McDowell Sonoran Conservancy

Heart of the North - Wellness Ride
2025-04-01 08:00 - 11:00 (America/Phoenix) | Granite Mountain Trailhead, 31402 N. 136th Street, Scottsdale, AZ, 85262, United States

FotoFauna – A Community Science Wildlife Monitoring Program with Sky Island Alliance
2025-04-04 09:30 - 11:30 (America/Phoenix) | Desert Botanical Gardens, 1201 N Galvin Pkwy, Phoenix, AZ, 85008
FotoFauna – A Community Science Wildlife Monitoring Program with Sky Island Alliance
Join Sky Island Alliance, in collaboration with CAZCA and the McDowell Sonoran Conservancy, to learn about the growing network of wildlife cameras and help observe presence, absence, and seasonal movements of wildlife in the Sky Islands of the U.S. and Mexico. This data will help Sky Island Alliance and their partners study when and where wildlife is present so they can better protect their habitats and pathways.
On Friday, April 4th, Sky Island Alliance’s Wildlife Program Manager, Eamon Harrity, will be presenting on the FotoFauna project at the Desert Botanical Gardens. There will be a presentation and Q&A from 9:00 – 10:30 am followed by an optional, hands-on workshop from 10:30-11:30 am for those who want to participate in the FotoFauna project.
Please register for one or both events at the following link: https://cazca.org/events/fotofauna-sia/

Ride the Four Peaks - Wellness Ride
2025-04-06 08:00 - 11:00 (America/Phoenix) | Brown’s Ranch Trailhead, 30301 N. Alma School Road, Scottsdale, AZ, 85262, United States

Bird Walk
2025-04-13 08:00 - 10:00 (America/Phoenix) | Tom’s Thumb Trailhead, 23015 N 128th St., Scottsdale, AZ, 85255, United States

Lecture - Talking Code with a Secret Weapon: Navajo Code Talkers Speak (Civic Center Library)
2025-04-22 17:00 - 18:30 (America/Phoenix) | Scottsdale Public Library – Civic Center, 3839 N Drinkwater Blvd., Scottsdale, AZ, 85251, United States

Conservancy Class - Birds - A Window into the Sonoran Desert
2025-04-23 18:00 - 19:00 (America/Phoenix) | McDowell Sonoran Conservancy, 15300 North 90th Street, Suite 400, Scottsdale, AZ, 85260, United States

Trailside Naturalist Table - Why are Lost Dog and Granite Mountain Trails So Different? - Gateway Trailhead
2025-04-26 08:30 - 11:00 UTC | Gateway Trailhead, 18333 N. Thompson Peak Pkwy., Scottsdale, AZ, 85255, United States
Why are Lost Dog and Granite Mountain Trails So Different?
Learn why Lost Dog Trails are so rocky and Granite Mountain trails are so much easier to walk on. Ever wonder how the rocks underfoot got there or why you see north to south mountain ranges in the Valley like Camelback, the McDowells, or South Mountain? Stop by and you will see rock samples and learn the story of how they got here and what forces created the Preserve mountains. We will answer the question why Lost Dog Trail has so many loose rocks and why Granite Mountain trails are so much smoother. We guarantee you will see and appreciate these rocks differently after learning how far they traveled to get here.
*Trailside Naturalist Table is a family-friendly educational display on some Saturday mornings. The presentations feature hands-on materials and specimens and cover a variety of topics about the flora and fauna of the Preserve. The informal setting allows visitors to ask questions and learn interesting information about the amazing biodiversity of the Sonoran Desert. Sign up is not necessary, stop by anytime.

Lecture - Listening to the History of the Preserve
2025-05-27 17:00 - 18:30 (America/Phoenix) | Scottsdale Public Library – Mustang Library, 10101 N. 90th Street, Scottsdale, AZ, 85260, United States

Lecture - Hohokam Rock Imagery, Mountain Ritualism, and Social Transformation in the Salt River Valley
2025-06-24 17:00 - 18:30 (America/Phoenix) | Scottsdale Public Library – Mustang Library, 10101 N. 90th Street, Scottsdale, AZ, 85260, United States

Lecture - Thriving and Surviving in the Sonoran Desert
2025-07-22 17:00 - 18:30 (America/Phoenix) | Scottsdale Public Library – Mustang Library, 10101 N. 90th Street, Scottsdale, AZ, 85260, United States
Thriving and Surviving in the Sonoran Desert with Plants
The people of the Sonoran Desert not only survived but thrived in the harsh environment that surrounded them. Learn about the accumulated generational knowledge of the early desert people and how they used native plants to sustain themselves. We will explore with Bernie Finkel, Legacy Steward, the amazing properties of desert plants and the gathering and processing procedures in which the plants were utilized.
Tuesday, July 22
5:00 PM – 6:30 PM
Mustang Library
10101 N 90th St, Scottsdale

