Giving Tuesday
Giving Tuesday Support the McDowell Sonoran Conservancy and our mission to preserve and advance natural open space through science, education, and stewardship on Giving Tuesday, the global day of generosity.
Walk with Natural Resources Coordinator at Lost Dog Wash Trailhead
Lost Dog Wash Trailhead 12601 N. 124th Street, Scottsdale, AZWalk with Natural Resources Coordinator at Lost Dog Wash Trailhead Join us on an easy walk with a City of Scottsdale Natural Resources Coordinator as various pertinent topics are discussed during the walk in the desert. The material will depend on the season, animals, plants, and will cover whatever is happening in this beautiful environment.
Women’s Bike Ride at Fraesfield Trailhead
Fraesfield Trailhead 13400 East Rio Verde Drive, Scottsdale, AZWomen's Bike Ride at Fraesfield Trailhead This bike ride is a beginner skills and moderate cardio ride. Perfect for those that identify as women. Location: Fraesfield Trailhead – 13400 East Rio Verde Drive, Scottsdale, AZ 85262 Skill Level: Easy Distance: ~9 miles Time: ~3.5 hours A bike with wide knobby tires is required. Please, no
Desert Connections Educational Walk at Fraesfield Trailhead
Fraesfield Trailhead 13400 East Rio Verde Drive, Scottsdale, AZDesert Connections Educational Walk at Fraesfield Trailhead Everything in the desert is connected and always changing. We'll explore how the environment--the mountains, the rocks, the climate, the washes, and more--affects the plants and animals that live here, how living things in turn change the environment, and how climate change and increasing development may impact what
Sonoran Sundays- Geology of the McDowell Mountains at Gateway Trailhead
Gateway Trailhead 18333 N. Thompson Peak Pkwy., Scottsdale, AZSonoran Sundays- Geology of the McDowell Mountains at Gateway Trailhead One of the geologists who was instrumental in the discovery of the Marcus Landslide in the McDowell Mountains will be sharing information on the unique rock forms and geology of the region. This educational presentation will offer interesting insights on the geological history and evolution
Walk with Natural Resources Coordinator at Tom’s Thumb Trailhead
Tom’s Thumb Trailhead 23015 N. 128th Street, Scottsdale, AZWalk with Natural Resources Coordinator at Tom's Thumb Trailhead Join us on an easy walk with a City of Scottsdale Natural Resources Coordinator as various pertinent topics are discussed during the walk in the desert. The material will depend on the season, animals, plants, and will cover whatever is happening in this beautiful environment. Location:
Desert Origins and Adaptations Educational Hike at Brown’s Ranch Trailhead
Brown's Ranch Trailhead 30301 N. Alma School Road, Scottsdale, AZDesert Origins and Adaptations Educational Hike at Brown's Ranch Trailhead Why is the Sonoran Desert here? Join us as we examine how climate and geomorphology interact to create a desert. The presenter will compare and contrast North American deserts, then focus on our Sonoran home and some adaptations necessary to survive this harsh environment. Location:
Lecture- Flora of the MSP, Part 1 (Cacti, Trees, and Large Shrubs) at Mustang Library OR Virtual
Scottsdale Public Library - Mustang Library 10101 N 90th Street, Scottsdale, AZLecture- Flora of the MSP, Part 1 (Cacti, Trees, and Large Shrubs) at Mustang Library OR Virtual An exploration of the plant life found in the McDowell Sonoran Preserve. We live in the most diverse desert in the world. Learn more about the vegetation found in the McDowell Sonoran Preserve. This lecture will focus on
High Desert, Broken Spoke, Hawknest Trails Fitness Hike at Brown’s Ranch Trailhead
Brown's Ranch Trailhead 30301 N. Alma School Road, Scottsdale, AZHigh Desert, Broken Spoke, Hawknest Trails Fitness Hike at Brown's Ranch Trailhead This difficult hike will allow you to explore some of the remote trails in the northwest area of the Preserve. Experienced hikers suggested. Location: Brown’s Ranch Trailhead – 30301 North Alma School Road, Scottsdale, AZ 85262 Skill level: Difficult Distance: ~7.9 miles Time:
Arthropod Educational Walk at Brown’s Ranch Trailhead
Brown's Ranch Trailhead 30301 N. Alma School Road, Scottsdale, AZArthropod Educational Walk at Brown's Ranch Trailhead Spiders, scorpions, bees, and wasps are just the beginning. There are more species of arthropods in the world than any other group of animals. Join us on this easy walk to discover the fascinating and diverse world of arthropods and their role in the ecology of the Sonoran
