BEGIN:VCALENDAR
VERSION:2.0
PRODID:-//McDowell Sonoran Conservancy - ECPv6.15.20//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:20230101T000000
END:STANDARD
END:VTIMEZONE
BEGIN:VTIMEZONE
TZID:UTC
BEGIN:STANDARD
TZOFFSETFROM:+0000
TZOFFSETTO:+0000
TZNAME:UTC
DTSTART:20230101T000000
END:STANDARD
END:VTIMEZONE
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Phoenix:20260509T143000
DTEND;TZID=America/Phoenix:20260509T160000
DTSTAMP:20260515T083646
CREATED:20251103T231612Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260220T161802Z
UID:10000777-1778337000-1778342400@www.mcdowellsonoran.org
SUMMARY:Lecture - Poisonous and Venomous Animals of Arizona
DESCRIPTION:Poisonous and Venomous Animals of Arizona \nSaturday\, May 9\, 2026\, 2:30 pm – 4:00 pm \nLocation: Mustang Library\, 10101 N 90th Street\, Scottsdale\, AZ 85258 \nArizona is home to a diverse array of poisonous and venomous creatures. More species of venomous reptiles are found here than in any other U.S. state. Many of these are little more than a painful inconvenience while the bite or sting of others can be a life-threatening event. Learn about these misunderstood animals and the actual threat they present. \nRandy Babb is a biologist and an Arizona native. Randy started with the U.S. Forest Service as a biological field technician before joining AZGFD in 1986 as the Aquatic Education Program\nManager. He worked on numerous studies and projects in Arizona\, New Mexico\, southeastern U.S.\, Mexico\, Central America\, Vietnam\, and southern Africa on small mammals\, fish\, reptiles\nand amphibians. He was installed in the Arizona Wildlife Hall of Fame in 2021. Has over 31 publications including “Reptiles and Amphibians of the Sonoran Desert” and “Snakes of\nSoutheast Arizona.” Since retiring from Game and Fish\, Randy hasn’t slowed down. Throughout his career\, he served as a biological consultant for National Geographic Television\, Discovery\nChannel\, and BBC programs on desert wildlife. \nRSVP below to let us know you are coming!
URL:https://www.mcdowellsonoran.org/event/lecture-poisonous-and-venomous-animals-of-arizona/
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:20260428T170000
DTEND;TZID=America/Phoenix:20260428T183000
DTSTAMP:20260515T083646
CREATED:20251203T174345Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260410T205929Z
UID:10000785-1777395600-1777401000@www.mcdowellsonoran.org
SUMMARY:Lecture - The Desert is a Dotted Line: Connecting Taliesin West and Early Scottsdale
DESCRIPTION:The Desert is a Dotted Line: Connecting Taliesin West and Early Scottsdale  \nTuesday\, April 28\, 2026\, 5:00 pm – 6:30 pm \nLocation: Mustang Library\, 10101 N 90th Street\, Scottsdale\, AZ 85258 \nBeginning in 1938\, the architect Frank Lloyd Wright and his apprentices built a winter camp (a home and professional studio) at the foot of the McDowell Mountains. In this presentation\, we’ll explore how vital the surrounding area\, especially the young City of Scottsdale\, was to the development and subsistence of Taliesin West. Untold stories will be shared through primary source material. \nPlease join Frank Lloyd Wright Foundation Archivist Nicole Richard on April 28th for this presentation at Scottsdale’s Mustang Library \nRSVP below to let us know you are coming! \nPhoto Credit: Aerial view of Taliesin West\, November 24\, 1949. Photograph courtesy Herb and Dorothy McLaughlin Photograph Collection\, Greater Arizona Collection\, Arizona State University Library.
