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Bring a Friend to the Preserve

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FREEFAMILYFUN!

McDowell Sonoran ConservancyMcDowell Sonoran Conservancy ACTIVITY GUIDE

The summer is coming to an end so it’s time to enjoy the outdoors again. With new trails opening in northern lands recently acquired, there is so much more to explore in Scottsdale’s McDowell Sonoran Preserve.

Check out all that is new in the Preserve at events hosted by the McDowell Sonoran Conservancy.

More to Explore!

Fall 2013 1

Join us for a celebration of all that makes our community unique! The new Brown’s Ranch Trailhead provides access to the northern region of Scottsdale’s McDowell Sonoran Preserve and showcases the human history of the Preserve, from native people to ranching life.

Free and open to the public, a ceremony will officially open the area and trails immediately followed by fun activities for the whole family. For a full description of opening events, visit www.mcdowellsonoran.org/opening.

Shuttles will be available beginning at 7:30 a.m., only service dogs permitted on shuttles.

Where: Brown’s Ranch Trailhead 301301 N. Alma School Pkwy

When: Saturday, October 19, 2013 Ceremony at 9:00 a.m.

Grand Opening of the Northern Preserve Lands

Check out

more than 60 miles

of new trails!

Bring a friend (or two!) to Gateway or Brown’s Ranch Trailhead on Saturday, November 2 and Saturday, November 16, anytime between 9 a.m. to noon and have a free photo taken! A Conservancy photographer will be there to help you remember a great day outdoors. We’ll post your photo on our Facebook page so you can inspire more of your friends to experience the Preserve.

November is a great month to introduce your friends to the Preserve! Temperatures are cooler and new trails will be open for you to try.

In appreciation of our four-legged visitors to the Preserve, we’ll have a special treat for your hiking buddy. Come out with your dog and receive a doggy bag of goodies that you’re both certain to love. We’ll also be taking photos of you and your dog, featuring our canine visitors to the Preserve on our Facebook page.

More information on our website www.mcdowellsonoran.org/events

Bring a Friend to the Preserve

Dog-Gone Appreciation Day

First Friday of the month - Gateway Access Area Amphitheater - 18333 N. Thompson Peak Parkway Programs start at 4:30 p.m. and last 45 minutes to one hour

Third Friday of the month – Brown’s Ranch Trailhead, 30301 North Alma School Pkwy Programs start at 4:30 p.m. and last 45 minutes to one hour

Where: Gateway Trailhead, 18333 North Thompson Peak Parkway and Brown’s Ranch Trailhead, 30301 North Alma School ParkwayWhen: November 9, 2012 – 9 a.m. to 11 a.m.

Get your family outdoors for some fresh air and a memorable family experience with the McDowell Sonoran Conservancy.

Family Friday Sunset Series Now offered at 2 trailheads!

January 3

Raptors, Raptors, Everywhere The birds are back! Once again, Liberty Wildlife will thrill us with their beautiful raptors. It’s always a joy to see these magnificent creatures up close. So come early because these desert ambassadors always draw a crowd.

October 18Owls are a Hoot! Liberty Wildlife’s education ambassadors reveal the beauty and the secrets of owls in the Sonoran Desert. Learn how to protect these magnificent birds and other wildlife for future gen-erations.

November 15Reptilian ResidentsThe Scottsdale Community College’s Center for Native and Urban Wildlife makes its debut at Brown’s Ranch with their crawling, slithering reptile friends.

December 20Rocking Fun in the PreserveJoin Lynn Dyer for a rocking good time as she talks about the different rocks and miner-als that make up the desert around you, as well as others that are used in our everyday lives. There will be samples to take home, too!

November 1Crazy about Wildlife Join Southwest Wildlife for an afternoon on the “wild” side. We never know what animals they will bring…but we are always amazed when they come to visit, and always have a wonderful time!

Programs appropriate for ages 5 and older.For more information or to reserve a space for your youth group, contact

Judi Irons, Conservancy Naturalist, at judi@mcdowellsonoran.org.

December 6

Beep Beep! What makes

roadrunners such unique birds? How do they survive

and thrive in the desert? Do they really eat snakes? If you would like to know the answers to these questions, or any questions you may have about roadrun-ners, then this presentation is for you! Join Ranger B from Usery Mountain Regional Park as he shares some amaz-ing facts about these rapid runners. stalking, and the use of wild game.

Fall 2013 3

APPRECIATE THE BEAUTY OF THE PRESERVE! FREE FAMILY FUN!

