OUR SPRING EDITION OF MOUNTAIN LINES IS NOW AVAILABLE
Scottsdale, Arizona – Our spring edition of the McDowell Sonoran Conservancy Mountain Lines is now available!
In this issue, you will read about how mountain biking is a terrific way to see Scottsdale’s McDowell Sonoran Preserve and a healthy way to enjoy the outdoors.
You’ll enjoy a Q&A with Conservancy Executive Director Justin Owen and learn what excites him most about the work at the Conservancy.
You’ll get a peek into the ecosystem restoration near Dixie Mine, a place completely different from any other in the Preserve because there’s water. This small riparian microclimate in the middle of the desert is inhabited by unique plants, animals and fungi.
You’ll get an update on Scottsdale’s Preserve Trailheads.
You’ll also learn about our partnership with Arizona State University Ecology Explorers and how we’re enhancing science education.
You’ll get a primer on the elf owl, the smallest owl in the world at just five inches tall.
You’ll also learn about one of the great destination hikes in the Preserve—Marcus Landslide. Today, the Marcus Landslide Trail offers peace and serenity but this wasn’t always the case. During the last ice age, about 500,000 years ago, an earthshaking rock landslide occurred near the east side of the McDowell Mountains near its central summit. That sudden collapse generated energy equivalent to one atomic bomb, releasing more than 194 million cubic feet of rock, soil and vegetation, enough material to fill six Arizona State University Sun Devil Stadiums.
You’ll be delighted to learn some provocative facts about our desert icon: the saguaro!
We share an interesting article about the effects of fire on the Preserve.
Additionally, we’ve included our 2017 annual report, with a message from our Board Chair and Executive Director along with a listing of generous donors, corporate sponsors and community partners.
This magazine is a window into the work and impact that the Conservancy has on our local treasure, Scottsdale’s McDowell Sonoran Preserve. To read an online copy, click on the link at: Mountain Lines.