Lecture - The Center for Native & Urban Wildlife - 25 years of Educating and Connecting People with the Sonoran Desert
2025-08-26 17:00 - 18:30 (America/Phoenix) | Scottsdale Public Library – Mustang Library, 10101 N. 90th Street, Scottsdale, AZ, 85260, United States
Cultural Resources Lecture: The Center for Native & Urban Wildlife – 25 years of Educating and Connecting People with the Sonoran Desert
Tuesday, August 26, 2025, 5:00 pm – 6:30 pm
Location: Mustang Library, 10101 N 90th Street, Scottsdale, AZ 85258
Presenter: Dr. John Weser is the Life Sciences Department Chair and Executive Director and co-founder of the Center for Native & Urban Wildlife (CNUW) at Scottsdale Community College. Since 1999 he has partnered with the McDowell Sonoran Conservancy and is a member of the Conservancy’s Scientific Advisory Committee. CNUW’s range of programs includes desert habitat restoration, enhancing pollinator habitats, bird and butterfly monitoring, the Maricopa Native Seed Library and research studies.

Lecture - Arizona Native and Invasive Plants
2025-09-13 14:30 - 16:00 (America/Phoenix) | Scottsdale Public Library – Mustang Library, 10101 N. 90th Street, Scottsdale, AZ, 85260, United States
Arizona Native and Invasive Plants
Speaker: Jessi Szopinski, Arizona Department of Forestry and Fire Management
The lecture will briefly outline the purpose and function of the statewide Invasive Plant Program, and will showcase success stories of restoration projects in central and southern Arizona. Participants will explore the unique and resilient adaptations of native plants, and learn about how they can bring the Sonoran Desert to their own backyard.
Jessi Szopinski is the Invasive Plant Program Coordinator for the Arizona Department of Forestry and Fire Management. She has a Bachelor of Science degree in Biology with 10 years of experience working with invasive plant species in Arizona. She is passionate about balancing the needs of people with the environment, and finding creative solutions to protect and conserve native plant communities. In her free time, she enjoys backpacking, hiking, gardening, and lego building with family and friends.
RSVP below to let us know you are coming!

Lecture - Past, Present, and Future: Human History of the McDowell Sonoran Preserve
2025-09-23 17:00 - 18:30 (America/Phoenix) | Scottsdale Public Library – Mustang Library, 10101 N. 90th Street, Scottsdale, AZ, 85260, United States
Cultural Resources Lecture: Past, Present, and Future: Human History of the McDowell Sonoran Preserve
Tuesday, September 23, 2025, 5:00 pm – 6:30 pm
Location: Mustang Library, 10101 N 90th Street, Scottsdale, AZ 85258
Presenter: Join McDowell Sonoran Conservancy Steward Zach Richard for a look into the unique Human History of the land now within the McDowell Sonoran Preserve. The talk will cover everything from ancient hunter gatherers to modern ranchers and how these early residents utilized abundant natural resources to live and thrive in the desert. Learn how the Conservancy continues to collect, preserve, interpret and disseminate information on these topics.
RSVP below to let us know you are coming!

Bird Walk at Quartz Trailhead
2025-10-07 08:00 - 10:00 (America/Phoenix) | Quartz Trailhead, J4GV+Q5R Scottsdale, Arizona
Bird Walk at Quartz Trailhead
Join our birding experts on this easy 2 hour walk over a rocky trail. In addition to seeing our year-round bird residents, we may see some migrants passing through. Possible sightings include: phainopepla, American kestrel, gilded flicker, curve-billed thrasher, Abert’s towhee or various warblers.
Meet at the Quartz Trail parking lot (SW corner of McDowell Mountain Ranch Rd. & 104th St.). No bathrooms at trailhead. Bring water and snacks for the trail. Bring your binoculars. No dogs, please. Arrive 15 minutes before start of walk.
Space is limited! Please save your spot with the RSVP below.