URL:https://www.mcdowellsonoran.org/event/lecture-the-desert-is-a-dotted-line-connecting-taliesin-west-and-early-scottsdale/
LOCATION:Scottsdale Public Library – Mustang Library\, 10101 N. 90th Street\, Scottsdale\, AZ\, 85260\, United States
CATEGORIES:Lecture
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://www.mcdowellsonoran.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/Herb-and-Dorothy-McLaughlin_photographs_001-scaled.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Phoenix:20260411T143000
DTEND;TZID=America/Phoenix:20260411T160000
DTSTAMP:20260515T083646
CREATED:20260109T224908Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260109T224908Z
UID:10000864-1775917800-1775923200@www.mcdowellsonoran.org
SUMMARY:Lecture - From Rocks to Humans: Ecological Foundations
DESCRIPTION:From Rocks to Humans: Ecological Foundations \nSaturday\, April 11\, 2026\,  2:30 PM to 4:00 PM \nLocation: Mustang Library\, 10101 N 90 th St.\, Scottsdale\, AZ 85258 \nWe live in a stunning part of the Sonoran Desert\, a unique and vibrant ecosystem. Despite high temperatures and limited rainfall\, myriad species of plants and animals call this place home.\nPeople\, too\, have lived here for thousands of years. Have you ever wondered how this ecosystem came to be\, and how all the flora and fauna have adapted to live and thrive here?\nAnd why organizations like the McDowell Sonoran Conservancy are working to protect vast portions from human impacts? \nWe’ll dive into the processes that shaped this desert landscape—how ecosystems are formed\, how living things adapt to environmental challenges\, and how humans have left such a deep\nmark on the land in a short amount of time. We’ll introduce you to the core principles of ecology\, from the rocks beneath our feet to the humans who now inhabit this landscape \nRSVP below to let us know you are coming!
URL:https://www.mcdowellsonoran.org/event/lecture-from-rocks-to-humans-ecological-foundations/
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:20260324T170000
DTEND;TZID=America/Phoenix:20260324T183000
DTSTAMP:20260515T083646
CREATED:20251120T225757Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20251120T225757Z
UID:10000782-1774371600-1774377000@www.mcdowellsonoran.org
SUMMARY:Lecture - Master Planned Developments in Scottsdale
DESCRIPTION:Master Planned Developments in Scottsdale  \nTuesday\, March 24\, 2026\, 5:00 pm – 6:30 pm \nLocation: Mustang Library\, 10101 N 90th Street\, Scottsdale\, AZ 85258 \nA large portion of Scottsdale residents live in master planned developments. Most of the later development in Scottsdale was contained in such developments\, but few know that some of the earliest pioneers who helped create Scottsdale had similar visions to create grand developments but never achieved their dreams. This presentation by Don Hadder profiles over 30 such developments in Scottsdale and reviews their evolution over 40 years of time. \nRSVP below to let us know you are coming!
URL:https://www.mcdowellsonoran.org/event/lecture-master-planned-developments-in-scottsdale/
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:20260314T143000
DTEND;TZID=America/Phoenix:20260314T160000
DTSTAMP:20260515T083646
CREATED:20251103T232051Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20251107T232818Z
UID:10000778-1773498600-1773504000@www.mcdowellsonoran.org
SUMMARY:Lecture - Bird Migrations: Nature’s Intricately Timed Dance
DESCRIPTION:Bird Migrations – Nature’s Intricately Timed Dance \nSaturday\, March 14\, 2026\, 2:30 pm – 4:00 pm \nLocation: Mustang Library\, 10101 N 90th Street\, Scottsdale\, AZ 85258 \nWhile we enjoy the cheerful presence of local birds at our feeders\, each season brings surprise visitors—migratory birds that seem to arrive out of thin air. But their journeys are anything but\nrandom. Discover how these incredible travelers time their arrivals and the places they call home. \nArizona is a birdwatcher’s paradise\, with over 300 species recorded statewide\, and nearly 190 documented in the McDowell Sonoran Preserve alone. Learn about our local and migratory birds\, their unique habitats\, and what they eat—straight from an expert in the field. \nJoin Rick Pearce\, McDowell Sonoran Conservancy Steward\, for an immersive exploration of our local birds. Rick is an avid birder with years of experience leading bird walks for the Conservancy\, along with scientific surveys and bird counts in partnership with the Cornell Lab of Ornithology and Audubon. His passion and knowledge will bring the fascinating world of local birds to life. \nRSVP below to let us know you are coming!
