage that emulated the historic style of the original sign, while providing important historical context to the Yuma Well site.
”This project has been needed since the original historic sign weathered away,” said Neil Hamada, Imperial Sand Dunes Manager at the Bureau of Land Management. “We’re very grateful for the support from Tread Lightly!, Quadratec and the volunteers from Rebelle Rally and Total Chaos to get it replaced.
“Our partnership will help to improve experiences for visitors, and provide information about the historical significance of this site.”
This Yuha Well signage project was the 14th of 50 trail and public land restoration events that Quadratec will help sponsor in each state by the end of 2023.
So far, through its supported projects, the 50-for-50 Stewardship Grant has accumulated 4,516 volunteer hours with a total value of $134,672, pulled away 78,155 pounds of trash and improved 452 miles of trail.
“It is very meaningful to be part of a project that has so much history and meaning. There is something very special about retracing the steps of those before us,” said Rebelle Rally Founder Emily Miller. “I am thankful that Tread Lightly! could help restore such a significant location.”
Quadratec’s ’50-for-50’ stewardship grant fund helps project managers pay for equipment, fees, volunteer support, food, fuel, signage and other miscellaneous costs.
Quadratec has been a supporting partner of Tread Lightly! for more than 20 years, and a longtime fundraiser for Tread Lightly!’s stewardship programs. The company has also promoted Tread Lightly! and other trail restoration efforts through its Quadratec Cares ‘Energize the Environment’ program.
Clubs and individuals are required to be active, supporting members of Tread Lightly! to be eligible to apply for ’50-for-50’ grant funding. To learn more about the Quadratec ’50-for-50 program, visit Quadratec's 50 for 50 Trails Stewardship Grant Initiative.
Related Articles:
Quadratec, Tread Lightly ’50-for-50’ Trail Cleanup — Coal Township, Pennsylvania
Quadratec, Tread Lightly! ’50-For-50’ Public Land Cleanup — Lansing, West Virginia
Quadratec, Tread Lightly! ’50-For-50' Cleanup — Brooksville, Florida