Lecture - Spooky or Spectacular? Revealing the Truth About Bats
2025-10-11 14:30 - 16:00 (America/Phoenix) | Scottsdale Public Library – Mustang Library, 10101 N. 90th Street, Scottsdale, AZ, 85260, United States
Spooky or Spectacular? Revealing the Truth About Bats
Speaker: Jessie Dwyer, Parsons Field Institute Biodiversity Manager
Date: Saturday October 11, 2025
Time: 2:30 PM to 4:00 PM
Bats have long been cast as spooky symbols in myths and Halloween tales, but the truth is far more fascinating than frightening. In this talk, we’ll explore the incredible world of bats—their essential roles in our ecosystems, the reasons they deserve admiration rather than fear, and how science and curiosity can transform eerie perceptions into appreciation. It’s time to replace fear with facts and discover why bats are among nature’s most spectacular—and misunderstood—creatures.
Jessie Dwyer is the Parsons Field Institute Biodiversity Manager at the McDowell Sonoran Conservancy. At the Conservancy, Jessie manages experimental and long- term wildlife research projects on key species groups, such as bats, birds, butterflies, ground-dwelling arthropods, ground-dwelling vertebrates, and reptiles. Jessie has a M.S. degree in Applied Biological Sciences from the College of Integrative Sciences and Arts at Arizona State University, where they evaluated the effect of urbanization on bat habitat use across the Phoenix metropolitan area.
RSVP below to let us know you are coming!

Sonoran Desert 101 - Educational Walk
2025-10-18 08:00 - 09:30 (America/Phoenix) | Brown’s Ranch Trailhead, 30301 N. Alma School Road, Scottsdale, AZ, 85262, United States
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 of walk.
Space is limited! Please save your spot with the RSVP below.

Introduction To Mountain Biking: Session 1
2025-10-18 09:00 - 12:00 (America/Phoenix) | Pima Dynamite Trailhead, 28777 N. Pima Road, Scottsdale, AZ, 85262, United States
Introduction to Mountain Biking: Session 1 at Pima Dynamite Trailhead
This program is designed to introduce participants to mountain biking by building foundational riding skills and confidence in a safe, supportive setting. It emphasizes the importance of proper bike setup, safety checks, and trail etiquette, while fostering an appreciation for outdoor activity and responsible trail use. Upon completion, participants should be able to demonstrate basic bike handling abilities, understand essential principles such as body position, balance, and braking, and apply correct procedures for mounting, dismounting, and stopping on varied terrain, alongside practicing essential safety and etiquette on the trails.
A bike with wide knobby tires is required. Please, no road bikes, hybrids, or folding bikes. Please check the working order of your bike before you leave home. Helmets required. Bring water and snacks for the trail. Restrooms available at the trailhead. Arrive 15 minutes before start of ride.
No electric assist bikes. To inquire about an accommodation from the City of Scottsdale, please call 480-312-4444.
Space is limited! Please save your spot with the RSVP below.

Ride the Gooseneck and Discuss Preserve Fire Restoration
2025-10-19 09:00 - 12:00 (America/Phoenix) | Fraesfield Trailhead, 13400 East Rio Verde Drive, Scottsdale, AZ, 85262, United States
Ride the Gooseneck and Discuss Preserve Fire Restoration from Fraesfield Trailhead
This easier ride is smooth sailing for 10 – 12 miles over 3 hours. We will ride out Gooseneck Trail to Saguaro Nest Trail with a stop to talk about the fire restoration project that the Conservancy has developed in conjunction with the City of Scottsdale and Scottsdale Community College. This project is to helping develop best practices for restoring burned areas in the Sonoran Desert. This ride will require moderate cardio and some beginner plus technical skills.
This is a “No Drop” ride which means we will not leave you. Please, no road bikes, hybrids, or folding bikes. Please check the working order of your bike before you leave home. Helmets and a bike with knobby tires are required. Make sure your bike is in good operational order. Bring sufficient water and snacks for the trail. Restrooms are available at the trailhead but no water. Arrive 15 minutes before start of ride.
No electric assist bikes.
To inquire about an accommodation from the City of Scottsdale, please call 480-312-4444.
Space is limited! Please save your spot with the RSVP below.

Taliesin, Old Jeep, and Ringtail Trails Hike
2025-10-21 08:00 - 11:00 (America/Phoenix) | Lost Dog Wash Trailhead, 12601 N. 124th Street, Scottsdale, AZ, 85259, United States
Taliesin, Old Jeep and Ringtail Hike from Lost Dog Wash Trailhead
Come hike some of the original trails in the preserve with great views of Scottsdale and the desert. This is a difficult hike with some rocky trails for 5.5 miles with 360 ft. elevation change in 3 hours.
Bathrooms and water available at the trailhead. Bring water and snacks for the trail. No dogs please. Arrive 15 minutes before start of hike.
Space is limited! Please save your spot with the RSVP below.