URL:https://www.mcdowellsonoran.org/event/lecture-bird-migrations-natures-intricately-timed-dance/
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:20260224T170000
DTEND;TZID=America/Phoenix:20260224T183000
DTSTAMP:20260515T083646
CREATED:20251120T223820Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20251120T223820Z
UID:10000781-1771952400-1771957800@www.mcdowellsonoran.org
SUMMARY:Lecture - Designing With Nature: Architecture of the McDowell Sonoran Preserve and Beyond
DESCRIPTION:Designing With Nature: Architecture of the McDowell Sonoran Preserve and Beyond \nTuesday\, February 24\, 2026\, 5:00 pm – 6:30 pm \nLocation: Mustang Library\, 10101 N 90th Street\, Scottsdale\, AZ 85258 \nPhilip Weddle of Scottsdale based Weddle Gilmore Architects has developed a deep portfolio of community-based projects that connect people to the places in which they live\, work\, and recreate. His work illustrates architectural designs that are integrated into the natural world in a way that promotes ecological and environmental responsibility. He strives to craft seamless\, boundary-blending connections between architecture and landscape which gives rise to harmonious environments and enriching experiences. Philip will share designs from over 25 years of working within the McDowell Sonoran Preserve and other wildland settings. \nRSVP below to let us know you are coming!
URL:https://www.mcdowellsonoran.org/event/lecture-designing-with-nature-architecture-of-the-mcdowell-sonoran-preserve-and-beyond/
LOCATION:Scottsdale Public Library – Mustang Library\, 10101 N. 90th Street\, Scottsdale\, AZ\, 85260\, United States
CATEGORIES:Lecture
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://www.mcdowellsonoran.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/Designing-with-Nature-scaled.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Phoenix:20260127T170000
DTEND;TZID=America/Phoenix:20260127T183000
DTSTAMP:20260515T083646
CREATED:20251120T223055Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20251120T223055Z
UID:10000780-1769533200-1769538600@www.mcdowellsonoran.org
SUMMARY:Lecture - The Story of Historic Brown’s Ranch and the Creation of the Brown’s Ranch Interpretive Trail
DESCRIPTION:The Story of Historic Brown’s Ranch and the Creation of the Brown’s Ranch Interpretive Trail \nTuesday\, January 27\, 2026\, 5:00 pm – 6:30 pm \nLocation: Mustang Library\, 10101 N 90th Street\, Scottsdale\, AZ 85258 \nThe Brown family developed our region’s most iconic ranch in what is now part of the McDowell Sonoran Preserve in Scottsdale. Join us in exploring the rich history of this land\, home to several cultures over millennia. Learn about the Brown family and the creation of their ranch. The latest chapter of the story is The Browns Ranch Interpretive Trail\, the Preserve’s first trail dedicated to cultural resources. \nRSVP below to let us know you are coming!
URL:https://www.mcdowellsonoran.org/event/lecture-the-story-of-historic-browns-ranch-and-the-creation-of-the-browns-ranch-interpretive-trail/
LOCATION:Scottsdale Public Library – Mustang Library\, 10101 N. 90th Street\, Scottsdale\, AZ\, 85260\, United States
CATEGORIES:Lecture
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://www.mcdowellsonoran.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/SCOT_HIS_2009_0564.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Phoenix:20260110T143000
DTEND;TZID=America/Phoenix:20260110T160000
DTSTAMP:20260515T083646
CREATED:20251103T225559Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20251107T233147Z
UID:10000776-1768055400-1768060800@www.mcdowellsonoran.org
SUMMARY:Lecture - Linking Plants\, Pollinators and You (at Mustang Library)
DESCRIPTION:Linking Plants\, Pollinators and You \nSaturday\, January 10\, 2026 from 2:30 pm to 4 pm \nLocation: Mustang Library\, 10101 N 90th Street\, Scottsdale\, AZ 85258 \nWe will explore the dynamic and varied world of Sonoran Desert Pollinators who coexist with us in every season and landscape. These pollinators\, while offering our desert great beauty\, also serve an important role in keeping the Sonoran Desert healthy. We will discuss the birds and the bees and cover other desert pollinators including butterflies\, beetles\, flies\, and bats. Importantly\, you will learn what you can do to improve and sustain pollinator habitats at home with native plants and seeds. \nDr. John Weser is the Life Sciences Department Chair and Executive Director and cofounder of the Center for Native & Urban Wildlife at Scottsdale Community College (SCC). He received his Ph.D. in Biology from Arizona State University with an emphasis in Behavioral Ecology. Dr. Weser is involved in desert habitat restoration including enhancing pollinator habitats in natural and urban environments. He has partnered with the McDowell Sonoran Conservancy since 1999 in a range of programs including restoration and bird and butterfly monitoring. Dr. Weser is also involved with the Southwest Monarch Study monarch tagging project along with studying SCC’s desert burrowing owls and native solitary bees. \nRSVP below to let us know you are coming!
