January 21, 1991
The McDowell Sonoran Land Trust (later known as the McDowell Sonoran Conservancy) incorporates as a non-profit 501(c)3 and joins the Land Trust Alliance, a worldwide land conservation movement.
May, 2018
At the Conservancy-hosted symposium “Integrating Research into Action” on May 4-5, participants from throughout the Southwest share practical implications from regional natural resource research and novel ideas for implementing monitoring, research and management programs.
2019
This youth education program, focused on the saguaro’s lifecycle and role in the desert ecosystem, is rolled out to 3rd graders in Title I schools for the fall semester. It consists of a classroom visit followed by a field trip to the Preserve.
In November, 2020 the Scottsdale City Council approves a Site Steward Program for the Conservancy PastFinders, providing a structure for the ongoing monitoring of archaeological and historic sites in the Preserve in conjunction with Arizona State Parks and Trails.
2022
Begun in March, Expedition Days on the Road is a one-hour program that brings interactive in-classroom activities to schools across the Phoenix area to help 3rd and 4th graders understand and appreciate the Sonoran Desert.
Living Labs was started in the Fall with the Scottsdale Saguaro High School Eco Club. Students learn about desert conservation and restoration while also playing an integral role in research to benefit the Preserve.
July, 2024
The Conservancy finishes the fiscal year with over 73,000 hours of volunteer time from nearly 600 unique volunteers. We continue to be a key partner with the City of Scottsdale and the premiere conservation organization based in Scottsdale.