Brown's Ranch Stories - Educational Walk
2025-10-23 08:00 - 09:30 (America/Phoenix) | Brown’s Ranch Trailhead, 30301 N. Alma School Road, Scottsdale, AZ, 85262, United States
Brown’s Ranch Stories at Brown’s Ranch Trailhead
Join us on a half mile 90-minute walk on the Jane Rau trail where we will talk about the people and events that shaped the history of the Brown’s Ranch area. We will discuss the Indigenous people who lived here, the role of the military in the region, the ranching history of the region and some of the people who laid the groundwork for what Brown’s Ranch is today.
Please arrive 15 minutes start of the walk. Restrooms and water at the trailhead. Please bring water and snacks for the trail. No dogs, please.
Space is limited! Please save your spot with the RSVP below.

Missions, Massacres, and Plagues - Educational Hike
2025-10-24 08:00 - 11:00 (America/Phoenix) | Fraesfield Trailhead, 13400 East Rio Verde Drive, Scottsdale, AZ, 85262, United States
Missions, Massacres & Plagues – Educational Hike at Fraesfield Trailhead
Moderate level hike. Revisit three hundred years of European-Native American contacts and conflicts, from Coronado to the Alamo (1540-1850). Join an expert Archaeologist and Historic Preservationist for about 3 hours covering 4 miles.
Restrooms available at the trailhead but no water. Bring water and snacks for the trail. No dogs please. Arrive 15 minutes before start of hike.
Space is limited! Please save your spot with the RSVP below.

Predators and Prey - Educational Walk
2025-10-25 08:00 - 10:00 (America/Phoenix) | Lost Dog Wash Trailhead, 12601 N. 124th Street, Scottsdale, AZ, 85259, United States
Predators and Prey – Balancing the Ecosystem at Lost Dog Wash Trailhead
Join us for a fascinating two-hour leisurely walk exploring the dynamic relationship between predators and prey. Discover how desert animals like coyotes, bobcats, mountain lions, raptors, and snakes have evolved to hunt, and how their prey—such as deer and rodents—have adapted to survive.
Please arrive 15 minutes prior to scheduled departure. Restrooms and water at the trailhead. Please bring water and snacks for the trail. No dogs, please.
Space is limited! Please Save your spot with the RSVP below.

Brown's Mountain, Corral, Dry Gulch, and Stagecoach Trails Hike
2025-10-25 08:00 - 12:00 (America/Phoenix) | Brown’s Ranch Trailhead, 30301 N. Alma School Road, Scottsdale, AZ, 85262, United States
Hike the Brown’s Mountain, Corral, Dry Gulch and Stagecoach Trails at Brown’s Ranch Trailhead
This very difficult hike will take you from Brown’s Mountain and Corral trails, with a stop at Cathedral Rock, to the Stagecoach trail. 9.8 miles in about 4 hours with rolling hills, 280 ft. elevation change.
Experienced hikers suggested. Restrooms and water are available at the trailhead. Bring water and snacks for the trail. No dogs please. Arrive 15 minutes before start of hike.
Space is limited! Please save your spot with the RSVP below.

Introduction To Mountain Biking: Session 2
2025-10-25 09:00 - 12:00 (America/Phoenix) | Pima Dynamite Trailhead, 28777 N. Pima Road, Scottsdale, AZ, 85262, United States
Introduction to Mountain Biking: Session 2 at Pima Dynamite Trailhead
This program is aimed at helping riders build confidence and control across beginner-level terrain, reinforcing foundational skills while introducing essential techniques for handling small obstacles, climbs, descents, and corners. By the end, riders are expected to demonstrate improved balance, control, and maneuverability, effectively apply braking, shifting, and body positioning across varied terrain, and show increased confidence when tackling obstacles and technical features. Emphasizing trail etiquette and safe group riding, the program aspires to boost participants’ sense of accomplishment and encourage their continued enthusiasm for riding.
A bike with wide knobby tires is required. Please, no road bikes, hybrids, or folding bikes. Please check the working order of your bike before you leave home. Helmets required. Bring water and snacks for the trail. Restrooms available at the trailhead. Arrive 15 minutes before start of ride.
No electric assist bikes. To inquire about an accommodation from the City of Scottsdale, please call 480-312-4444.
Space is limited! Please save your spot with the RSVP below.