URL:https://www.mcdowellsonoran.org/event/lecture-linking-plants-pollinators-and-you-at-mustang-library/
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:20251125T170000
DTEND;TZID=America/Phoenix:20251125T183000
DTSTAMP:20260515T083646
CREATED:20251008T171054Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20251008T171054Z
UID:10000722-1764090000-1764095400@www.mcdowellsonoran.org
SUMMARY:Lecture - A Dozen Ways to Die in the Desert: The Old West Version
DESCRIPTION:Cultural Resources Lecture: A Dozen Ways to Die in the Desert: The Old West Version \nTuesday\, November 25\, 2025\, 5:00 pm – 6:30 pm \nLocation: Mustang Library\, 10101 N 90th Street\, Scottsdale\, AZ 85258 \nThis presentation covers more unusual ways in which people ended up ten toes in the air in the middle of the Sonoran Desert during the heyday of the Old West. It is meant to provide an entertaining education as to how desert denizens met their ends either as victims of Mother Nature\, their fellow humans\, or their own poor judgment. Did you know that the shootout at the OK Corral was not the most epic gunfight in Arizona? That a husband and wife riding in a surrey between Cave Creek and Phoenix met an untimely end because they disregarded advice from local ranchers? Or that you drive past the site of Arizona’s last lynching on your way to Apache Junction? \nRSVP below to let us know you are coming!
URL:https://www.mcdowellsonoran.org/event/lecture-a-dozen-ways-to-die-in-the-desert-the-old-west-version/
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:20251108T143000
DTEND;TZID=America/Phoenix:20251108T160000
DTSTAMP:20260515T083646
CREATED:20250830T021025Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250830T021025Z
UID:10000719-1762612200-1762617600@www.mcdowellsonoran.org
SUMMARY:Lecture - Geology is Ecology’s Destiny
DESCRIPTION:Geology is Ecology’s Destiny  \nSpeakers: Dan Gruber / Mike Nolan \nDate: Saturday November 8\, 2025 \nTime: 2:30 PM to 4:00 PM \nWhen most people think of an ecosystem\, they think of the relationship between plants and animals in an area. But the most fundamental ecological relationship is between the environment and everything that lives there. Every environment presents challenges and opportunities that anything that lives there successfully must have adapted to overcome and take advantage of\, respectively. Virtually all the characteristics of an environment – the composition of its soil\, its topography\, even its climatic conditions – have been shaped by geologic processes over millions of years. An area’s geology and geologic history basically determine its ecosystem. This talk will explore and explain the\ndeep relationship between geology and ecology. \nDan Gruber has a B.S. in Philosophy and Physics and a master’s degree in operations research. Since retiring as a principal and senior partner at Deloitte Consulting\, he has served in volunteer capacities with conservation-related organizations including the McDowell Sonoran Conservancy and the Central Arizona Conservation Alliance. He has authored several research papers focused on local geology\, contributed to several books\, and teaches courses about the natural history of central Arizona. \nMike Nolan is a geologist\, who for more than two decades has given presentations and led field trips on geologic topics\, helping his audience discover the stories hidden in the rocks beneath their feet and the landscapes that surround them. Mike has a degree in Geology from the University of Rochester. He is a former Executive Director of the McDowell Sonoran Conservancy and has also worked with other conservation groups. Currently he is a consultant who works with nonprofit organizations
URL:https://www.mcdowellsonoran.org/event/lecture-geology-is-ecologys-destiny/
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:20251028T170000
DTEND;TZID=America/Phoenix:20251028T183000
DTSTAMP:20260515T083646
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:20251011T143000
DTEND;TZID=America/Phoenix:20251011T160000
DTSTAMP:20260515T083646
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:20250923T170000
DTEND;TZID=America/Phoenix:20250923T183000
DTSTAMP:20260515T083646
CREATED:20250612T231747Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250910T203618Z
UID:10000698-1758646800-1758652200@www.mcdowellsonoran.org
SUMMARY:Lecture - Past\, Present\, and Future: Human History of the McDowell Sonoran Preserve
DESCRIPTION:Cultural Resources Lecture: Past\, Present\, and Future: Human History of the McDowell Sonoran Preserve \nTuesday\, September 23\, 2025\, 5:00 pm – 6:30 pm \nLocation: Mustang Library\, 10101 N 90th Street\, Scottsdale\, AZ 85258 \nPresenter: 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. \nRSVP below to let us know you are coming!
