Arizona hike: Becker Lake Wildlife Area

Hiking blogger Mare Czinar likes nothing better than to hit the trail. You can find more of her news and recommendations at arizonahiking.blogspot.com.

A short, meandering stretch of the Little Colorado River is a better place thanks to the introduction of coconut matting and recycled Christmas trees.

These biodegradable materials are just two of the many tools being used by conservation agencies to restore riverbank stability and improve wildlife habitat. Project managers concede that some of these rehabilitative practices are more successful than others, leaving the verdicts up to hikers who can draw conclusions based on signs placed along the grounds.

The biodegradable mats and trees augered into the riverbank are hardly noticeable and slow erosion to help reinstate the river's natural flow. A robust community of water-loving bullrush, grasses and showy milkweed at the water's edge have taken root in the mesh of introduced materials. These provide shelter for nesting waterfowl and building supplies for beavers. The site has been designated an Important Bird Area by Audubon Arizona.

One shady section of the streamside trail exhibits the sun-dappled ambience of a Monet garden replete with water-caressing willows and a wooden footbridge. Where the path enters the surrounding floodplain and open rangeland, it becomes easy to see how precious this ribbon of moisture sustains life in the White Mountains.

Length: 1.2 miles one way.

Rating: Easy.

Elevation: 6,920-6,945 feet.

Getting there: From Springerville, go 1 mile west on Main Street (U.S. 60) to the parking area on the left.

Details: www.azgfd.gov/outdoor_recreation/wildlife_area_becker.shtml.