activities · 24
what they do
direct service · 15
- Educational Programs for Youth and Adults Guided Environmental Field TripsOffers standards-based interactive learning experiences in the Preserve and classrooms for youth, and provides public education programs for adults and families focused on the Sonoran Desert, including guided hikes, walks, and mountain bike activities from October to April each year.
- Engage the public through community events Public Environmental Events & OutreachEngages with the public through lecture series, speaking events, and community events to increase awareness of the Conservancy and the McDowell Sonoran Preserve.
- Engage the public through outreach events Guided Environmental Field TripsEngages with the public through lecture series, speaking events, and community events to increase awareness of the Conservancy and the Preserve, and provides historical presentations and themed hikes/bike rides about the McDowell Mountains and surrounding region.
- Environmental Education Programs Guided Environmental Field TripsOffers educational programs for schools, families, and adults, including guided activities, lecture series, and interactive learning experiences, to promote awareness and appreciation for the Sonoran Desert and natural open spaces.
- Maintain and manage trails in the McDowell Sonoran Preserve Volunteer-Based Trail Building & MaintenanceMaintains various trails within the McDowell Sonoran Preserve, including the Jane Rau Trail and Camino Campana Trail, by clearing corridors, repairing tread, closing social trails, cleaning drains, and constructing accessible trails like the Bajada Nature Trail. Also maintains fixed bolts and climbing routes for rock climbing.
- Maintain and manage trails in the McDowell Sonoran Preserve Volunteer-Based Trail Building & MaintenanceMaintains and manages trails within the McDowell Sonoran Preserve, including the Camino Campana Trail, Jane Rau Trail, and Bajada Nature Trail, ensuring they are accessible and safe for visitors. This involves clearing corridors, repairing tread, closing social trails, cleaning drains, and maintaining fixed bolts and climbing routes for rock climbing.
- Offer educational programs and guided activities Guided Environmental Field TripsOffers educational programs and guided activities for schools, families, and adults from October to April, both in the Preserve and in classrooms, to promote awareness and appreciation for the Sonoran Desert's flora, fauna, geology, and human history. This includes free public group events like hikes, walks, and mountain bike activities, as well as historical presentations.
- Offer educational programs and guided activities Guided Environmental Field TripsOffers educational programs and guided activities for schools, families, and adults, including public group events, hikes, walks, and mountain bike activities, from October to April, to teach about the Sonoran Desert's flora, fauna, geology, human history, and promote awareness and appreciation for natural open spaces.
- Provide visitor assistance and safety in the McDowell Sonoran Preserve Trail Ambassador & Visitor EngagementDeploys Stewards and trail ambassadors to patrol the Preserve, engage with visitors, answer questions, provide guidance on heat-related illness, observe conditions, report activities, and support annual events to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience for visitors.
- Provide visitor assistance and safety in the McDowell Sonoran Preserve Trail Ambassador & Visitor EngagementDeploys Stewards and trail ambassadors to patrol the McDowell Sonoran Preserve on foot, bike, or horse, engaging with visitors, answering questions, observing conditions, and reporting activities to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience. This also includes supporting annual events like the July 4th Fire Watch and Share the Trails day.
- Public Engagement and Outreach Events Guided Environmental Field TripsHosts free public group events, lecture series, speaking engagements, and community events to increase awareness of the McDowell Sonoran Preserve and promote engagement with natural open spaces through educational and fitness activities.
- Trail Maintenance and Accessibility Infrastructure Volunteer-Based Trail Building & MaintenanceMaintains Preserve trails by clearing corridors, repairing tread, closing social trails, and cleaning drains; maintains designated climbing routes with fixed bolts; and constructed accessible trails like the Bajada Nature Trail and Camino Campana Trail to accommodate visitors of all abilities with interpretive signage.
- Trail Maintenance and Development Volunteer-Based Trail Building & MaintenanceMaintains and develops trails within the McDowell Sonoran Preserve, including clearing corridors, repairing tread, closing social trails, cleaning drains, and constructing accessible trails like the Bajada Nature Trail.
- Visitor Assistance and Trail Patrol Trail Ambassador & Visitor EngagementDeploys McDowell Sonoran Conservancy Stewards and trail ambassadors to patrol the Preserve, assist visitors, answer questions, observe conditions, report activities, and support annual events to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience.
- Visitor Safety and Trail Support Services Trail Ambassador & Visitor EngagementDeploys trained stewards as trail ambassadors who patrol the McDowell Sonoran Preserve on foot, bike, or horse to assist visitors, ensure safety, answer questions, and report conditions, including during annual events like the July 4th Fire Watch and Share the Trails day.
research · 6
- Conduct ecological research Scientific Research & Regeneration InitiativesConducts ecological research in the Sonoran Desert and surrounding region, including the McDowell Sonoran Preserve, to understand the effects of urban stressors and climate change and to inform best management practices for natural land protection. This includes field studies and monitoring historical and archaeological sites.