URL:https://www.mcdowellsonoran.org/event/lecture-past-present-and-future-human-history-of-the-mcdowell-sonoran-preserve/
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:20250913T143000
DTEND;TZID=America/Phoenix:20250913T160000
DTSTAMP:20260515T083646
CREATED:20250830T011832Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250910T203227Z
UID:10000717-1757773800-1757779200@www.mcdowellsonoran.org
SUMMARY:Lecture - Arizona Native and Invasive Plants
DESCRIPTION:Arizona Native and Invasive Plants \nSpeaker: Jessi Szopinski\, Arizona Department of Forestry and Fire Management \nThe 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. \nJessi 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. \nRSVP below to let us know you are coming!
URL:https://www.mcdowellsonoran.org/event/lecture-arizona-native-and-invasive-plants/
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:20250826T170000
DTEND;TZID=America/Phoenix:20250826T183000
DTSTAMP:20260515T083646
CREATED:20250612T223009Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250612T231807Z
UID:10000697-1756227600-1756233000@www.mcdowellsonoran.org
SUMMARY:Lecture - The Center for Native & Urban Wildlife - 25 years of Educating and Connecting People with the Sonoran Desert
DESCRIPTION:Cultural Resources Lecture: The Center for Native & Urban Wildlife – 25 years of Educating and Connecting People with the Sonoran Desert \nTuesday\, August 26\, 2025\, 5:00 pm – 6:30 pm \nLocation: Mustang Library\, 10101 N 90th Street\, Scottsdale\, AZ 85258 \nPresenter: 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.
URL:https://www.mcdowellsonoran.org/event/lecture-the-center-for-native-urban-wildlife-25-years-of-educating-and-connecting-people-with-the-sonoran-desert/
LOCATION:Scottsdale Public Library – Mustang Library\, 10101 N. 90th Street\, Scottsdale\, AZ\, 85260\, United States
CATEGORIES:Lecture
ORGANIZER;CN="McDowell Sonoran Conservancy":MAILTO:info@mcdowellsonoran.org
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Phoenix:20250722T170000
DTEND;TZID=America/Phoenix:20250722T183000
DTSTAMP:20260515T083646
CREATED:20250512T204209Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250722T163150Z
UID:10000696-1753203600-1753209000@www.mcdowellsonoran.org
SUMMARY:Lecture - Thriving and Surviving in the Sonoran Desert
DESCRIPTION:Thriving and Surviving in the Sonoran Desert with Plants \nThe 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. \nTuesday\, July 22 \n5:00 PM – 6:30 PM \nMustang Library \n10101 N 90th St\, Scottsdale
URL:https://www.mcdowellsonoran.org/event/lecture-thriving-and-surviving-in-the-sonoran-desert/
LOCATION:Scottsdale Public Library – Mustang Library\, 10101 N. 90th Street\, Scottsdale\, AZ\, 85260\, United States
CATEGORIES:Lecture
ORGANIZER;CN="McDowell Sonoran Conservancy":MAILTO:info@mcdowellsonoran.org
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Phoenix:20250624T170000
DTEND;TZID=America/Phoenix:20250624T183000
DTSTAMP:20260515T083646
CREATED:20250423T194505Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250423T194505Z
UID:10000695-1750784400-1750789800@www.mcdowellsonoran.org
SUMMARY:Lecture - Hohokam Rock Imagery\, Mountain Ritualism\, and Social Transformation in the Salt River Valley
DESCRIPTION:
URL:https://www.mcdowellsonoran.org/event/lecture-hohokam-rock-imagery-mountain-ritualism-and-social-transformation-in-the-salt-river-valley/
LOCATION:Scottsdale Public Library – Mustang Library\, 10101 N. 90th Street\, Scottsdale\, AZ\, 85260\, United States
CATEGORIES:Lecture
ORGANIZER;CN="McDowell Sonoran Conservancy":MAILTO:info@mcdowellsonoran.org
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Phoenix:20250527T170000
DTEND;TZID=America/Phoenix:20250527T183000
DTSTAMP:20260515T083646
CREATED:20250423T194355Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250423T194355Z
