Newsletter #4


December 15, 2004

Dear Friends and Members,

We appreciate the response from those of you who have renewed their membership in the Sonoran Conservancy of Fountain Hills.  Due to our 501(c)3 status the membership fee is fully tax deductible in the year in which you join.  Our membership year is January through December with renewal reminders sent in October.  It is your memberships and gifts that support our programs.

New Hiking Program

We look forward to a new year of Sonoran Conservancy sponsored activities.  First on the list is the training of more Trail Guides to accommodate the recently acquired approval for a series of hikes and trail building sessions in the Fountain Hills Preserve.  Schedule of hikes and trail building sessions.

Trail Guides and HikersThe photo to the left shows Trail Guides interacting with hikers.  Photo by Karen Holloway.

Now is the time to attend a classroom review of the duties and support we offer to those who volunteer to become Trail Guides.  There will be  a meeting for Trail Guides and those who are interested in becoming involved on Monday evening January 3rd and 7:00 PM in the community center.  Our discussion that night will center on how to handle emergency issues.

With a group of 30 trained guides, individual commitment to guide should be no more than four hours every six weeks.

Every hiker must register for a specific hike and sign a release form.  To register in person, contact Nancy Walker at the Fountain Hills Parks and Recreation office in the community center.  Those unable to register in person during business hours may phone Nancy at 480-816-5252.

All events will leave from the end of Eagle Ridge Dr.  As part of registration all individuals will be given a copy of the rule and regulations for the preserve as found in Fountain Hills Town Code, Sect. 5-9-3 to read at the time of registration.

Note that start and finish times may vary depending on specific themes (e.g., photo shoot, picnic lunch, plant recognition, etc.).

The Conservancy provides Trail Guides with name tags, distinctive vests, first aid supplies and radios.  Guides will direct hikers to the location of trails that are open, provide trail maps discuss plans for construction of the Central Trailhead and mention other Preserve matters.

Plan to make a habit of visiting the Preserve through this new access program.  You will enjoy a good walk through Adero Canyon (1.7 miles) and spectacular town and mountain views.


Recent Actions from the McDowell Mountain Preservation Commission (MMPC)
  1. Following Town Council approval of the Master Plan for the Preserve, MMPC requested the council vote to rezone the Preserve land to Open Space - Conservation.  This will help insure perpetuity status.
  2. The Council approved a contract with J2 Engineering to complete detailed grading plans for the Central Trailhead.
  3. The town completed negotiations with MCO Properties on the Golden Eagle trailhead site.  The site provides 20 parking spaces, a drinking fountain, bathrooms and an outside water tap.  The current timetable for completion of construction will allow access to the County Park by late summer.

Trail Building News

 The Western Loop Trial is partially complete.  The completed section is 0.7 miles long and takes you to the spot where the T-shirt picture was taken.  From the short loop on this trail you can enjoy wonderful views.  There is a great rock on which to sit and meditate of enjoy a snack.
View on the Loop Trail
The photo to the right shows a view on this new trail.  Photo by Karen Holloway.

Beyond this small trail loop the land begins to climb steeply (meaning lots of switch backs) until you reach the western saddle (elevation 2900 feet).  It is this section that our Trailblazers are working on now.  Beyond the saddle we plan to loop the trail to the end of Adero Canyon before folding back to a junction with the original trail near the small loop.  This will add 1.5 miles.

Our highly motivated trail builders can always use more help.  We promise some interesting on the job training and an opportunity to do work that is of particular interest to you (e.g., trimming brush, transplanting important plants, grading, building retaining walls and steps from local rock, etc.).  The dates we drive up to the Preserve to work on trails are set for the remainder of 2005.  Please call 480-837-3253 to sign up for a work session.  We meet at the end of Eagle Ridge Drive (just past Copperwynd resort).  In the winter months we depart at 8:00 AM and return by noon.

Another View From the Loop TrailTools will be provided, however you are always welcome to bring your favorite pick, flat bladed shovel, saw and/or clippers.  Plenty of water, work gloves, boots, sun block and a broad brimmed hat are essential

The photos, both by Karen Holloway, illustrate where and why we are building walking trails in our Preserve.  There are so many different views at different elevations that we want to make them all available to those who enjoy hiking.

Sonoran Conservancy of Fountain Hills T-shirts

We have a large selection of our latest T-shirts for sale for $15.00.  If you order before the hike on January 8, 2005 you will receive a fabulous water bottle holder free.  Call 480-837-3253 to order.  More information is available here.