Visit Scottsdale’sMcDowell Sonoran Preserve

CLASSES AND LECTURES

Professional outdoor photographer and expert instructor, Richard Buchbinder, will present this popular nature photography workshop in the Preserve. Complete with an informational classroom session on Thursday and a hands-on experience in the Preserve on Saturday, Richard will provide individual attention and critiques on all participants’ work. Register at www.mcdowellsonoran.org/shop

PHOTOGRAPHYW O R K S H O P

November 7 and 9$125 for both days

4 Fall 2013

Friday through Monday mornings, you can pick up a free Family Passport at any Preserve trailhead. Get your passport stamped by a volunteer steward at each trailhead you visit. Visit five different trailheads — Gateway, Lost Dog, Sunrise, Tom’s Thumb and our newest trail head, Brown’s Ranch — and your five stamps earn you a free Preserve bandana.

Family Passport to the McDowell Sonoran Preserve:

Family Passport McDowell Sonoran Preserve

Birdingin the Preserve

MORE FAMILY FUN!

Saturday, October 26 Quartz Trail: Join us on this walk for a good chance to see some of our year-round bird residents like the Cactus Wren, Gila Woodpecker, Verdin, and more! Meet at Quartz Trailhead parking lot on the west side of 104th St., just south of McDowell Mountain Ranch Rd. by 7:45 a.m.

Sunday, November 17 Brown’s Ranch: In addition to seeing our year-round bird residents, expect to see some birds that migrate here for the fall and winter. Possible sightings include the Phainopepla, Wilson’s Warbler, and Western Flycatcher. Meet at Brown’s Ranch Trailhead, 30301 North Alma School Parkway by 7:45 a.m.

Sunday, December 29 Quartz Trail Bird Count: Bird counts in Arizona are held every year during December. Learn to identify birds and help us with our local count. Possible sightings are Gilded Flicker, Black-throated Sparrow, and Turkey Vulture. Meet at Quartz Trailhead parking lot on the west side of 104th St., just south of McDowell Mountain Ranch Rd. by 7:45 a.m.

Wednesday, October 30 BOO-Jada: Come learn about your favorite desert creepy crawlies on a spookie-tacular guided tour at the Boo-jada Nature Trail. Meet at the Gateway Trailhead at 4:15 p.m. Expect to spend 1 hour and walk a ½-mile paved barrier-free trail. Perfect for all ages!

Sunday, November 3 What’s that Bird? : Kids…are you new to birding? Join us on this interac-tive walk and learn how to identify birds you see in the desert. Meet at Quartz Trailhead parking lot on the west side of 104th St., just south of McDowell Mountain Ranch Rd. at 7:45 a.m. Expect to spend 2 hours and walk for 1 mile. Perfect for ages 6 and older… don’t forget to bring binoculars!

Saturday, November 30 Sensing the Desert: What do you see? What’s that smell? What do you hear? The desert comes alive on this fun experiential hike. Meet at Lost Dog Wash Trailhead at 7:45 a.m. Expect to spend 2 ½ hours on a 2 ½ -mile loop with a 200-foot elevation gain. Appropriate for ages 7 and older.

Expect to spend 2 hours and walk 1-2 miles with minimal elevation gain. Appropriate for ages 10 and older.

Children must beaccompanied by an adult

September 18: Family Hikes in the McDowell Sonoran Preserve Where to go, what to take, and how to get the most out of a fun, free family outing!

October 16: Explore Brown’s Ranch Trailhead Hike or bike at Brown’s Ranch in the McDowell Sonoran Preserve.

November 20: Know about Nature Birds and bees, and flowers and trees… in the McDowell Sonoran Preserve.

December 18: Hiking and Stewardship go together in the McDowell Sonoran Preserve The McDowell Sonoran Conservancy shares how!

Third Wednesday of each month - Arabian Library - 6:00 p.m.Sonoran Speaker Series

Fall 2013 5

Family FunPrograms

1. Tom’s Thumb Trailhead 23015 North 128th St.

Activities:

Amenities: no water

2. Gateway Trailhead18333 N. Thompson Peak Pkwy.

Activities:

Amenities:

3. 104th St. and Bell Road TrailheadNorth Side of Bell Rd. at 104th St.

