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MCDOWELL SONORAN CONSERVANCY
SCOTTSDALE, AZ · EIN 860674350 · Form 990 · FY2021 · NTEE C340 · Environment · Medium ($1M-$10M) · www.mcdowellsonoran.org
revenue
$1.8M
expenses
$1.9M
net assets
$2.5M
employees
20
volunteers
650
program ratio
42%
mission · from form 990

THE MCDOWELL SONORAN CONSERVANCY PRESERVES AND ADVANCES NATURAL OPEN SPACE THROUGH, SCIENCE, EDUCATION, AND STEWARDSHIP.

profile · synthesized from sources

The McDowell Sonoran Conservancy is an operational organization dedicated to protecting the McDowell Sonoran Preserve in Scottsdale, Arizona. They achieve this through direct stewardship, ecological research, community engagement, and maintaining an extensive network of trails for public use and education.

irs program accomplishments · form 990 part iii · fy2021

what they reported doing

Program narrative the organization filed with the IRS. Ordered by program spending.

  1. #1 primary $26K
    EDUCATION OUR EDUCATIONAL PROGRAMS TARGET FOUR GROUPS, YOUTH, ADULTS, FAMILIES AND OUR VOLUNTEERS. COVID-19 FORCED US TO PIVOT TO ONLINE OFFERINGS WHICH HAVE BEEN DESIGNED TO ENSURE WE CONTINUE TO PROVIDE MEANINGFUL AND IMPACTFUL EXPERIENCES. INFUSING OUR SCIENTIFIC WORK INTO OUR EDUCATION REMAINS CORE TO ENGAGING EVERYONE IN CONSERVATION. OUR YOUTH PROGRAMMING HAS BEEN REDESIGNED TO DELIVER THE NEW ARIZONA SCIENCE STANDARDS, PROVIDING SUPPORT FOR BOTH STUDENTS AND TEACHERS. THROUGH OUR IN-PERSON AND ONLINE PROGRAMS, WE CONNECT WITH OVER 20,000 YOUTH ANNUALLY.
  2. #2 $345K
    STEWARDSHIP OUR 700 VOLUNTEERS CONTINUED TO DELIVER IN-PERSON PROGRAMS UNTIL COVID-19 CAUSED US TO PAUSE. THIS INCLUDED OVER 150 FREE PUBLIC GUIDED HIKES AND BIKE RIDES, PROVIDING TRAILHEAD AMBASSADORS AND EDUCATING YOUTH AND FAMILIES IN THE MCDOWELL SONORAN PRESERVE. THROUGH COVID-19 WE CONTINUED MAINTAINING 230 MILES OF TRAILS, BEING TRAIL AMBASSADORS AND OUR FULL RANGE OF CITIZEN SCIENCE ACTIVITIES. ADDITIONALLY, WE CONTINUED OUR TWO NEWEST PROGRAMS,PROTECTING THE HISTORIC SITES WITHIN THE PRESERVE AND THE PARTNERING WITH FIRE DEPARTMENT ON THEIR FIREWISE PROGRAM. OUR STEWARDS CONTRIBUTED OVER 60,000 HOURS, VALUED AT OVER 1.6M OR 53 FULL TIME STAFF.
named programs · 13 · from sources

