“A broad slice of communities are involved all along the northern corridor,” Goodroad said.

Coalition volunteers help maintain the 62‑mile Black Canyon mixed‑use trail system. The trails extend along Dead Man’s Wash west of the Ben Avery Shooting Range through Table Mesa, across the Agua Fria River and into the land around Cordes Junction, ending at Prescott National Forest.

“There is nothing like it (the trail system) in the country to our knowledge,” Goodroad said.

Bikers, hikers, horseback riders and off‑road vehicle enthusiasts use the trail system without compromising each other’s use, Goodroad said.

“Bikers and horses don’t do so well together,” she said.

The coalition works in conjunction with the Bureau of Land Management, the National Park Service, and the National Forest Service to take care of the trails.

The awards ceremony is slated to be held on Sept. 14 in Washington D.C. at the Department of the Interior’s headquarters, the release stated.

This year 28 recipients were selected from many different individuals, groups and organizations representing 32 different states, according to the release.

Secretary of the Interior Dirk Klempthorne, said in the release, “It is through their stewardship that they are creating a lasting legacy within their community.”

Take Pride in America is a nationwide partnership program encouraging Americans to volunteer in caring for their public land, the release stated.

Those interested in becoming coalition volunteers should visit: www.bctaz.com.

The group meets at the first Thursday of every month, alternating between the Black Canyon Community Center, 19055 S. K‑Mine Road, Black Canyon City, and the Anthem Community Center, 41130 N. Freedom Way, Anthem.

Reach the reporter at jennifer@thedesertadvocate.com.