BEGIN:VCALENDAR
VERSION:2.0
PRODID:-//McDowell Sonoran Conservancy - ECPv6.15.12.2//NONSGML v1.0//EN
CALSCALE:GREGORIAN
METHOD:PUBLISH
X-WR-CALNAME:McDowell Sonoran Conservancy
X-ORIGINAL-URL:https://www.mcdowellsonoran.org
X-WR-CALDESC:Events for McDowell Sonoran Conservancy
REFRESH-INTERVAL;VALUE=DURATION:PT1H
X-Robots-Tag:noindex
X-PUBLISHED-TTL:PT1H
BEGIN:VTIMEZONE
TZID:America/Phoenix
BEGIN:STANDARD
TZOFFSETFROM:-0700
TZOFFSETTO:-0700
TZNAME:MST
DTSTART:20240101T000000
END:STANDARD
END:VTIMEZONE
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Phoenix:20251007T080000
DTEND;TZID=America/Phoenix:20251007T100000
DTSTAMP:20260414T200319
CREATED:20250910T195856Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250910T201201Z
UID:10000701-1759824000-1759831200@www.mcdowellsonoran.org
SUMMARY:Bird Walk at Quartz Trailhead
DESCRIPTION:Bird Walk at Quartz Trailhead \nJoin 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. \nMeet 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. \nSpace is limited! Please save your spot with the RSVP below.
URL:https://www.mcdowellsonoran.org/event/bird-walk-at-quartz-trailhead-2/
LOCATION:Quartz Trailhead\, J4GV+Q5R Scottsdale\, Arizona
CATEGORIES:Educational Walk
GEO:33°37'37.2"N;111°51'25.6"W
X-APPLE-STRUCTURED-LOCATION;VALUE=URI;X-ADDRESS=Quartz Trailhead J4GV+Q5R Scottsdale Arizona;X-APPLE-RADIUS=500;X-TITLE=J4GV+Q5R Scottsdale\, Arizona:geo:111°51'25.6"W,33°37'37.2"N
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Phoenix:20251011T143000
DTEND;TZID=America/Phoenix:20251011T160000
DTSTAMP:20260414T200319
CREATED:20250830T020702Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250910T205710Z
UID:10000718-1760193000-1760198400@www.mcdowellsonoran.org
SUMMARY:Lecture - Spooky or Spectacular? Revealing the Truth About Bats
DESCRIPTION:Spooky or Spectacular? Revealing the Truth About Bats \nSpeaker: Jessie Dwyer\, Parsons Field Institute Biodiversity Manager \nDate: Saturday October 11\, 2025 \nTime: 2:30 PM to 4:00 PM \nBats 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. \nJessie 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. \nRSVP below to let us know you are coming!
URL:https://www.mcdowellsonoran.org/event/lecture-spooky-or-spectacular-revealing-the-truth-about-bats/
LOCATION:Scottsdale Public Library – Mustang Library\, 10101 N. 90th Street\, Scottsdale\, AZ\, 85260\, United States
CATEGORIES:Lecture
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Phoenix:20251018T080000
DTEND;TZID=America/Phoenix:20251018T093000
DTSTAMP:20260414T200319
CREATED:20250910T202834Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250910T211805Z
UID:10000703-1760774400-1760779800@www.mcdowellsonoran.org
SUMMARY:Sonoran Desert 101 - Educational Walk
DESCRIPTION:Sonoran Desert 101 at Brown’s Ranch Trailhead  \nThis walk provides a geological and ecological overview of what lives in the McDowell Sonoran Preserve\, and how the flora and fauna survive and thrive. \nRestrooms and water are available at the trailhead. Please bring water and snacks for the trail. Plan to arrive 15 minutes before start of walk. \nSpace is limited! Please save your spot with the RSVP below.
URL:https://www.mcdowellsonoran.org/event/sonoran-desert-101-educational-walk/
LOCATION:Brown’s Ranch Trailhead\, 30301 N. Alma School Road\, Scottsdale\, AZ\, 85262\, United States
CATEGORIES:Educational Walk
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Phoenix:20251018T090000
DTEND;TZID=America/Phoenix:20251018T120000
DTSTAMP:20260414T200319
CREATED:20250910T202833Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20251017T181743Z
UID:10000702-1760778000-1760788800@www.mcdowellsonoran.org
SUMMARY:Introduction To Mountain Biking: Session 1
DESCRIPTION:Introduction to Mountain Biking: Session 1 at Pima Dynamite Trailhead \nThis 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. \nA 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. \nNo electric assist bikes. To inquire about an accommodation from the City of Scottsdale\, please call 480-312-4444. \nSpace is limited! Please save your spot with the RSVP below.