Lifecycle and Oddities of the Saguaro Ride at Pima Dynamite Trailhead
Pima Dynamite Trailhead 28777 N. Pima Road, Scottsdale, AZLifecycle and Oddities of the Saguaro Ride at Pima Dynamite Trailhead Join us on this ride to see some of the magnificent saguaros only found in the Sonoran Desert. We will have a guest presenter who will discuss the lifecycle of the giant multiarmed saguaros and view many including skeletons and a crested saguaro located
Hunter Gatherers Educational Walk at Lost Dog Wash Trailhead
Lost Dog Wash Trailhead 12601 N. 124th Street, Scottsdale, AZHunter Gatherers Educational Walk at Lost Dog Wash Trailhead Join us as we explore the challenges of the Archaic hunter and gatherer to survive and thrive in the Sonoran Desert of 2,000 years ago. See important desert flora and fauna, hunting sites, and their importance to the survival of an Archaic band. Location: Lost Dog
Women’s Hike at Tom’s Thumb Trailhead
Tom’s Thumb Trailhead 23015 N. 128th Street, Scottsdale, AZWomen's Hike at Tom's Thumb Trailhead Join us for an exploration of the interesting granite formations in the Marcus Landslide area. This hike is perfect for those who identify as women. Location: Tom’s Thumb Trailhead - 23015 N 128th St, Scottsdale, AZ, 85255 Skill level: Moderate Distance: ~4 miles / Time: ~2 hours Bathrooms are
Mountain Bike Skills Clinic at Pima Dynamite Trailhead
Pima Dynamite Trailhead 28777 N. Pima Road, Scottsdale, AZMountain Bike Skills Clinic at Pima Dynamite Trailhead New to mountain biking? Looking to refresh your skills, improve your technique, enhance safety awareness, and increase your overall enjoyment on the trails? We begin with a demonstration and presentation by experienced riders covering the basic things you need to know, equipment requirements, and trail etiquette. The
Women’s Walk at Brown’s Ranch Trailhead
Brown's Ranch Trailhead 30301 N. Alma School Road, Scottsdale, AZWomen's Walk at Brown's Ranch Trailhead Join us for this easy, social walk on the Jan Rau interpretive trail. This hike is perfect for those who identify as women. Location: Brown’s Ranch Trailhead Skill level: Easy Distance: ~1 miles Time: ~2 hours Bathrooms are available at the trailheads. Bring water and snacks for the trail.
Gateway to TT9 Overlook Fitness Hike at Gateway Trailhead
Gateway Trailhead 18333 N. Thompson Peak Pkwy., Scottsdale, AZGateway to TT9 Overlook Fitness Hike at Gateway Trailhead This difficult hike takes us to the seldom visited vistas west of Tom’s Thumb that makes you think you are in the Grand Canyon. A climb of 2,100 ft. Location: Gateway Trailhead – 18333 North Thompson Peak Parkway, Scottsdale, AZ 85255 Skill level: Difficult Distance: ~9.6
Walk with Natural Resources Coordinator at Fraesfield Trailhead
Fraesfield Trailhead 13400 East Rio Verde Drive, Scottsdale, AZWalk with Natural Resources Coordinator at Fraesfield Trailhead Join us on an easy walk with a City of Scottsdale Natural Resources Coordinator as various pertinent topics are discussed during the walk in the desert. The material will depend on the season, animals, plants, and will cover whatever is happening in this beautiful environment. Location: Fraesfield
Mistletoe & Holly Educational Hike at Brown’s Ranch Trailhead
Brown's Ranch Trailhead 30301 N. Alma School Road, Scottsdale, AZMistletoe & Holly Educational Hike at Brown's Ranch Trailhead What do desert plants and animals have to do with the holidays? Join us and discover the hidden, festive desert connections over minimal elevation gain. Location: Brown’s Ranch Trailhead – 30301 North Alma School Road, Scottsdale, AZ 85262 Skill level: Easy Distance: ~3 miles Time: ~2.5
Desert 101 North Educational Walk at Brown’s Ranch Trailhead
Brown's Ranch Trailhead 30301 N. Alma School Road, Scottsdale, AZDesert 101 North Educational Walk at Brown's Ranch Trailhead The Conservancy has a mission to help sustain the McDowell Sonoran Preserve. This walk provides a geological and ecological overview of what lives in the McDowell Sonoran Preserve, and how the flora and fauna survive and thrive. Location: Brown's Ranch Trailhead - 30301 North Alma School
Ride the Gooseneck at Fraesfield Trailhead
Fraesfield Trailhead 13400 East Rio Verde Drive, Scottsdale, AZRide the Gooseneck at Fraesfield Trailhead A great sequel to the Bike Skills Clinic. It will travel over the flatter areas of the Gooseneck. The first 1/2 mile of the ride requires intermediate skills, but it is smooth sailing for the next 10-12 miles. This is an intermediate skills and moderate cardio ride. Location: Fraesfield