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.
activities · 6 groups

what they do

  • Visitor Experience & Public Engagement 6 activities
    • Cultural and Historical Resource Monitoring
      Monitors 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.
    • Engage the public through community events
      Engages 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.
    • Engage the public through community events
      Engages 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
      Engages 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.
    • Historical and Archaeological Research
      Conducts 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.
    • Public Engagement and Outreach Events
      Hosts 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.
  • Scientific Research & Monitoring 5 activities
    • Conduct ecological research
      Conducts 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
      Conducts 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
      Conducts 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.
    • Ecological Research
      Conducts 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
      The 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.
  • Nature-Based Environmental Education Programs 5 activities
    • Educational Programs for Youth and Adults
      Offers 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.
    • Environmental Education Programs
      Offers 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.
    • Offer educational programs and guided activities
      Offers educational programs and guided activities for schools, families, and adults from October to April, both in the Preserve and in classrooms. These programs focus on the Sonoran Desert's flora, fauna, geology, human history, and promote awareness and appreciation for natural open spaces through interactive learning, hikes, walks, and mountain bike activities.
    • Offer educational programs and guided activities
      Offers 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.
    • Offer educational programs and guided activities
      Offers 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.
  • Trail Construction & Maintenance 5 activities
    • Maintain and manage trails in the McDowell Sonoran Preserve
      Maintains 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.
    • Maintain and manage trails in the McDowell Sonoran Preserve
      Maintains and manages trails within the McDowell Sonoran Preserve, including the Jane Rau Trail, Camino Campana Trail, and Bajada Nature Trail. Activities include clearing corridors, repairing tread, closing social trails, cleaning drains, and maintaining fixed bolts and climbing routes for rock climbing.
    • Maintain and manage trails in the McDowell Sonoran Preserve
      Maintains 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.
    • Trail Maintenance and Accessibility Infrastructure
      Maintains 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
      Maintains 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 Education & Trail Support Services 5 activities
    • Provide visitor assistance and safety in the McDowell Sonoran Preserve
      Deploys 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.
    • Provide visitor assistance and safety in the McDowell Sonoran Preserve
      Deploys McDowell Sonoran Conservancy Stewards and trailside experts to patrol the Preserve, engage with visitors, answer questions, provide guidance on heat-related illness, and ensure a safe and enjoyable experience for all visitors. This includes supporting annual events like the July 4th Fire Watch and Share the Trails day.
    • Provide visitor assistance and safety in the McDowell Sonoran Preserve
      Deploys 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.
    • Visitor Assistance and Trail Patrol
      Deploys 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
      Deploys 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.
  • Occupational Certification Programs for Industry Professionals 4 activities
    • Provide training for stewards
      Provides ongoing education and training for stewards to enhance their knowledge, skills, and confidence, including educational events and surveys to improve program effectiveness.
    • Provide training for stewards
      Provides 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
      Provides 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
      Provides ongoing education and training for stewards to enhance their knowledge, skills, and confidence, including educational events and surveys to improve program effectiveness.
financials · form 990 · fy2021
revenue
Total revenue$1.76M
Contributions & grants$1.61M91%
Program service revenue$140K8%
Investment income$13K1%
Other revenue$3K
expenses
Total expenses$1.91M
Program expenses42%
Admin / overhead29%
Fundraising29%
Salaries & benefits$1.07M
Grants paid out$0
Largest expense lineCompensation
balance sheet
Total assets$2.98M
Cash$854K
Investments$334K
Liabilities$466K
Net assets$2.51M
Liquid reserves7.5 mo
3 years on record · 2019–2021 · YoY revenue -28.2%
leadership · form 990 part vii · fy2021

who runs it

paid leadership · 2
NameTitleHours/wkCompensation
JUSTIN OWEN CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER 40 $173K
JAKKI CASEY CHIEF OPERATIONS OFFICER 40 $109K
board members · 18
  • ANDREA AKER — SECRETARY
  • CYNTHIA BOZIK — DIRECTOR
  • DON MARTIN — DIRECTOR
  • DOUG DIEHL — DIRECTOR
  • JALINA KERR — DIRECTOR
  • JANE RAU — DIRECTOR
  • JOHN DEWULF — VICE CHAIR
  • LYNNE RUSSELL — DIRECTOR
  • MARGIE TRAYLOR — DIRECTOR
  • MARK WINKLEMAN — DIRECTOR
  • MARY MANROSS — DIRECTOR
  • MERL WASCHLER — DIRECTOR
  • MICHAEL D'ANDREA — DIRECTOR
  • PETER SCHLOSSER — DIRECTOR
  • RICHARD BOURKE — DIRECTOR
  • SHIRLEY BAUM — CHAIR
  • SUSAN MITCHELL — DIRECTOR
  • TRISH STARK — TREASURER
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.