- Conduct ecological research Scientific Research & Regeneration InitiativesConducts ecological research in the Sonoran Desert and surrounding region, including the McDowell Sonoran Preserve, to understand the effects of urban stressors and climate change, inform best management practices for natural land protection, and monitor historical and archaeological sites.
- Cultural and Historical Resource MonitoringMonitors historical and archaeological sites within the McDowell Sonoran Preserve and offers themed hikes, bike rides, and presentations on the human history of the region to educate the public.
- Ecological Research Scientific Research & Regeneration InitiativesConducts ecological research on the impact of urban stressors and climate change on the McDowell Sonoran Preserve and the broader Sonoran Desert region to inform best management practices for natural land protection.
- Ecological and Environmental Research Scientific Research & Regeneration InitiativesThe Parsons Field Institute conducts ecological research and field studies on the impacts of urban stressors and climate change in the Sonoran Desert, monitoring biodiversity and environmental conditions to inform land management practices and conservation strategies with regional and global relevance.
- Historical and Archaeological Research Guided Environmental Field TripsConducts research and field studies, monitors historical and archaeological sites, and provides historical presentations and themed hikes/bike rides about the McDowell Mountains and surrounding region.
capacity building · 3
- Provide training for stewards Customized Professional Skills WorkshopsProvides ongoing education and training for stewards to enhance their knowledge, skills, and confidence, including educational events and surveys to improve program effectiveness.
- Steward Training and Capacity Building Customized Professional Skills WorkshopsProvides ongoing education, training, and professional development for Conservancy stewards to enhance their knowledge, skills, and confidence through surveys, evaluations, and educational events to improve program effectiveness.
- Steward Training and Development Customized Professional Skills WorkshopsProvides ongoing education and training for stewards to enhance their knowledge, skills, and confidence, including educational events and surveys to improve program effectiveness.
strategies · 19
how they think
Theories of action extracted from this org's own source material. Click any to see the full field of orgs running the same approach.
- Advocacy for Preserve Protection and Responsible Recreation wilderness advocacyThe organization advocates for the protection of the McDowell Sonoran Preserve and promotes responsible recreational practices, such as adopting National Parks' regulations for rock climbing and ensuring accessible trails, to preserve the natural environment for current and future generations while ensuring safe and inclusive outdoor experiences.
- Advocacy for Wilderness Preservation Standards wilderness_advocacyThe Conservancy advocates for the adoption of National Parks' regulations for activities like rock climbing within the Preserve, including prohibitions against new permanent climbing hardware and alterations to rock faces, to maintain the wilderness character and promote responsible recreation.
- Advocating for responsible wilderness use wilderness advocacyThe organization advocates for specific regulations and ethics, such as National Parks' regulations for rock climbing and a small-group ethic, to protect the natural integrity of the Preserve.
- Advocating for wilderness protection through specific regulations wilderness advocacyThe organization advocates for the adoption of specific regulations, such as National Parks' regulations for rock climbing, to protect the wilderness character of the Preserve and prevent alterations to natural features.
- Citizen Science for Informed Land Management citizen_scienceThe organization engages citizen scientists to gather data and insights, which in turn informs land management decisions and fosters a sense of stewardship for the Sonoran Desert ecosystem.
- Connecting people with nature for health and well-being nature connectionThe organization believes that connecting people with nature through public activities and education programs is critical for mental and physical health, and designs accessible trails to ensure outdoor experiences are available to all.
- Donor Engagement for Sustainable Conservation donor engagementThe organization engages a donor society to secure critical financial support for its conservation projects, educational initiatives, and the sustainable management of the McDowell Sonoran Preserve.
- Engaging citizen scientists to inform land management and inspire stewardship citizen scienceThe organization works with citizen scientists to gather data and insights that inform land management decisions and foster a sense of responsibility towards the Sonoran Desert.
- Ensuring accessible outdoor experiencesThe organization designs and constructs accessible trails to ensure that outdoor experiences are available to people of all ages and physical abilities, including those with physical challenges, visual impairments, and hearing impairments.
- Fostering environmental stewardship through place-based education place-based environmental educationThe organization uses place-based environmental education focused on the Sonoran Desert's ecology and history to inspire stewardship and enhance visitor experience. This includes educational signage and guided activities that encourage observation and appreciation of the surroundings.
- Fostering nature connection for well-being nature connectionThe organization connects people with nature through public activities and education programs, believing that this connection is critical for mental and physical health.
