Newsletter # 11                                                   Sept. 2008

Cooler Days Ahead

Fall weather will soon be here!. If your habits include hiking, please consider exploring one or more fine trails in your Fountain Hills McDowell Mountain Preserve. Although we lost the opportunity to gain a freedom of sunrise to sunset access, the Conservancy Board has responded by increasing the guided hike program (see details below) In the past 6 months Trailblazers have been able to assist several residents who offered to improve the Preserve ambiance by installing trailside benches. Gail and Paul Appledorn gave the Preserve a bench that is located on the Loop Trail and dedicated to the memory of their son.

Appledorn’s test their bench

Boy Scouts Chose the Preserve Too

Dillon Sanders chose to improve both the Easy and Town Overlook Trails with his Eagle Scout project by preparing these sites and installing two benches that offer excellent “rest and view” options for hikers. These benches were donated to the Sonoran Conservancy by the Sanders family and are made of 100% recycled maintenance free material.

Dillon at rest

Another Eagle Scout project was completed by Andy Oliphant. Working with the Trailblazers, he brought together a group of scouts to locate and replant a number of cacti that were growing within the planned Easy Trail route.

Trail Blazers

Looking to the future, our volunteer Trailblazers took on the task of preparing North Trail for possible connection to the county park trail system. This required significant rework to widen the trail in compliance with multi-use standards.(Hiking and Biking) In May, McDowell Mountain Park authorities proposed North Trail as one of several new accesses points into the county park.

Trailblazers celebrate end of North Trail

Watch for an announcement from the county park calling for a second public meeting this fall to review their revised master plan that identifies this new access route. Then plan to attend this meeting to support that change in their master plan.

Stewardship in the Preserve

Starting this Fall hikes will be guided by trained Preserve Stewards. This means you will be greeted at the gated end of Eagle Ridge Dr. by a Steward who will then accompany you during the hike to the Preserve. Once there, Stewards (from the Class of 2007) will serve to provide answers to such questions as trail conditions, Preserve history, McDowell Mountain history, local plant life, etc. (NOTE: The September 2008 training classes for Stewards will expand further our volunteer coverage

in the Preserve.)

Fall Hikes

For a serious hiker we are excited to recommend two very different trail options. Just off the Promenade trail, The Western Loop Trail works gradually up Adero box canyon to top out at over 3,000 feet. Being a “loop”, you then may choose to hike back down, outside the canyon, toward the Northeast section of the Preserve. Your vista is broad, covering all the county park property and beyond into the Verde River Valley. The entire loop is just over 2 miles.

The second option combines hiking the full length of our Promenade Trail and the new North Trail. A round trip hike along these two trails totals just over 10 miles. On these trails you have a constantly changing view twisting and turning into and out of 10 major washes. Elevation change is gradual, going from 2,500 feet to around 2,700 feet over 1.7 miles.

Fountain Hills McDowell Mountain Preserve Hike Schedule

October 12, 2008: Guided Hike, Lv @ 8:00 AM - 11:30 AM

October 18, 2008: Guided Hike, Lv @ 8:00 AM - 11:30 AM

October 22. 2008: Guided Hike, Lv @ 8:00 AM, -11:30 AM

October 26, 2008 Guided Hike, Lv @ 8:00 AM - 11:30 AM

November 08, 2008 Nature & History Classes Lv @ 8:00 AM

November 16, 2008 Nature & History Classes Lv @ 8:00 AM

December 06, 2008 Photo Contest in the Preserve Lv @ 9:00 AM

All Hikes begin at end of Eagle Ridge Drive. Park on South side of Eagle Ridge beyond Copperwynd Resort.

Register with Guide. Bring Water, Sun shade, and good footwear.

Web Site

We are seeking a volunteer to assist us in web design that will provide broader uses for our web site, scfh.org. Plans include a photo gallery where everyone can share their favorite shots. Also, a blog column where you can share ideas, experiences, and suggestions for the future. (Web volunteers please contact <rkinsey2@cox.net>)

Newsletter mailing

As you read this “mailed,” B&W copy of Newsletter #11, do you realize you could have received a color copy directly as an e-mail. To date we have received requests from only 5 persons to switch them to an e-mail newsletter. Reduction of publishing and mailing letters is a significant cost saving.

To make that change for letter #12, simply send us your e-mail address. (email your request to <rkinsey1@mac.com> to be placed in a separate file.)

--------------------------------Be a Friend Today ! -----------------------

Name ____________________________________

e-Mail address _____________________________________

Street ____________________________________

P. O. Box# __________________

Town ____________________________, State ____ Zip

Your Contributions pay for Newsletters, trail tools, and training programs.

Make checks payable to: Sonoran Conservancy of Fountain Hills

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