Activities:

Amenities: None

4. Quartz Trailhead104th St. and McDowell Mountain Ranch Rd.South of McDowell Mountain Ranch Rd. on 104th St.

Activities:

Amenities:

5. Lost Dog Wash Trailhead12601 N. 124th St.

Activities:

Amenities:

6. Ringtail Trailhead12300 block of N. 128th St.

Activities:

Amenities:

7. Sunrise Trailhead12101 N. 145th Way

Activities:

Amenities:

8. Brown’s Ranch Trailhead30301 North Alma School Pkwy.

Activities:

Amenities:

9. Granite Mountain Trailhead31402 North 136th St.

Activities:

Amenities: None

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For detailed information about each trail and trailhead, recreation tips, maps and more, please visit www.mcdowellsonoran.org/preserve.

Dust off your boots or bike and hit the trails!

EXPLORE

Sunday, October 20 Preserve Archeology: Travel back in time to before the ranching period with Don Meserve, past City of Scottsdale Archeologist; learn how historic and ancient peoples survived and thrived in this desert area. Allow 2 ½ hours for this 2 ½-mile round-trip walk with minimal elevation gain. Please arrive at the Brown’s Ranch Trailhead by 7:45 a.m.

Sunday, October 27 Nature’s Pharmacy: Native People of long ago roamed the Preserve collecting desert plants for their healing and restorative properties. Find out more about these medicinal plants on this easy hike. Allow about 3 hours for this 4-mile round-trip hike with minimal elevation gain. Please arrive at the Brown’s Ranch Trailhead by 7:45 a.m.

Sunday, November 3 Desert Ecology: What’s a desert? Maybe not what you think it is! Learn about the challenges posed by our environment for everything that lives here, and the strategies used by plants and animals to adapt to our conditions. You’ll leave with new respect for the extraordinary changes our local flora and fauna have made in order to prosper here. Allow 3 hours for this 3-mile round-trip hike with minimal elevation gain. Please arrive at the Tom’s Thumb Trailhead by 7:45 a.m.

Saturday, November 9 Geology Story: Learn about the geology and geologic history of the McDowell Mountains by actually looking at it. We’ll discuss some basic concepts, examine the bedrock of the mountains, and look at huge folds in the rock created more than a billion years ago. Allow 3 hours for this less-than-5-mile loop hike that climbs about 600 feet over a mountain pass. Please arrive at the Gateway Trailhead by 7:45 a.m.

Saturday, November 16 Lifecycle of a Saguaro: Native only to the Sonoran Desert, these giant cacti are a sight to see! Hiking the Granite Mountain Loop, we will follow the growth of a Saguaro from seed to skeleton; and view multi-armed, old Saguaros. Allow about 4 hours for this 6-mile round-trip hike with about a 200-foot elevation gain. Please arrive at the Granite Mountain Trailhead by 7:45 a.m.

Tuesday, November 19 All about Mesquite: Unlike the southern region of the Preserve, the Brown’s Ranch area has many mesquite trees. On our hike, we will discover why some native cul-tures called mesquite the “tree of life.” Learn the many uses of mesquite and its importance today. Allow 3 hours for this 4-mile round-trip hike with minimal elevation gain. Please arrive at Brown’s Ranch Trailhead by 7:45 a.m.

Sunday, November 24 Plants and Animals of the Desert: Learn why the Sonoran Desert has a great diversity of plants and animals, and the important roles they play. This hike will pro-vide you with an overview of some of the plants, mammals, birds, reptiles, and other animals that call this place home. Allow 3 hours for this 2 ½- mile round-trip hike with a 250-foot elevation gain. Please arrive at the Lost Dog Wash Trailhead by 7:45 a.m.

Saturday, December 7 Architecture in the Desert: Some of the best built homes in the desert are designed by the animals who live there – insects, birds and mammals alike. Learn from these animal architects and discover how we can design our desert homes better. This hike has one sustained incline, but gentle grades otherwise. Allow 3 hours for this 3-mile round-trip hike with a 300-foot elevation gain. Please arrive at the Lost Dog Wash Trailhead by 8:45 a.m.

Sunday, December 15 Desert Ecology: What’s a desert? Maybe not what you think it is! Learn about the challenges posed by our environment for everything that lives here, and the strategies used by plants and animals to adapt to our conditions. You’ll leave with new respect for the extraordinary changes our local flora and fauna have made in order to prosper here. Allow 3 hours for this 3-mile round-trip hike with minimal elevation gain. Please arrive at the Brown’s Ranch Trailhead by 8:45 a.m.

