Newsletter #2


February 26, 2004

Dear Friends and Members,

Recent  IRS acceptance of our application for an independent 501(c)3 nonprofit status was exciting news. We are no longer affiliated with the Arizona Community Foundation, who carried us for years under their "blanket". As helpful as that relationship was to our small organization it was also less convenient and costly.

Now we can look forward to a long and healthy existence to support and care for the Town's  non budgeted needs in the Preserve. To that end, we look to members and friends for contributions of their time and talent in accord with Conservancy programs.

Since our last letter, we have marked out a new walking trail that leads upwards and westward from the Central trailhead area. With guidance from our trail building leaders, Bill Trask and Wayne Tall, fourteen of our Trail Stewards group have carved out a basic trail. Much needs to be done before we can call this a finished job, but the potential is fantastic.  We will locate some rock benches at this spot for all to rest and enjoy. The trail will go well beyond this point to provide a 3 mile loop for the serious hikers.

We are also sponsoring a program to build a team of 30 persons who will become Trail Guides. To date, 18 persons have attended three sessions of training and have committed to serving as "access guides".  By providing this service we expect to open up the Preserve to that group of the public who enjoy walking in the unspoiled sonoran desert.

This plan of providing volunteers to provide the link from a temporary trailhead at the end of Eagles Ridge Drive, across the MCO posted property, into the Preserve has been approved in principle. However, the Town administration is still working on the best way to cover necessary liability protection for MCO property.

As our training program expands Trail Guides will learn more of the flora and fauna as well as identifying important views, history of the area, etc. so that they can provide such information to any who ask.

Enclosed is a membership renewal form to cover 2004 activities and costs. Remember your membership fee and additional gifts are tax deductible contributions, and they pay for the trail building tools, radios for the Trail Guides, and mailing  costs. The balance will be allocated to capital improvements, and grants for teacher directed school projects related to preservation principles, ecosystems, botany in the Preserve, etc.