- Inspiring Stewardship through Place-Based Environmental Education place-based environmental educationThe organization uses place-based environmental education, including educational signage and guided activities, to teach visitors about the Sonoran Desert's ecology and history, thereby inspiring stewardship and enhancing their experience. This approach also connects people with nature, which is believed to be critical for mental and physical health.
- Inspiring stewardship through place-based environmental education place-based environmental educationThe organization uses place-based environmental education focused on the Sonoran Desert's ecology and history to inspire stewardship, enhance visitor experience, and inform land management. This includes educational signage and guided activities that encourage observation and appreciation of the surroundings.
- Leveraging Citizen Science for Land Management and Stewardship citizen scienceThe organization engages citizen scientists to gather data and insights that inform land management decisions and foster a sense of stewardship for the Sonoran Desert.
- Leveraging volunteers for operational capacity and community engagement volunteer-drivenThe organization relies on volunteer stewards as the core of its operations, providing them with educational, social, and fitness opportunities, and deploying them as Trailhead Ambassadors to engage and educate visitors on-site.
- Place-based Environmental Education for Stewardship place_based_environmental_educationThe Conservancy uses place-based environmental education, including educational signage and guided activities, to teach visitors about the Sonoran Desert's ecology and history. This approach aims to inspire stewardship, enhance visitor experience, and connect people with nature, which is believed to be critical for mental and physical health.
- Visitor Safety Education visitor-safety-educationThe organization educates visitors about potential health risks, such as heat-related illness, to promote safety and well-being during their visits to the preserve.
- Volunteer-Driven Operations volunteer_drivenThe Conservancy relies on a core of volunteer stewards to carry out its operations, providing them with educational, social, and fitness opportunities as a means to achieve its conservation goals.
- Volunteer-Driven Operations and Engagement volunteer-drivenThe organization's core operations are driven by volunteer stewards who are provided with educational, social, and fitness opportunities. These volunteers also serve as Trailhead Ambassadors, engaging visitors on-site to provide information, promote safety, and educate about the desert and the Conservancy.
named programs · 13
what they call their work
Bajada Nature Trail
An accessible, interactive nature trail designed for all ages and abilities, including those with physical challenges, to experience the Sonoran Desert.
Camino Campana Trail
An accessible interpretive trail with 13 educational stops about the desert landscape, wildlife, plants, geology, and archeology.
Citizen Science
Engages stewards as citizen scientists to conduct ecological research in the Preserve and the larger region, focusing on how urban stressors and climate change affect the Sonoran Desert and informing best management practices.
Community Engagement
Engages with the public to increase awareness of the Conservancy and the Preserve, expand membership, coordinate lecture series, and represent the Conservancy at events.
Construction & Maintenance
Maintains Preserve trails for safe use by hikers, bikers, and equestrians, including clearing corridors, repairing treads, and closing social trails.
Guided Hike and Bike
Provides guided experiences on the Preserve's trails.
Jane Rau Interpretive Trail
An accessible interpretive trail exploring diverse plants, rock outcrops, and scenic views in the Brown’s Ranch area.
Kovach Family Nature Trail
An accessible interpretive trail focusing on the interdependencies of nature's families in the Sonoran Desert, including plants, animals, geology, and human history.
Past Finders
Program involving stewards in historical or archaeological findings within the Preserve.
Patrol
Stewards patrol the Preserve to ensure safety and adherence to regulations.
Steward Education
Provides training and educational opportunities for Conservancy stewards.
Trailhead Ambassadors
Stewards serve as ambassadors at trailheads, assisting visitors and providing information.
Youth Education
Educational programs designed for young people to learn about the Sonoran Desert.
relationships · 11
who they work with
- Chauncey Foundation Funder — Listed as a member of the Summit Society, indicating financial support.
- City Partner — Partners with for trail maintenance and to organize annual events like the July 4th Fire Watch and Share the Trails day.
- City of Scottsdale Partner — Official partner of the McDowell Sonoran Preserve, ensuring visitors a safe and enjoyable visit.
- City of Scottsdale Partner — Official partner of the McDowell Sonoran Preserve, working together to ensure safe and enjoyable visits.
- City of Scottsdale Partner — Partners with the City of Scottsdale to ensure visitor safety and enjoyment at the McDowell Sonoran Preserve.
- McDowell Sonoran Preserve Partner — Official partner of the McDowell Sonoran Preserve.
- Moeller Foundation Funder — Listed as a member of the Summit Society, indicating financial support.
- Parsons Field Institute Partner — Partners with for citizen science research in the Preserve and larger region.
- Sonoran Education Center Partner — Works with to provide standards-based interactive learning experiences for youth.
- The Bob and Renee Parsons Foundation Funder — Listed as a member of the Summit Society, indicating financial support.
- Vogel Family Foundation Funder — Listed as a member of the Summit Society, indicating financial support.