Marcus Landslide Educational Hike from Tom’s Thumb Trailhead. Open your eyes to the Marcus Landslide geological site, second largest landslide in Arizona. This Moderate educational hike will be about 4 miles in about 3 hours with 400 ft, of elevation gain. Bathrooms at the trailhead but no water. Bring water and snacks for the trail. […]
Introduction to Mountain Biking: Session 3 - Graduation Ride at Pima Dynamite Trailhead. This 10 to 12-mile ride from Pima Dynamite is for people who have completed the Introduction to Mountain Biking Sessions 1 & 2. This is an instructional ride to practice the skills taught with instruction at various points on the ride. A […]
Venom in the Desert from Gateway Trailhead. Some reptiles and arthropods in the Sonoran Desert use venom or other poisons to defend themselves or subdue their prey. Learn how to recognize these animals that bite and sting and the effect of their venom. Join us on an easy 1.5 hour walk. Restrooms and water are […]
Latigo, Scorpion, Snake Eyes, Dare A Sarah Trails from Pima Dynamite Trailhead. This Difficult hike winds through many boulder formations in the northwest Preserve in an area mostly seen only by mountain bikers. Let your imagination run wild as you visualize familiar shapes in the formations. Although the terrain is rolling, the trails occasionally traverse […]
The Story of Historic Brown’s Ranch and the Creation of the Brown’s Ranch Interpretive Trail Tuesday, January 27, 2026, 5:00 pm - 6:30 pm Location: Mustang Library, 10101 N 90th Street, Scottsdale, AZ 85258 The Brown family developed our region’s most iconic ranch in what is now part of the McDowell Sonoran Preserve in Scottsdale. Join […]
Desert Surfaces at Brown's Ranch Trailhead. What really covers the desert - little organisms can make a big difference! Some of the most common sights in the desert - and indeed the living things that probably cover more of the desert than any single kind of plant - are lichen, desert varnish, and soil crust. […]
Sonoran Desert 101 at Brown’s Ranch Trailhead 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. Restrooms and water are available at the trailhead. Please bring water and snacks for the trail. Plan to arrive 15 minutes before start […]
Poisonous and Venomous Animals of Arizona Saturday, February 14, 2026, 2:30 pm - 4:00 pm Location: Mustang Library, 10101 N 90th Street, Scottsdale, AZ 85258 Arizona is home to a diverse array of poisonous and venomous creatures. More species of venomous reptiles are found here than in any other U.S. state. Many of these are […]
Arizona Birds (Guest Presenter: Arizona Game & Fish) Arizona Birds is a program that educates the public about the various raptors that can be found here, whether as permanent residents or migrating through the state. The program focuses on their natural history and best places to find them in the wild. Nancy Kreuder, Wildlife Education […]
Designing With Nature: Architecture of the McDowell Sonoran Preserve and Beyond Tuesday, February 24, 2026, 5:00 pm - 6:30 pm Location: Mustang Library, 10101 N 90th Street, Scottsdale, AZ 85258 Philip Weddle of Scottsdale based Weddle Gilmore Architects has developed a deep portfolio of community-based projects that connect people to the places in which they […]
Secrets of the Preserve Educational Ride (Int.) from Brown’s Ranch Trailhead. Ready to discover more about what is in the Preserve, besides the excitement of trail riding? This is the ride for you! Join our archeological stewards in exploring the Preserve's recent ranching history and the ancient way of life of the Native American in […]
The World of Arthropods in the Sonoran Desert Did you know that 84% of all animal species are Arthropods and they have a major role in maintaining ecosystems as pollinators, recyclers of nutrients, scavengers and food for other animals? Join Conservancy Steward Rich Cochran, an expert on arthropods, for an in-depth talk on some of the […]