Tuesday, December 17 Fire in the Desert: See how fire impacts the desert landscape, and how nature responds several years after a burn. We will start on the Marcus Landslide Trail, turn off to Rock Knob where we can compare burn sites, and then continue into McDowell Mountain Regional Park. Allow about 3 hours for this 4-mile round trip hike with less than a 250-foot elevation gain. Please arrive at the Tom’s Thumb Trailhead by 8:45 a.m.

Discovery HikesDiscovery hikes are an ideal blend of fun, exercise and learning. Bring your whole family and enjoy stories from McDowell Sonoran Conservancy volunteer hike leaders who bring to light what makes the Preserve so unique. All hikes are free, so get your family and friends together and join us for a fun and educational outing. See Page 6 for trail map and trailhead locations.

Free Family Fun!

Fall 2013 9 8 Fall 2013

Sunday, November 10 Veterans Day and Marine Corps Birthday: Hike with us and cele-brate the 238th birthday of the U.S. Marine Corps! Enjoy birthday cake and help us commemorate all veterans. Allow 3 ½ hours for this 2 ½-mile loop with a 250-foot elevation gain. Please arrive at Lost Dog Wash Trailhead by 7:45 a.m. Appropriate for ages 8 and older.

Thursday, November 28 More Pie Please: Burn off some calories with family and friends on this fitness hike and you won’t feel a bit guilty about having that second piece of pie! Allow 1 ½ hours for this 2 ½ -mile loop with a 250-foot elevation gain. Please arrive at Lost Dog Wash Trailhead by 7:45 a.m. Appropriate for ages 8 and older.

Tuesday, December 3 Mistletoe and Holly: What do desert plants and animals have to do with the holidays? Join us and discover the hidden, fes-tive desert connections. Allow 2 ½ hours for this

3-mile round-trip hike with minimal elevation gain. Please arrive at Tom’s Thumb Trailhead by 8:45 a.m. Appropriate for ages 10 and older.

Wednesday, December 25 Christmas Day Hike: Embrace the spirit of the holiday on this pic-turesque hike around the Gateway Loop that will take you into the heart of the McDowells. Allow 3 hours for this 4 ½-mile loop with a 700-foot eleva-tion gain. Please arrive at Gateway Trailhead by 8:45 a.m. Appropriate for ages 10 and older.

Tuesday, December 31 Gateway to Silver Bell Pass: Celebrate the year-end with this ulti-mate workout! The views along this challenging hike should make the miles go faster. Allow 4 hours for this 9-mile round-trip hike with about a 1,350-foot elevation gain, for hardy hikers only! Please arrive at the Gateway Trailhead by 8:45 a.m.

Holiday HikesMORE TO EXPLORE!

Dogs are welcome in the Preserve but only service dogs are permitted on guided hikes. Please wear appropriate shoes and bring plenty of water! For up-to-date information about times and meeting places, please visit our website, www.mcdowellsonoran.org.

See Page 6 for trail map and trailhead locations.

Fall 2013 11

Dogs are welcome in the Preserve but only service dogs are permitted on guided hikes. Please wear appropriate shoes and bring plenty of water! For up-to-date information about times and meeting places, please visit our website, www.mcdowellsonoran.org.

10 Fall 2013

Wednesday, October 23 Granite Mountain Loop: Exercise through hiking on beautiful new trails through a lush canyon and around Granite Mountain. Allow about 2 ½ hours for this 6-mile round-trip hike with about a 200-foot eleva-tion gain. Please arrive at the Granite Mountain Trailhead by 7:45 a.m.

Saturday, November 2 Cone Mountain Loop: Cone Mountain Loop provides good aerobic exer-cise through sustained ups-and-downs, raising your heart rate to help strengthen the heart, strengthen the lungs, strengthen the legs and burn more calo-ries! Allow about 2 hours for this 4-mile round-trip hike with about a 200-foot elevation gain. Please arrive at the Brown’s Ranch Trailhead by 7:45 a.m.

Tuesday, November 5 Old Jeep Trail: Looking for a moderate work-out with a couple inclines and some beautiful views? Don’t overlook this remote trail off the Lost Dog Wash Trail/Ringtail Trail Loop. Allow 3 hours for this 4 ½- mile round-trip hike with a 200-foot elevation gain. Please arrive at Lost Dog Wash Traihead at 7:45 a.m.