UID:10000694-1748365200-1748370600@www.mcdowellsonoran.org
SUMMARY:Lecture - Listening to the History of the Preserve
DESCRIPTION:
URL:https://www.mcdowellsonoran.org/event/lecture-listening-to-the-history-of-the-preserve/
LOCATION:Scottsdale Public Library – Mustang Library\, 10101 N. 90th Street\, Scottsdale\, AZ\, 85260\, United States
CATEGORIES:Lecture
ORGANIZER;CN="McDowell Sonoran Conservancy":MAILTO:info@mcdowellsonoran.org
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Phoenix:20250325T170000
DTEND;TZID=America/Phoenix:20250325T183000
DTSTAMP:20260515T083646
CREATED:20250114T220933Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250114T220933Z
UID:10000662-1742922000-1742927400@www.mcdowellsonoran.org
SUMMARY:Lecture - Scottsdale's General Plan History
DESCRIPTION:
URL:https://www.mcdowellsonoran.org/event/lecture-scottsdales-general-plan-history/
LOCATION:Scottsdale Public Library – Mustang Library\, 10101 N. 90th Street\, Scottsdale\, AZ\, 85260\, United States
CATEGORIES:Lecture
ORGANIZER;CN="McDowell Sonoran Conservancy":MAILTO:info@mcdowellsonoran.org
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Phoenix:20250315T143000
DTEND;TZID=America/Phoenix:20250315T160000
DTSTAMP:20260515T083646
CREATED:20241031T064424Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20241101T183857Z
UID:10000592-1742049000-1742054400@www.mcdowellsonoran.org
SUMMARY:Lecture - The How and Why of Butterfly Coloration (at Mustang Library)
DESCRIPTION:
URL:https://www.mcdowellsonoran.org/event/lecture-the-how-and-why-of-butterfly-coloration-at-mustang-library/
LOCATION:Scottsdale Public Library – Mustang Library\, 10101 N. 90th Street\, Scottsdale\, AZ\, 85260\, United States
CATEGORIES:Lecture
ORGANIZER;CN="McDowell Sonoran Conservancy":MAILTO:info@mcdowellsonoran.org
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Phoenix:20250225T170000
DTEND;TZID=America/Phoenix:20250225T183000
DTSTAMP:20260515T083646
CREATED:20250108T213739Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250108T213739Z
UID:10000634-1740502800-1740508200@www.mcdowellsonoran.org
SUMMARY:Lecture - Scottsdale is a Living Museum of Modern Architecture
DESCRIPTION:
URL:https://www.mcdowellsonoran.org/event/lecture-scottsdale-is-a-living-museum-of-modern-architecture/
LOCATION:Scottsdale Public Library – Mustang Library\, 10101 N. 90th Street\, Scottsdale\, AZ\, 85260\, United States
CATEGORIES:Lecture
ORGANIZER;CN="McDowell Sonoran Conservancy":MAILTO:info@mcdowellsonoran.org
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Phoenix:20250222T143000
DTEND;TZID=America/Phoenix:20250222T160000
DTSTAMP:20260515T083646
CREATED:20241031T064136Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20241031T065135Z
UID:10000591-1740234600-1740240000@www.mcdowellsonoran.org
SUMMARY:Lecture - Wildflowers: The Beautiful Building Blocks of Life (at the Mustang Library)
DESCRIPTION:
URL:https://www.mcdowellsonoran.org/event/lecture-wildflowers-the-beautiful-building-blocks-of-life-at-the-mustang-library/
LOCATION:Scottsdale Public Library – Mustang Library\, 10101 N. 90th Street\, Scottsdale\, AZ\, 85260\, United States
CATEGORIES:Lecture
ORGANIZER;CN="McDowell Sonoran Conservancy":MAILTO:info@mcdowellsonoran.org
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Phoenix:20250128T170000
DTEND;TZID=America/Phoenix:20250128T183000
DTSTAMP:20260515T083646
CREATED:20241220T193034Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20241220T193034Z
UID:10000626-1738083600-1738089000@www.mcdowellsonoran.org
SUMMARY:Lecture - Petroglyphs of the McDowell Mountains (at Mustang Library)
DESCRIPTION:
URL:https://www.mcdowellsonoran.org/event/lecture-petroglyphs-of-the-mcdowell-mountains-at-mustang-library/
LOCATION:Scottsdale Public Library – Mustang Library\, 10101 N. 90th Street\, Scottsdale\, AZ\, 85260\, United States
