Newsletter # 5     August 9, 2005

Dear Friends and Members,
On October 2nd, your Sonoran Conservancy Board is hosting a MEMBERS & VOLUNTEERS RECEPTION to recognize all those who have given their time and energy during the past year on trail building and guiding. There will be free beverages and party snacks. This reception will be held in one of the Community Center ballrooms from 4:00 to 5:00 PM, just following the annual MMPC Open House. Come to meet with fellow supporters of the Conservancy programs, join volunteers you met at an event last Fall, or, just enjoy the 20 minute video honoring our Trailblazers and Guides.


Here is a summary of what members and  volunteers have accomplished since last year:
•  Over 30 persons were trained in trail building.
•  18 Persons served as Trail Guides.
•  162 persons registered for hikes into the Preserve.        

While attending the Volunteer Appreciation Party, sign up for either trail guiding or building, and please renew your annual membership.

Have you tried the new Western Loop trail? You will gain 400 feet in elevation and the reward will be your views. Our Trailblazers have built numerous natural rock steps to help on the way up.

Once again Mountain Month is starting with the McDowell Mountain Preservation Commission’s Open House. Visit them from 1:00 -3:30 PM on Sunday, Oct. 2nd in the FH Community Center to speak with the Commissioners or view the many fine Photo Contest submittals collected during the past year.

Don’t miss another remarkable presentation by “Crash”, a well known regional Park Ranger. Enjoy live action with animals and trainers from Liberty Wildlife, Listen to “Trail Tips” on  Foot and Footwear care from a Spooner physical therapist. Hear suggestions on mountain biking and equipment from CG Bike. In between speakers you may visit booths sponsored by Volunteers for Outdoor Arizona, Scottsdale’s Sonoran Land Trust, Fountain Hills Fire Dept., Sonoran Conservancy plus video presentations showing the progress in Preserve development. All this with free ice cream !  

 

A Business Report

•  Our Total Trust Fund Balance  is $4,922.26  This balance represents an accumulative combination of Membership Fees and Contributions during the past 3 years.
•  The Board has a goal of increasing annual membership from 62 persons to 150 persons this year.

Hiking
Fall will soon be here, and with it an opportunity to enjoy walking again in the Fountain Hills Preserve. Starting in October, the Sonoran Conservancy Trail Guides will be available to provide your access into the Preserve.          

During October, McDowell Mountain Month, all hikes are formally scheduled (see dates and locations below). After October, you must register with Janet Burrill, Parks & Recreation receptionist, by calling (480) 816-5252. Guided hikes into the Preserve will be available on Wednesdays, Saturdays, and Sundays for those who register at least two days before the planned hike.

Also starting in October, the new Golden Eagle Trailhead (located off Golden Eagle Blvd. just before the gate entrance to Eagles Ridge) will be open for those who wish to enter the Maricopa County McDowell Mountain Regional Park to visit the Dixie Mine.

 

MMPC Scheduled Hikes

Sat., Oct. 8.....  Dixie Mine trail. Meet in Golden Eagle Trailhead @ 8:30 AM  *
Sun., Oct. 9..... FH Preserve, Town Overlook trail. Meet at end of Eagle Ridge Dr. @ 8:30 AM **
Sat., Oct. 15.... Family walk. Meet by NE parking in Fountain Lake Park. Meet at  10:00 AM ***
Sun., Oct. 16... Dixie Mine trail. Meet in Golden Eagle Trailhead @ 8:30 AM
Sat., Oct. 22.... State Land overview. Meet in Middle School parking lot @ 8:30 AM
Sun., Oct. 23... FH Preserve, Promenade trail. Meet at end of Eagle Ridge Dr. @ 8:30 AM
Sat., Oct. 29.... FH Preserve, Western Loop trail. Meet at end of Eagle Ridge Dr. @ 8:30 AM

 

Note:   (*) The new parking lot and trailhead for entrance into McDowell Mountain Park is

                   just before the gate house at Eagles Nest.

            (**) The end of Eagle Ridge Dr. is just beyond the Copperwynd Resort entrance.

            (***) The parking area off Panorama Drive is at the North East section of Fountain Park.

 

 

Help Us Reach the Goals for the Sonoran Conservancy

•  We hope to recruit additional volunteers to expand both trail building and guides programs.

•  With more trailblazers we hope to extend the Western Loop trail to create a Peak Crest experience and a total return loop of another 1.4 miles.

•  A Nature Trail to be developed in the Central Trailhead area will provide easy access to examples of our local flora.

 

                                             Visit www.scfh.org for more.

 

Start by renewing your annual membership...Today

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Name ____________________________________

Address___________________________ Town ________________ State ___  Zip_________

I wish to join the Sonoran Conservancy to support it’s many Preservation/Conservation programs. I realize this membership fee and additional giving are fully tax deductible.

 

MEMBERSHIP                  Individual $ 25.00/year;   Family $ 35.00/year                      

                                     We welcome Supporting Businesses &  Gifts

 

Make checks payable to: Sonoran Conservancy of Fountain Hills                                                          

Please mail to: P. O. BOX 17733,  Fountain Hills, AZ  85269-7733