Wednesday, November 13 Inspiration Point: Get your heart pumping as you hike up to an amazing overlook through gradual inclines with a few steep sections. Allow 4 hours for this 6- mile round-trip hike with a 900-foot elevation gain. Please arrive at Gateway Trailhead by 7:45 a.m.

Wednesday, November 27 Sunrise Trail: Burn off some calories on this picturesque but challeng-ing hike. The 360-degree view from Sunrise Peak is worth the climb! Allow 3 hours for this 4-mile round-trip hike with a 700-foot elevation gain to a saddle, or hike up for a 1,150-foot gain to Sunrise Peak. Please arrive at Sunrise Trailhead by 7:45 a.m.

Wednesday, December 11 Tom’s Thumb to Lookout: Training for a longer hike? Build up your quads and endurance on this steep trail through amazing rock formations. Allow 4 hours for this 5 ½- mile round-trip hike with a 1,150-foot elevation gain for hardy hikers. Please arrive at Tom’s Thumb Trailhead by 8:45 a.m.

Wellness HikesAccording to Jim Nicolai, MD at the Miraval Integrative Wellness Center in Tucson, wellness is, “the good feeling you get after finding and using a series of personalized, specific strategies that allow you to achieve optimum health.” These free guided hikes will get you started on your path to wellness. See Page 6 for trail map and trailhead locations.

Meet stewards, have fun, and make an impact in your community! Go through orientation to become a Conservancy volunteer and help us

steward Scottsdale’s growing Preserve, while working with others who share your

passion for nature and a desire to make our community a better place.

Become aMcDowell Sonoran Conservancy

Steward Orientations for adults and older teens are the second Saturday of the month. Upcoming dates are:

September 21 October 12

November 9 January 11

For more information and to register, please call Jill Feinstein at 480-998-7971, extension 104, or register online at www.mcdowellsonoran.org/volunteer

We are a non-profit organization that relies on more than 500 volunteers— Stewards, who all work hard to care for our much-larger Preserve. Last year, our blue-shirted stewards devoted more than 30,000 hours protecting and promoting, building and educating. Please join us! We believe you are as invested in caring for this beautiful living treasure as we are, and hope you will join us by making a financial commitment to support our work.

Credit Card # ____________________________________ Expiration Date: ______________________

Name as it appears on the card _________________________________________________________

Name(s) by which you would like to be acknowledged ______________________________________

Address ______________________________________ Email ________________________________

__________________________________________ Phone _______________________________

As a community member who values the outdoors, and specifically the Sonoran Desert, you understand the importance of preserving and maintaining open space now to ensure its availability in the future. This shared appreciation of the desert is why we are inviting you to join us today by returning the membership form below.

McDowell Sonoran Society ($1,500+)Steward Circle ($1,000) Trailbuilder Circle ($500) Caretaker Circle ($250) Pathfinder Circle ($100) Hiker Circle ($50) Other_________Please charge my credit card A check is enclosed

Join Our Circle of Friends

Join Us!

Fall 2013 13 12 Fall 2013

The 10th annual Tour de Scottsdale returns with the traditional 70-mile citizens’ ride and popular 30-mile ride. Hosted by the DC Ranch Community Council, both courses begin from Market Street at DC Ranch and wind through Scottsdale, Carefree, and Fountain Hills. With donations benefitting the McDowell Sonoran Conservancy, the spectacular views of Scottsdale’s McDowell Sonoran Preserve underscores to riders that they are contributing to a great cause.

Register at www.tourdescottsdale.net.

Thank you to the Valley Lexus Dealers for their support of the McDowell Sonoran Conservancy! Lexus believes that children have the potential, and the desire, to make the world a better place. To encourage them to pursue their dreams, Lexus supports organizations like the McDowell Sonoran Conservancy that build, shape and improve children’s lives.

Helping to make our community a better place, the focus of Lexus design efficiency is to build a vehicle that is exceptionally lean in its use of raw materials, its fuel and its impact on the environment—all the while pushing the boundaries of performance, luxury and quality. With bold styling, dynamically tuned suspensions, and adjustable drive modes, Lexus brings us a performance line that is designed to stand apart.

Thank you, Valley Lexus Dealers for your commitment to the environment and to our community! As the presenting sponsor of the 2013 Tour de Scottsdale, you are helping us make a better tomorrow, all while supporting a great community event.

Fall 2013 13 12 Fall 2013

Sunday-October 13-2013

THE ALL NEW

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Market Street at DC Ranch 20645 North Pima Road(at Thompson Peak Parkway)

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