CATEGORIES:Lecture
ORGANIZER;CN="McDowell Sonoran Conservancy":MAILTO:info@mcdowellsonoran.org
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Phoenix:20250111T143000
DTEND;TZID=America/Phoenix:20250111T160000
DTSTAMP:20260515T083646
CREATED:20241031T063634Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20241031T065151Z
UID:10000590-1736605800-1736611200@www.mcdowellsonoran.org
SUMMARY:Lecture - Geology is Ecology's Destiny (at Mustang Library)
DESCRIPTION:
URL:https://www.mcdowellsonoran.org/event/lecture-geology-is-ecologys-destiny-at-mustang-library/
LOCATION:Scottsdale Public Library – Mustang Library\, 10101 N. 90th Street\, Scottsdale\, AZ\, 85260\, United States
CATEGORIES:Lecture
ORGANIZER;CN="McDowell Sonoran Conservancy":MAILTO:info@mcdowellsonoran.org
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Phoenix:20241214T143000
DTEND;TZID=America/Phoenix:20241214T160000
DTSTAMP:20260515T083646
CREATED:20240910T025514Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20241031T065218Z
UID:10000530-1734186600-1734192000@www.mcdowellsonoran.org
SUMMARY:Lecture - Discover the McDowell Sonoran Preserve (at Mustang Library)
DESCRIPTION:
URL:https://www.mcdowellsonoran.org/event/discover-the-mcdowell-sonoran-preserve-lecture-at-mustang-library/
LOCATION:Scottsdale Public Library – Mustang Library\, 10101 N. 90th Street\, Scottsdale\, AZ\, 85260\, United States
CATEGORIES:Lecture
ORGANIZER;CN="McDowell Sonoran Conservancy":MAILTO:info@mcdowellsonoran.org
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=UTC:20241126T170000
DTEND;TZID=UTC:20241126T183000
DTSTAMP:20260515T083646
CREATED:20241024T073638Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20241025T045414Z
UID:10000556-1732640400-1732645800@www.mcdowellsonoran.org
SUMMARY:Lecture - Celebrating the New Brown’s Ranch Interpretive Trail and the History of the Brown’s Family (at Mustang Library)
DESCRIPTION:
URL:https://www.mcdowellsonoran.org/event/lecture-celebrating-the-new-browns-ranch-interpretive-trail-and-the-history-of-the-browns-family/
LOCATION:Scottsdale Public Library – Mustang Library\, 10101 N. 90th Street\, Scottsdale\, AZ\, 85260\, United States
CATEGORIES:Lecture
ORGANIZER;CN="McDowell Sonoran Conservancy":MAILTO:info@mcdowellsonoran.org
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Phoenix:20241116T143000
DTEND;TZID=America/Phoenix:20241116T160000
DTSTAMP:20260515T083646
CREATED:20240910T025243Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20241025T040935Z
UID:10000529-1731767400-1731772800@www.mcdowellsonoran.org
SUMMARY:Lecture - Living with Wildlife: How to Let Wildlife Be Wild (at Mustang Library)
DESCRIPTION:
URL:https://www.mcdowellsonoran.org/event/living-with-wildlife-how-to-let-wildlife-be-wild-lecture-at-mustang-library/
LOCATION:Scottsdale Public Library – Mustang Library\, 10101 N. 90th Street\, Scottsdale\, AZ\, 85260\, United States
CATEGORIES:Lecture
ORGANIZER;CN="McDowell Sonoran Conservancy":MAILTO:info@mcdowellsonoran.org
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Phoenix:20241022T170000
DTEND;TZID=America/Phoenix:20241022T183000
DTSTAMP:20260515T083646
CREATED:20240718T060524Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20241017T035807Z
UID:10000524-1729616400-1729621800@www.mcdowellsonoran.org
SUMMARY:Lecture - The Stones of Taliesin West (at Mustang Library)
DESCRIPTION:Lecture: The Stones of Taliesin West \nTaliesin West\, architect Frank Lloyd Wright’s winter camp and studio in Scottsdale\, is a 20th Century Architecture World Heritage Site. It is also home to many ancient petroglyphs on stone. Noted archaeologist Aaron Wright did a comprehensive study of these Native American images and observed how Wright had incorporated a number of stones containing petroglyphs into his original site plan while leaving several stones in their original locations. 
