Give your time to the Conservancy by participating in activities across multiple programs and functions. This may vary over time, but should reach at least 60 hours/year.
Make a gift to the Conservancy by donating according to your ability. This may vary over time, but should begin with $60/year.
As your experience and knowledge grow, you are expected to seek out and accept leadership roles at various levels within the organization.
Take on active support roles over time. These non-field, support activities make our more visible Conservancy activities possible.
Program Goal
Engage stewards as citizen scientists to conduct ecological research to inform long-term natural resource management and inspire stewardship of arid lands.
What We Do
Citizen Science partners with Parsons Field Institute staff and external research partners to conduct research in the Preserve and the larger region. Our projects have two primary goals – To understand how urban stressors and climate change affect the Sonoran Desert and to inform and apply best management practices for managing and protecting natural lands.
What does the program need from stewards?
We need stewards who are curious about the natural world and interested in contributing to meaningful research that allows us to understand the flora, fauna, and geology of the Preserve. Opportunities exist to assist with fieldwork and with data entry and analysis. Training is provided.
Program Goal
Advance our engagement with our communities to ensure more people know about the Conservancy, the Preserve, and the key role everyone can play in protecting natural open spaces
What We Do
Community Engagement engages with the public to increase awareness of the Conservancy and the Preserve and to expand our membership. Stewards work in cooperation with staff to plan and execute a variety of activities. We coordinate a lecture series and other speaking events. We represent the Conservancy at our signature events. We look for ways to connect with partners and attend other events in the community.
What does the program need from stewards?
We need stewards who want to learn about the work the Conservancy does and look for opportunities to connect with diverse audiences.
Program Goal
Maintain the Preserve trails for the safe use by hikers, bikers, and equestrians.
What We Do
Construction & Maintenance partners closely with the City to provide needed help maintaining trails. Trail maintenance involves clearing the trail corridor (pruning and brushing); repairing and clearing the tread (removing slough, rocks, etc.), closing social trails or cross-cutting paths, and cleaning/repairing drains to keep water off the trails.
What does the program need from stewards?
No previous trail maintenance experience is required! Most projects, however, do require minimum physical ability such as hiking several miles, carrying a tool, and performing light to medium level of work once at the work site. Each steward can choose the level of work they are comfortable with.
Program Goal
Educate the public and stewards about the beauty and uniqueness of the Preserve and the Sonoran Desert while enabling safe exploration of unfamiliar places and things.
What We Do
Guided Hike & Bike (GH&B) offers a wide variety of educational and fitness hikes, walks and mountain bike activities. GH&B events are a great way to increase one’s knowledge about the flora, fauna, geology, and human history of the Sonoran Desert, while improving one’s own physical and mental wellbeing. The majority of GH&B events are free scheduled public group events.
What does the program need from stewards?
The GH&B program schedules many events each season; hike and bike leaders and assistants are required for all events offered. We need stewards who staff these roles to enjoy sharing their knowledge of the Sonoran Desert with others.
Program Goal
Inform the general public and our stewards about the history and activities of the people who are associated with the McDowell Mountains and surrounding region from ancient to present times.
What do we do?
PastFinders perform research and field studies, monitor historically or archaeologically important sites within the Preserve, develop and provide historical presentations and lead historically themed hikes and bike rides. We tell the stories about the first people living in the Southwest, about the Spanish explorers, the US military, the ranchers and other settlers who helped to shape today’s Arizona.
What does the program need from stewards?
People who are curious about the human experience and its connections to the natural environment.
Program Goal
We encourage, advise, and educate people on the trails. We enhance awareness and appreciation of the Sonoran Desert and our Conservancy. Our presence helps sustain and protect the Preserve.
What We Do
Patrol acts as trail ambassadors, regularly patrolling the Preserve on foot, bike, or horse. While on patrol we talk with visitors, observe conditions, and provide reports on these activities. We pass our enthusiasm and learning to anyone who may have an interest in the Conservancy and the Preserve.
We also work with the City to organize and support annual events like the July 4th Fire Watch and Share the Trails day.
What does the program need from stewards?
We welcome stewards who enjoy being out in the Preserve and are comfortable engaging and educating visitors.
Program Goal
Empower steward volunteers with the knowledge, skills, and confidence for excellence in stewardship while supporting the steward journey through insights, communications, and recognition.
What We Do
Steward Education provides ongoing education for stewards to continue to grow their knowledge, stewardship skills and confidence. We plan and conduct interesting and fun all-steward educational events. We develop ways to engage and survey stewards to advance program effectiveness. We look for way to recognize steward achievements.
What does the program need from stewards?
Enthusiasm to want to make a difference. If you like to stimulate your mind, and that of others, this is a great place for you. Stewards who bring critical thinking skills and fresh ideas to our efforts are welcome.
Program Goal
Enhance the safety and enjoyment of visitors to the Preserve, while being an advocate for the Sonoran Desert and the Conservancy.
What We Do
Trailhead Ambassadors welcome visitors to the Preserve while serving in 2-hour shifts at the seven major trailheads. We observe and interact with visitors at the trailheads, providing friendly information and advice.
We promote safety by advising visitors about desert hazards and sharing the trails with other Preserve users. We also help manage emergencies. We recommend trail routes that are compatible with the abilities and expectations of the visitors. We answer questions and share our knowledge about the flora and fauna of the Sonoran Desert, area history and geology, and the Conservancy.
What does the program need from stewards?
We need trailhead ambassadors who are engaging, cheerful, dependable, confident, and committed to continual learning. Each ambassador is asked to volunteer at least two shifts per month.
Program Goal
Empower today’s youth to take positive actions in the long-term conservation of the Sonoran Desert.
What We Do
Youth Education works with the Sonoran Education Center to provide standards-based interactive learning experiences in the Preserve and classroom that bring awareness and promote appreciation of the importance of the Sonoran Desert and natural open spaces.
What does the program need from stewards?
Enthusiastic stewards who want to share their love of the Sonoran Desert with youth! No experience necessary – you don’t need to be a teacher to inspire the next generation. We will provide all the training and you will NEVER be left on your own in a classroom.