URL:https://www.mcdowellsonoran.org/event/introduction-to-mountain-biking-2/
LOCATION:Pima Dynamite Trailhead\, 28777 N. Pima Road\, Scottsdale\, AZ\, 85262\, United States
CATEGORIES:Educational Ride
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Phoenix:20251019T090000
DTEND;TZID=America/Phoenix:20251019T120000
DTSTAMP:20260414T200319
CREATED:20250910T202833Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20251017T195009Z
UID:10000704-1760864400-1760875200@www.mcdowellsonoran.org
SUMMARY:Ride the Gooseneck and Discuss Preserve Fire Restoration
DESCRIPTION:Ride the Gooseneck and Discuss Preserve Fire Restoration from Fraesfield Trailhead \nThis 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. \nThis 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.\nNo electric assist bikes. \nTo inquire about an accommodation from the City of Scottsdale\, please call 480-312-4444. \nSpace is limited! Please save your spot with the RSVP below.
URL:https://www.mcdowellsonoran.org/event/ride-the-gooseneck-and-discuss-preserve-fire-restoration/
LOCATION:Fraesfield Trailhead\, 13400 East Rio Verde Drive\, Scottsdale\, AZ\, 85262\, United States
CATEGORIES:Educational Ride
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Phoenix:20251021T080000
DTEND;TZID=America/Phoenix:20251021T110000
DTSTAMP:20260414T200319
CREATED:20250910T202833Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250910T212610Z
UID:10000705-1761033600-1761044400@www.mcdowellsonoran.org
SUMMARY:Taliesin\, Old Jeep\, and Ringtail Trails Hike
DESCRIPTION:Taliesin\, Old Jeep and Ringtail Hike from Lost Dog Wash Trailhead \nCome 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. \nBathrooms and water available at the trailhead. Bring water and snacks for the trail. No dogs please. Arrive 15 minutes before start of hike. \nSpace is limited! Please save your spot with the RSVP below.
URL:https://www.mcdowellsonoran.org/event/taliesin-old-jeep-and-ringtail-trails-hike/
LOCATION:Lost Dog Wash Trailhead\, 12601 N. 124th Street\, Scottsdale\, AZ\, 85259\, United States
CATEGORIES:Wellness Hikes
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Phoenix:20251023T080000
DTEND;TZID=America/Phoenix:20251023T093000
DTSTAMP:20260414T200319
CREATED:20250910T202832Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250919T171131Z
UID:10000706-1761206400-1761211800@www.mcdowellsonoran.org
SUMMARY:Brown's Ranch Stories - Educational Walk
DESCRIPTION:Brown’s Ranch Stories at Brown’s Ranch Trailhead \nJoin 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. \nPlease arrive 15 minutes start of the walk. Restrooms and water at the trailhead. Please bring water and snacks for the trail. No dogs\, please. \nSpace is limited! Please save your spot with the RSVP below.
URL:https://www.mcdowellsonoran.org/event/browns-ranch-stories-educational-walk/
LOCATION:Brown’s Ranch Trailhead\, 30301 N. Alma School Road\, Scottsdale\, AZ\, 85262\, United States
CATEGORIES:Educational Walk
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Phoenix:20251024T080000
DTEND;TZID=America/Phoenix:20251024T110000
DTSTAMP:20260414T200319
CREATED:20250910T202832Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250910T212943Z
UID:10000707-1761292800-1761303600@www.mcdowellsonoran.org
SUMMARY:Missions\, Massacres\, and Plagues - Educational Hike
DESCRIPTION:Missions\, Massacres & Plagues – Educational Hike at Fraesfield Trailhead  \nModerate 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. \nRestrooms available at the trailhead but no water. Bring water and snacks for the trail. No dogs please. Arrive 15 minutes before start of hike. \nSpace is limited! Please save your spot with the RSVP below.
URL:https://www.mcdowellsonoran.org/event/missions-massacres-and-plagues-educational-hike/
LOCATION:Fraesfield Trailhead\, 13400 East Rio Verde Drive\, Scottsdale\, AZ\, 85262\, United States
CATEGORIES:Educational Hike
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Phoenix:20251025T080000
DTEND;TZID=America/Phoenix:20251025T100000
DTSTAMP:20260414T200319
CREATED:20250910T202832Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250910T213420Z
UID:10000708-1761379200-1761386400@www.mcdowellsonoran.org
SUMMARY:Predators and Prey - Educational Walk
DESCRIPTION:Predators and Prey – Balancing the Ecosystem at Lost Dog Wash Trailhead  \nJoin 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. \nPlease arrive 15 minutes prior to scheduled departure. Restrooms and water at the trailhead. Please bring water and snacks for the trail. No dogs\, please. \nSpace is limited! Please Save your spot with the RSVP below.
