The PastFinders: Saving the History of the McDowells

The PastFinders: Saving the History of the McDowells When we preserve a mountain range, we preserve so much more than the mountains themselves. We preserve the landscape for the outdoor enjoyment of hikers, cyclists, equestrians and other seekers of the Sonoran experience. For those less inclined to travel the desert, we preserve the viewscape –

2021-07-06T18:09:29-07:00July 6th, 2021|30th Birthday|

The Founding of the Parsons Field Institute

The Founding of the Parsons Field Institute The original conception in 2005 for the Parsons Field Institute was focused on ecotourism – combining talks about the natural and human history of the land with guided hikes in the nascent Preserve – as a source of funds for the McDowell Sonoran Conservancy. At that time, the

2021-08-05T12:52:23-07:00June 15th, 2021|30th Birthday, Science|

Looking at Our Past and Present to Envision Our Future

Looking at Our Past and Present to Envision Our Future Author:  Barbara Montgomery-Ratcliff Mark Twain is purported to have said, “History does not repeat itself, but it often rhymes.” In other words, we hear echoes of our past in our present-day experiences in our vision for our future. In this way, history provides a sense

2021-06-14T11:47:22-07:00May 6th, 2021|30th Birthday|

Reflecting on 30 Years: McDowell Sonoran Conservancy Inducted into Scottsdale History Hall of Fame

The Scottsdale History Hall of Fame features more than 100 past and present community leaders and organizations, each having their own unique impact on Scottsdale. The McDowell Sonoran Conservancy was honored in 2010 for its tireless work protecting and preserving the McDowell Mountains — a 1.8-billion-year-old treasure and pristine desert landscape. During the celebration in

2021-04-01T10:43:02-07:00April 8th, 2021|30th Birthday|

Celebrating 30 Years of Science, Education & Stewardship

We’ve hit a major milestone. To commemorate 30 years of service, we’re highlighting our organization’s greatest milestones and treasured memories during each month of 2021, charting our decades-long journey to emerge as a conservation leader in Arizona and beyond.March: Inspiring the Next Generation of Scientists In March 2016, we hosted our inaugural Junior Citizen Science

2021-03-24T05:06:56-07:00March 23rd, 2021|30th Birthday|

Conservancy Stewards repair trails after the snow

In late January, many Phoenix area residents awoke to the sight of snow in the McDowell Mountains.  Snowfall occurs infrequently enough to be a source of interest to hikers, photographers, and other outdoor enthusiasts.  While beautiful in any circumstances, when covered in snow the landscape in the Sonoran Desert becomes something entirely enchanting. Many people who

2021-03-23T22:00:54-07:00February 24th, 2021|30th Birthday|

Volunteer-Built Cactus Cup Trail is a Winner

The April 1996 Mountain Lines celebrates the McDowell Sonoran Conservancy Stewards’ first foray into trail construction and maintenance. “In February and March 1996 nearly 90 McDowell Sonoran Conservancy volunteers worked hard during the weekends to build the trail for the Cactus Cup Mountain Bike Race. This five-mile loop trail which links WestWorld with the McDowell Sonoran

2021-02-10T09:08:08-07:00February 10th, 2021|30th Birthday|

McDowell Sonoran Conservancy – 30 Year Anniversary

The Resounding Impact of Our Three Decades in the McDowell Sonoran PreserveFor (officially) thirty years, the McDowell Sonoran Conservancy has served as a steadfast steward for the Preserve. Some may be wondering: What came first, the McDowell Sonoran Conservancy or the McDowell Sonoran Preserve? The Conservancy, founded in 1991, was instrumental in the formation of

2021-01-20T21:39:26-07:00January 20th, 2021|30th Birthday|
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