Your Next Home in McDowell Mountain

 

The McDowell Mountain Range ( Yavapai : Wi:kajasa ) is located about twenty miles north-east of downtown Phoenix, Arizona, and may be seen from most places throughout the city. The range is composed of miocene deposits left nearly five million years ago. The McDowells share borders with the cities of Fountain Hills , Scottsdale, and Maricopa County . The city of Scottsdale has made its share of the McDowells a preserve, and has set up a wide trail network in partnership with the McDowell Sonoran Conservancy. The McDowell Sonoran Conservancy was established in 1991.

 

The following information is a brief history of the organization from our founding in 1991.

 

1991

 

The McDowell Sonoran Conservancy incorporates as a non-profit 501(c)3 and joins the Land Trust Alliance, a worldwide land conservation movement.

 

1993

 

The Conservancy begins a newsletter called “Mountain Lines”, free hikes into the areas identified for inclusion in the McDowell Sonoran Preserve and a fourth-grade education program entitled “Our McDowell Sonoran Heritage”.

 

1994

 

Scottsdale formally dedicates the initial McDowell Sonoran Preserve, which consists of three parcels of land totaling approximately 5 square miles.

 

1995

 

Activities designed to gain public support for the envisioned Preserve continue, including the proclamation of the first “McDowell Sonoran Week” highlighting events to celebrate our unique environment. Voters approve a sales tax for preservation by 64%!

 

1996

 

The Conservancy begins a trail building program that trains volunteers for work in the Preserve.

 

1997

 

The Conservancy hires its first staff member, a full time Executive Director, Sandy Bahr.

 

1998

 

In partnership with Scottsdale Community College, the Conservancy begins the “Preserve Steward” program to train volunteers to be caretakers of the Preserve.

 

1999

 

Carla (full legal name) becomes the Conservancy's second Executive Director.

 

2000

 

The Conservancy becomes a key part of the Arizona movement to change the laws in order to facilitate conservation of State Trust Lands.

 

2004

 

Scottsdale voters approved an additional .15% increase in the sales tax for land acquisition and for access area amenities helping to ensure that the McDowell Sonoran Preserve will be one of the largest urban preserves in the country. The Preserve will be larger than Tempe and Paradise Valley combined.

 

2007

 

Ruthie Carll becomes the Conservancy’s third Executive Director.

 

2009

 

The LEED Platinum Gateway Trailhead opens. The Conservancy creates a barrier-free nature trail at the Gateway and donates the amenity to the Preserve. The Bajada Nature Trail provides access to those with mobility challenges.

 

2010

 

The McDowell Sonoran Field Institute, a research program of the Conservancy, launches a baseline inventory of the flora and fauna of the Preserve.

 

2011

 

The Conservancy celebrates our 20 year anniversary with a Founders’ Day celebration and hike in the Preserve, special programming throughout the year, and a community breakfast to showcase our service to the community. Mike Nolan joins the organization as Executive Director

 

Our Mission The McDowell Sonoran Conservancy champions the sustainability of the McDowell Sonoran Preserve for the benefit of this and future generations. As stewards, we connect the community to the Preserve through education, research, advocacy, partnerships and safe, respectful access. Our Vision The McDowell Sonoran Conservancy will be the leader in urban preserve management through the excellence with which it stewards the completed McDowell Sonoran Preserve. Through the research conducted by our Field Institute and our educational programs, our stewards will be able to effectively care for the preserve and share our expertise. Scottsdale’s McDowell Sonoran Preserve (MSP) is the largest urban preserve in the United States, encompassing over 30,000 acres of upper Sonoran Desert habitat located in Scottsdale, Arizona. The MSP forms a wildlife corridor between surrounding public lands; one that is vital to the ecological integrity of the area. The highest peak in the McDowells is East End, at 4,069 feet (1,240 m). This mountain range also serves as a sacred marker to the Yavapai people. The boundaries of the range are generally defined by Saddleback Mountain in the South and Granite Mountain as the Northern boundary. The McDowells also comprise popular landmarks such as Pinnacle Peak and Tom's Thumb.