URL:https://www.mcdowellsonoran.org/event/predators-and-prey-educational-walk/
LOCATION:Lost Dog Wash Trailhead\, 12601 N. 124th Street\, Scottsdale\, AZ\, 85259\, United States
CATEGORIES:Educational Walk
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Phoenix:20251025T080000
DTEND;TZID=America/Phoenix:20251025T120000
DTSTAMP:20260414T200319
CREATED:20250910T202831Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250910T213559Z
UID:10000709-1761379200-1761393600@www.mcdowellsonoran.org
SUMMARY:Brown's Mountain\, Corral\, Dry Gulch\, and Stagecoach Trails Hike
DESCRIPTION:Hike the Brown’s Mountain\, Corral\, Dry Gulch and Stagecoach Trails at Brown’s Ranch Trailhead \nThis 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. \nExperienced 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. \nSpace is limited! Please save your spot with the RSVP below.
URL:https://www.mcdowellsonoran.org/event/browns-mountain-corral-dry-gulch-and-stagecoach-trails-hike/
LOCATION:Brown’s Ranch Trailhead\, 30301 N. Alma School Road\, Scottsdale\, AZ\, 85262\, United States
CATEGORIES:Wellness Hikes
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Phoenix:20251025T090000
DTEND;TZID=America/Phoenix:20251025T120000
DTSTAMP:20260414T200319
CREATED:20250910T202831Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20251017T181830Z
UID:10000710-1761382800-1761393600@www.mcdowellsonoran.org
SUMMARY:Introduction To Mountain Biking: Session 2
DESCRIPTION:Introduction to Mountain Biking: Session 2 at Pima Dynamite Trailhead \nThis 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. \nA 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. \nNo electric assist bikes. To inquire about an accommodation from the City of Scottsdale\, please call 480-312-4444. \nSpace is limited! Please save your spot with the RSVP below.
URL:https://www.mcdowellsonoran.org/event/introduction-to-mountain-biking/
LOCATION:Pima Dynamite Trailhead\, 28777 N. Pima Road\, Scottsdale\, AZ\, 85262\, United States
CATEGORIES:Educational Ride
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Phoenix:20251025T090000
DTEND;TZID=America/Phoenix:20251025T123000
DTSTAMP:20260414T200319
CREATED:20250910T202731Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250910T214002Z
UID:10000711-1761382800-1761395400@www.mcdowellsonoran.org
SUMMARY:Ride Granite Mountain - 15 Mile Training Ride
DESCRIPTION:Ride Granite Mountain – 15 Mile Intermediate Training Ride from Granite Mountain Trailhead  \nThis 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. \nA 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. \nNo electric assist bikes. To inquire about an accommodation from the City of Scottsdale\, please call 480-312-4444. \nSpace is limited! Please save your spot with the RSVP below.
URL:https://www.mcdowellsonoran.org/event/ride-granite-mountain-15-mile-training-ride/
LOCATION:Granite Mountain Trailhead\, 31402 N. 136th Street\, Scottsdale\, AZ\, 85262\, United States
CATEGORIES:Wellness Rides
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Phoenix:20251028T170000
DTEND;TZID=America/Phoenix:20251028T183000
DTSTAMP:20260414T200319
CREATED:20251008T170422Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20251008T170422Z
UID:10000721-1761670800-1761676200@www.mcdowellsonoran.org
SUMMARY:Lecture - A Story of the Indian Bend Wash
DESCRIPTION:Cultural Resources Lecture: A Story of the Indian Bend Wash \nTuesday\, October 28\, 2025\, 5:00 pm – 6:30 pm \nLocation: Mustang Library\, 10101 N 90th Street\, Scottsdale\, AZ 85258 \nPresenter: 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. \nRSVP below to let us know you are coming!
URL:https://www.mcdowellsonoran.org/event/lecture-a-story-of-the-indian-bend-wash/
LOCATION:Scottsdale Public Library – Mustang Library\, 10101 N. 90th Street\, Scottsdale\, AZ\, 85260\, United States
CATEGORIES:Lecture
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Phoenix:20251030T080000
DTEND;TZID=America/Phoenix:20251030T100000
DTSTAMP:20260414T200319
CREATED:20250910T202730Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250910T214705Z
UID:10000712-1761811200-1761818400@www.mcdowellsonoran.org
SUMMARY:Boojada Adventure - Educational Walk
DESCRIPTION:Boojada Adventure Walk at Gateway Trailhead \nWhen 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. \nBathrooms and water are available at the trailhead. No dogs please. Bring water for the trail. Arrive 15 minutes before the walk. \nSpace is limited! Please save your spot with the RSVP below.
URL:https://www.mcdowellsonoran.org/event/boojada-adventure-educational-walk/
LOCATION:Gateway Trailhead\, 18333 N. Thompson Peak Pkwy.\, Scottsdale\, AZ\, 85255\, United States
CATEGORIES:Educational Walk
END:VEVENT
END:VCALENDAR