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TRAILBLAZERS PROGRAM
The Trailblazers build and maintain the hiking trails in the Fountain Hills McDowell Mountain Preserve, the Lake Overlook and the Desert Botanical Garden. Work can involve everything from brush clipping to digging, chopping and moving heavy rocks. All of this is accomplished through good old manual labor.
The Trailblazers meet most Saturdays throughout the season for about 3 hours. On the job training and tools are provided. The Trailblazers have saved the Town hundreds of thousands of dollars through their hard work and dedication.
Click here to see the Trailblazers in action.
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PRESERVE STEWARDS PROGRAM
As a steward you will be supporting the leader of our events and hikes and making sure all hikers are safe and accounted for. Your fitness level should be appropriate for the hike you are supporting. You will need to have appropriate hiking clothing and boots. For some hikes, poles are recommended. If you are interested, we will have you join hikes with experienced stewards and ask that you take advantage of the excellent classes provided by the McDowell Sonoran Conservancy.
TRAILHEAD HOSTS
Hosts volunteer at the Adero Canyon Trailhead to assist hikers, cyclists and visitors by providing basic information about the Preserve and the trails. Trailhead Hosts usually commit to a minimum of one 2-hour shift per month during the regular season. You'll be greeting fellow hikers and helping them select a trail or hike that is appropriate to their abilities. You will be provided orientation materials and either attend an orientation class or shadow an experienced trailhead host before being assigned a time slot.
DESERT BOTANICAL GARDEN
The Fountain Hills Desert Botanical Garden was originally founded by Jane Haynes in 1975. Today it hosts a 1 mile looping trail with numerous native plants labeled and is located on Fountain Hills Blvd, just north of Kingstree Blvd. The trail is maintained by garden volunteers who rake, sweep, trim and do the odd trail repair. Meetings are held on the 3rd Thursday of the month at 10 AM in the Chamber of Commerce (16837 E Palisades Blvd) from October to April. A variety of subjects are discussed with occasional educational programs pertaining to the desert. New members are always welcome.
CLICK HERE for a segment on how Jane Haynes celebrated her 100th birthday!