Ride Granite Mountain - 15 Mile Training Ride
2025-10-25 09:00 - 12:30 (America/Phoenix) | Granite Mountain Trailhead, 31402 N. 136th Street, Scottsdale, AZ, 85262, United States
Ride Granite Mountain – 15 Mile Intermediate Training Ride from Granite Mountain Trailhead
This ride will focus on the northeast and southeast trails of the Preserve. The ride is intended as preparation for upcoming 20- and 30-mile rides. Participants should have moderate cardio fitness and intermediate technical skills. The main objectives are to improve riding techniques for navigating obstacles, braking on downhills, and shifting on uphills.
A bike with wide, knobby tires and helmets are required. Please check the working order of your bike before you leave home. Restrooms are available at the trailhead. Bring water and snacks for the trail. Plan to arrive 15 minutes before the ride. Please no road bikes, folding bikes or hybrids. Restrooms are available at the trailhead but no water. Bring water for the trail. Plan to arrive 15 minutes before the ride.
No electric assist bikes. To inquire about an accommodation from the City of Scottsdale, please call 480-312-4444.
Space is limited! Please save your spot with the RSVP below.

Lecture - A Story of the Indian Bend Wash
2025-10-28 17:00 - 18:30 (America/Phoenix) | Scottsdale Public Library – Mustang Library, 10101 N. 90th Street, Scottsdale, AZ, 85260, United States
Cultural Resources Lecture: A Story of the Indian Bend Wash
Tuesday, October 28, 2025, 5:00 pm – 6:30 pm
Location: Mustang Library, 10101 N 90th Street, Scottsdale, AZ 85258
Presenter: Don Hadder, Sr.’s presentation covers the complete story of the Indian Bend Wash flood control project and the many steps that made this project possible. A great number of hurdles had to be overcome for this unprecedented project. In the end, the completed Indian Bend Wash project helped establish Scottsdale as a place of imagination, with a willingness to go the extra mile and as a trend setter. People from all over have come to Scottsdale to see and learn about this marvel of local civic initiative.
RSVP below to let us know you are coming!

Boojada Adventure - Educational Walk
2025-10-30 08:00 - 10:00 (America/Phoenix) | Gateway Trailhead, 18333 N. Thompson Peak Pkwy., Scottsdale, AZ, 85255, United States
Boojada Adventure Walk at Gateway Trailhead
When you think about Halloween, it’s normal to think of spooky and scary symbols like spiders, spider webs, and bats. But if you learn a little more about these creatures in the Sonoran Desert, you may discover that there is not much to be afraid of! So, join us while we turn Halloween on its head and discuss all things related to our spooky Sonoran Desert.
Bathrooms and water are available at the trailhead. No dogs please. Bring water for the trail. Arrive 15 minutes before the walk.
Space is limited! Please save your spot with the RSVP below.

Sonoran Desert 101 - Educational Walk
2025-11-01 09:00 - 11:00 (America/Phoenix) | Fraesfield Trailhead, 13400 East Rio Verde Drive, Scottsdale, AZ, 85262, United States
Sonoran Desert 101 – The Hidden Desert at Fraesfield Trailhead.
Walking through the desert gives you half the story. There is a hidden world of nocturnal critters. If you look carefully, you can see the evidence of their middens, burrows, and holes. What else is concealed around you? Let us unlock those mysteries on the Camino Campana Trail and reveal the hidden desert.
Restrooms are available at the trailhead. Please bring water and snacks for the trail. No dogs please. Plan to arrive 15 minutes before start of walk.
Space is limited! Please save your spot with the RSVP below.

Introduction to Mountain Biking: Session 3 - Graduation Ride
2025-11-01 09:00 - 12:00 (America/Phoenix) | Pima Dynamite Trailhead, 28777 N. Pima Road, Scottsdale, AZ, 85262, United States
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 bike with wide knobby tires is required. Please, no road bikes, hybrids, or folding bikes. Please check the working order of your bike before you leave home. Helmets required. Bring water and snacks for the trail. Restrooms available at the trailhead. Arrive 15 minutes before start of ride.
No electric assist bikes. To inquire about an accommodation from the City of Scottsdale, please call 480-312-4444.
Space is limited! Please save your spot with the RSVP below.

Bird Walk
2025-11-02 08:00 - 10:00 (America/Phoenix) | Granite Mountain Trailhead, 31402 N. 136th Street, Scottsdale, AZ, 85262, United States
Bird Walk at Granite Mountain Trailhead.
Join our bird experts on this 2-hour walk for a good chance to see some of our year-round bird residents such as: cactus wren, Gila woodpecker, ladder-backed woodpecker, Harris’s hawk, verdin or Say’s phoebe – as well as some seasonal arrivals.
Restrooms available at the trailhead, but no water. Bring water and snacks for the trail. No dogs please. Bring your binoculars. Arrive 15 minutes before start of walk.
Space is limited! Please save your spot with the RSVP below.
