NEWS & VIEWS           May 2022

  • Wrapping Up the Season
  • Volunteers Honored
  • Looking Ahead to the Fall Season
  • Taking Precautions in the Heat

Accomplishments Abound as “Season” Comes to a Close

 

As the weather warms and some residents depart Fountain Hills for a few months, we would like to share some accomplishments of the Conservancy, Trailblazers and FH Desert Botanical Garden volunteers.

 

In April the Town Council gave approval to the McDowell Mountain Preservation Commission (MMPC) to proceed with its proposed 10-Year Plan, which identifies a possibility for several new trails.  SCFH volunteers (in their hats) and Trailblazers (in their bright green shirts) came out in force at the Council meeting to voice their support.  The Trailblazers wasted no time in getting to work and over the following two Saturdays completed about ¼ mile of a new trail called the North Leg.  The trail follows a ridge off the Promenade and will be about one mile when complete.

 

The SCFH had a very active year as Covid waned and many of its programs, which were put on hold for two seasons, returned.  Trailhead hosts provided help and information to Adero Canyon Trailhead visitors, logging more than 450 hours by its 37 volunteers.  Trailhead hosts, who volunteer weekend mornings and around holidays, are trained to provide information on the hiking and biking trails within the Preserve and also can assist with logistics and emergencies within the Preserve.

 

The hiking program was also back to the delight of its participants who were able to take part in 36 hikes, led by 32 leaders/stewards logging more than 350 hours.  The program provided participants with not only fitness and exploration hikes within the Preserve and in the mountains in the surrounding area, but there were also Walk and Talk educational programs in the Preserve and at the FH Desert Botanical Garden.  Newly added Full Moon and Quarter Moon hikes under the dark skies were also very popular.

 

In addition to many hours of trail maintenance in the Preserve and on the Overlook Trail, the Trailblazers completed the Lower Ridgeline Trail toward the end of the season.  There were 44 volunteers with the Trailblazers during the season and they completed around 1,100 hours of work. 

Carol Carriere and Bill Myers Honored by Town

 

Fountain Hills honored its volunteers in May and we had two volunteers who received recognition at the Awards Ceremony.  Bill Myers was honored by the Town as Volunteer of the Year for 2020 and Carol Carriere was named Outstanding Volunteer for 2021 from SCFH and FH Desert Botanical Garden.

 

Bill Myers was honored for his extraordinary service to the Town, the SCFH and the Commission.  Bill Craig, who heads the Trailblazers, said, “His service spanned more than 11 years while acting as Commission Chair for 8 of those years.  He worked with Town officials, developers and contractors to help make the Adero Canyon Trailhead a reality.  His efforts were instrumental in informing the Town Council about funds set aside strictly for trailhead development.  And he is currently working with the Trail Connectivity group to bring together entities in this part of the State with interests in trail development and maintenance.”

Bill Myers (left) and Bill Craig

 

Carol Carriere has volunteered with the Conservancy and FH Desert Botanical Garden since she and her husband moved to Fountain Hills in 2010.  She has been an advocate for the Garden and served as Secretary of its Board for many years.  Judy Dragiewicz with the Garden says, “Carol leads introductory walks, did the verbiage for our plant identification signs, oversees maintenance of the trails in the Garden and helps on many projects.  She digs in and gets the job done.”  Carol has also helped with the training and scheduling for the Trailhead Hosts and was a top volunteer with the program, working 13 shifts and volunteering 7 times to lead or steward a hiking or interpretive program. 

We are incredibly fortunate to have had Bill and Carol as volunteers in Fountain Hills and truly appreciate the many other volunteers who continue to support our activities.

Looking Ahead to the Fall Season

 

In the months ahead, as you’re thinking about the end of summer and planning your activities, we have a couple for you to think about:

 

The Town is again planning a November Challenge.  The Challenge, designed by us within the FH McDowell Mountain Preserve, provides opportunities to get out and explore the community on trails and through different activities. 

 

We kick off the season on Sept. 29 with a new hike led by Ranger Amy: Glow in the Dark – Scorpion Scout, under dark skies for folks of all ages.

 

On Oct. 1 we relaunch our popular Stargazer and Sky Viewing event with Vicky Derksen.

 

Join us on Oct. 15 when Ranger Amy returns with her popular kid and family friendly, Chat with Critters. 

 

We’ll give you notice when the courses are available for registration.

 

We’re always looking for trailhead hosts for the Adero Canyon Trailhead and will be providing training in the fall.  Hosts typically volunteer in two-hour increments and are always together in pairs to help guests at the Trailhead.  No hiking is involved – just the willingness to share your knowledge of the Preserve and welcome people to the Trailhead.  Email: ContactSCFH@gmail.com if interested or for more information.

Beware of Warning Signs in the Summer Heat

We’re all aware of the possible dangers of hiking and other physical activities in the heat of the summer, but we thought we would provide a couple of useful reminders to help keep us safe during the heat.  You can easily print these graphics and keep them with your outdoor gear!

Be safe and we will be back at the end of summer with news of the fall/winter/spring season!

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Sonoran Conservancy of Fountain Hills

P.O. Box 17733

Fountain Hills, AZ 85268-7733

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