Arthropods Educational Walk at Gateway 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 to discover the fascinating and diverse world of arthropods and their role in the ecology of the Sonoran Desert. Location: Gateway Trailhead

Ride Lifecycle and Oddities of the Saguaro 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 discuss the lifecycle of the giant multiarmed saguaros and view many including skeletons and a crested saguaro located near the

Effects of Geology on Local Ecology Educational Hike at Gateway Trailhead This hike will provide an overview of the geology of the area and a discussion about how geology – topography, rock type, soil, etc. – affects local ecology. Location: Gateway Trailhead - 18333 N. Thompson Peak Pkwy. Scottsdale, AZ 85255 Skill level: Easy Distance:

Mountain Bike Skills Clinic (Beginner) 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? Then come prepared with a mountain bike with knobby tires, helmet, water, and snacks. We begin with a demonstration and presentation by experienced

Walk with Natural Resources Coordinator at Granite Mountain Trailhead Join us on an easy walk with a City of Scottsdale Natural Resources Coordinator as various desert topics are discussed. The material will depend on what we see in this wonderful environment. Location: Granite Mountain Trailhead - 31402 N 136th St, Scottsdale, AZ 85262 Skill level:

Mistletoe & Holly Educational Hike at Brown's Ranch Trailhead What do desert plants and animals have to do with the holidays? Join us on this hike and discover the hidden, festive desert connections. Location: Brown’s Ranch Trailhead - 30301 Alma School Rd, Scottsdale, AZ 85262 Skill level: Easy Distance: ~3 miles Time: ~2.5 hours Pets

Noteworthy and Notorious Arizonans Educational Hike at Fraesfield Trailhead Join a former City of Scottsdale archeologist in a hike of discovery and hear tales – some taller than others – of some of our lesser known Arizona heroes, heroines and villains. Not so notables include a woman prospector (The Miner’s Angel), Arizona Rangers, a lady

Trailside Naturalist – Phainopepla and Mistletoe at Brown's Ranch Trailhead Stop by anytime between 8:30 and 11:00 A.M. to learn about the mutualistic relationship between this species of silky flycatcher and hemiparasite. During the winter months, the Sonoran Desert is home to the phainopepla, a species of silky flycatcher birds that feasts on the red

What's in Your Backpack? Educational Walk at Gateway Trailhead Location: Gateway Trailhead - 18333 N. Thompson Peak Pkwy. Scottsdale, AZ 85255 Time: 2 hours Our Preserve in the Sonoran Desert is beautiful. But most of the inhabitants, both flora and fauna, want to stick you, prick you or bite you. Your safety is important to

Ride from Fraesfield Trailhead at Fraesfield Trailhead Join us for a fun, high-cardio, single-track ride from Fraesfield Trailhead, including some long climbs and winding downhills. This is an intermediate skill level ride. We will make short stops to regroup. Rugged handcycles with a support rider are welcome. Location: Fraesfield Trailhead - 13400 E Rio Verde

Walk with Natural Resources Coordinator at Pima Dynamite Trailhead Join us on an easy walk with a City of Scottsdale Natural Resources Coordinator as various desert topics are discussed. The material will depend on what we see in this wonderful environment. Location: Pima Dynamite Trailhead - 28777 N Pima Rd. Scottsdale, AZ 85262 Skill level:

Nature's Medicine Cabinet Educational Walk at Brown's Ranch Trailhead Take a global look at the importance of plants and their physical properties and how they were used throughout the centuries to aid in our wellbeing. We will start globally but then move to look at some of the medicinal plants found in the McDowell Sonoran

Christmas Day Hike at Gateway Trailhead Embrace the spirit of the holiday on this picturesque hike on the Gateway Loop that will take you into the heart of the McDowells. Elevation gain of 700 ft. Location: Gateway Trailhead - 18333 N. Thompson Peak Pkwy. Scottsdale, AZ 85255 Skill level: Moderate Distance: ~4.5 miles Time: ~2.5

Nature as Therapy Walk at Brown's Ranch Trailhead Learn why time in nature makes you happier, healthier, and more creative. Join us to learn how to use nature as a prescription to improve your overall well-being. Location: Brown’s Ranch Trailhead - 30301 N. Alma School Rd. Scottsdale, AZ 85262 Skill level: Easy Time: ~2 hours

Ride Beginner Next Step at Pima Dynamite Trailhead This will be an opportunity for beginner riders to review the skills learned in the Mountain Bike Skills Clinic and be exposed to new adventures. If you have not attended one of the clinics, you should have solid basic skills on single-track to benefit from this class. We

Desert 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 Alma School Rd,

Brown’s Mountain, Cone Mountain, and Latigo Trail Loop Hike at Brown's Ranch Trailhead Join us for a trip around Brown’s Mountain and Cone Mountain. We travel on Upper Ranch, Wrangler, Brown’s Mountain, Cone Mountain, and finally the scenic Latigo Trail. Location: Brown’s Ranch Trailhead - 30301 N. Alma School Rd. Scottsdale, AZ 85262 Skill level:

Ride Twenty Miler at Pima Dynamite Trailhead If you would like to join us for the 30-mile perimeter ride on February 24 but aren’t sure you are sufficiently fit, this ride definitely is for you. If you can ride 20 miles, you  should have no problem with 30. Even if the 30 miler is not

Arthropods 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 to discover the fascinating and diverse world of arthropods and their role in the ecology of the Sonoran Desert. Location: Brown’s

Mountain 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? Then come prepared with a mountain bike with knobby tires, helmet, water, and snacks. We begin with a demonstration and presentation by experienced riders