URL:https://www.mcdowellsonoran.org/event/lecture-the-stones-of-taliesin-west/
LOCATION:Scottsdale Public Library – Mustang Library\, 10101 N. 90th Street\, Scottsdale\, AZ\, 85260\, United States
CATEGORIES:Lecture
ORGANIZER;CN="McDowell Sonoran Conservancy":MAILTO:info@mcdowellsonoran.org
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Phoenix:20241012T143000
DTEND;TZID=America/Phoenix:20241012T160000
DTSTAMP:20260515T083646
CREATED:20240910T024935Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20241017T035800Z
UID:10000528-1728743400-1728748800@www.mcdowellsonoran.org
SUMMARY:Lecture - Igniting Hope: Community-Driven Wildfire Restoration in the Sonoran Desert (at Mustang Library)
DESCRIPTION:Igniting Hope: Community-Driven Wildfire Restoration in the Sonoran Desert \nDiscover how the Parsons Field Institute and dedicated volunteers are spearheading restoration efforts\, replanting saguaros\, and engaging students in the aftermath of the Scottsdale Diamond Fire. You’ll learn about the changing dynamics of wildfires in the Sonoran Desert\, how invasive plant species impact the ecosystem\, and what you can do to support the preservation and restoration of our desert ecosystem. \nMary Fastiggi is the Parsons Field Institute Restoration Manager at the McDowell Sonoran Conservancy. She has an interdisciplinary background\, with research experience in both natural science and social science focused on environmental resource management and protection. She has an M.S. degree from the School of Sustainability at Arizona State University\, where she focused on urban resilience strategies to mitigate climate change impacts and to address urban stressors at the city scale. Additionally\, she received a B.A. degree from the Natural Science department at University of Michigan in 2013. She has 15 years of experience designing and implementing both citizen science and environmental education programs\, including working with volunteers on habitat restoration projects\, fauna monitoring\, phenology observations\, invasive species removal\, and urban green infrastructure projects. She has published in peer-reviewed journal articles on invasive species\, restoration\, urban resilience governance\, and sustainability practices. At the Conservancy\, she manages restoration and invasive plant species projects and experiments\, contributes to regional communication and community engagement\, and works closely with our citizen science program leadership and volunteer teams to implement our projects.
URL:https://www.mcdowellsonoran.org/event/igniting-hope-community-driven-wildfire-restoration-in-the-sonoran-desert-lecture-at-mustang-library/
LOCATION:Scottsdale Public Library – Mustang Library\, 10101 N. 90th Street\, Scottsdale\, AZ\, 85260\, United States
ORGANIZER;CN="McDowell Sonoran Conservancy":MAILTO:info@mcdowellsonoran.org
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Phoenix:20240924T170000
DTEND;TZID=America/Phoenix:20240924T183000
DTSTAMP:20260515T083646
CREATED:20240718T060018Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20241017T035750Z
UID:10000523-1727197200-1727202600@www.mcdowellsonoran.org
SUMMARY:Lecture - A City Comes of Age: The Design\, Construction and Significance of Scottsdale City Hall (at Mustang Library)
DESCRIPTION:Lecture – A City Comes of Age: The Design\, Construction and Significance of Scottsdale City Hall \nThis talk will outline the planning\, construction\, and significance of Scottsdale’s 1968 Bennie Gonzales-designed City Hall and the surrounding Scottsdale Civic Center. Scottsdale City Hall\, an innovative departure from traditional halls of municipal governance\, was listed on the Scottsdale Historic Register in 2023. Our speaker\, John Southard\, is the Senior Historian at Logan Simpson.
URL:https://www.mcdowellsonoran.org/event/lecture-a-city-comes-of-age-the-design-construction-and-significance-of-scottsdale-city-hall-at-mustang-library/
LOCATION:Scottsdale Public Library – Mustang Library\, 10101 N. 90th Street\, Scottsdale\, AZ\, 85260\, United States
CATEGORIES:Lecture
ORGANIZER;CN="McDowell Sonoran Conservancy":MAILTO:info@mcdowellsonoran.org
END:VEVENT
END:VCALENDAR