Volunteering with MSC Become a McDowell Sonoran Conservancy Steward. Work hard, have fun, and make an impact on your community. MSC volunteers champion the preservation of open space, steward the McDowell Sonoran Preserve, and engage the community in preserving our environment. What we all have in common is our passion for nature
and a desire to make our community a better place. What do MSC volunteers do? |
Contact Us Today! To learn more or to register for the next volunteer orientation, 480-998-7971 x 105 Our next orientation starts on July 26! All of us together are greater than each of us alone |
What type of person is MSC looking for?
Someone like you! We need people who are hardy enough to swing a pick or to seal and envelope.
What does MSC ask of its volunteers?
We ask that you contribute to the best of your ability. There are 3 ways to help MSC achieve its mission:
Giving Your Time - Probably the most valuable commodity we each have, is what MSC’s needs most in order to regularly patrol and maintain over 100 miles of trails, construct new trails, host trail heads, lead hikes, send out mailings, and innumerable other tasks that need to be done.
Giving Your Talent - Each of you has a skill that MSC can use. Graphic design? Carpentry? Sewing? Writing? Videography? Drawing? You name it – we can probably use it!
Giving Your Treasure - MSC is a non-profit organization that relies solely on private donations. Every dollar we raise contributes to our ability to serve the community effectively. Please consider supporting the Preserve by making a contribution to MSC today.
What training is available?
The McDowell Sonoran Conservancy provides outstanding education opportunities that both prepare volunteers for service and provide continual learning opportunities throughout the year. Volunteers are encouraged to take courses to expand their knowledge as well as refresh their skills.
New Steward Orientation This 12-hour course provides all the information that a prospectivevolunteer needs in order to become an MSC Steward. Participants learn how the Preserve was established, the MSC and City of Scottsdale relationship, and the methods MSC uses to meet its mission. The chairs ofMSC’s programs will be on hand to introduce their programs. Graduates receive their blue shirts, and are able to begin volunteering in a few areas right away. Participants also learn the trail system, map and GPS reading, reporting trail conditions and doing minor repairs, and how to have a safe experience.
Natural History For some activities, having a working knowledge of the Preserve’s flora, fauna, geology, and human history is 
necessary. This class provides a foundation of science knowledge. Common misconceptions are clarified and unique stories about the Preserve’s residents are shared.
Program Orientations Some MSC programs require their own orientation. In these sessions participants learn the ‘ins-and-outs’ of the program, meet the leadership, receive additional resources, and more.
Continuing Education MSC believes that life long learning is vital and therefore, we provide education opportunities throughout the year. Stewards are always encouraged to participate in as many as possible.