MAGAZINE OF THE MCDOWELL SONORAN CONSERVANCY

Fall 2018

Mountain Lines

Enhance hikes with our map app See striking vistas on this hike Badgers are in our midst

A Preserve Survey Map Windgate and Bell Passes Badgers in the Preserve FROM THE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

Sonoran Conservancy in education and research. BOARD OF DIRECTORS Building on our long legacy of love and stewardship Richard Bourke, Board Chair of the land, our vision now expands for the Conservancy Rich Cochran, MD, Vice Chair Paul Staker, Treasurer to become an international leader in urban preserve Don Martin, Secretary management. Through scientific research conducted Greg Kruzel, Past Chair By Dan Gruber, McDowell Sonoran Conservancy legacy steward by the Parsons Field Institute of the Conservancy and Andrea Aker Hon. Mary Manross Shirley Baum Dennis Miller our experiential STEM Education Program for youth, Matt Cardenas Jane Rau the Conservancy is expanding its reach and charting a Rick Cooper Lynne Russell Justin Owen Chris Crum Don Shawl course for building a new generation of conservation John DeWulf Trish Stark Welcome to the Fall! As leaders. Doug Diehl Daniel Welker Gasper Genovese John White the monsoons leave and the More than 650 Conservancy stewards continue to Thomas Hartley temperatures lower, Scottsdale’s effectively care for the Preserve through a comprehensive Mapping the McDowell Mountains CORPORATE ADVISORS McDowell Sonoran Preserve comes array of programs and services that add capacity by Tony Bolazina alive with people! This is our maintaining and patrolling trails, serving as safety Bernard Clark most exciting time of year as we experts, and providing guided hike and bike tours Bennett Dorrance Dana Garmany launch our programs, New Steward throughout the Preserve. Steven Hilton Orientation, and a new fundraising We want you to be a part of our future! Come Mike Tully Steven Wheeler plan. As we are evolving into a explore the Preserve! Revel in its beauty! Understand more science-based stewardship its uniqueness as the largest urban preserve in North MCDOWELL SONORAN organization, Mountain Lines America. Join us in our journey to the future. Support CONSERVANCY STAFF presents the beauty of our Preserve our vision with a financial gift, a gift of your time, or a Executive Director Justin Owen and the work of the McDowell gift of your talent! Program Manager Stella Kowalczyk Interim Development Director Vikki Scarafiotti Dr. Steven Skotnicki is a senior geologist known for his extensive Development Manager geologic mapping work. His survey of the McDowell Mountains Carlos Castañeda resulted in a geologic map of them. Photo by Steve Skotnicki Associate Development Manager Erin Tompkins Marketing and Development Coordinator Dawn Boeck Program Coordinator The McDowell Sonoran Conservancy Lori Calhoun champions the sustainability of Mapping the McDowell Mountains...... 3 Senior Administrative Coordinator Katherine Challis The digital version of the Preserve's geologic map can be displayed on mobile devices. Touching the screen brings up all the information associated with the selected feature. the McDowell Sonoran Preserve The digital map shows Preserve trails and, depending on the device, may indicate the user’s position on the map. Photo by Dan Gruber Parsons Field Institute Director for the benefit of this and future generations. Volunteer in the McDowell Sonoran Preserve...... 8 Helen Rowe As stewards, we connect the community to the Parsons Field Institute Manager Tiffany Sprague Preserve through education, Camera Trap Project...... 10 research, advocacy, partnerships McDowell Sonoran Conservancy Aboutand safe, respectful access.Us HikingTable the Windgate of Contents and Bell Passes Loop...... 14 7729 East Greenway Road, Suite 100 Scottsdale, AZ 85260 prominent feature visible throughout the northeast interest, Skotnicki spent more than nine years and 2,000 hours 480-998-7971 Valley, the McDowell Mountains form the backbone of the of his own time, including 1,200 hours in the field1, to produce Trailhead Construction...... 18 www.mcdowellsonoran.org [email protected] southern portion of Scottsdale’s McDowell Sonoran Preserve. a detailed hand-drawn geologic map of the range and its Mountain Lines is published Anyone who’s travelled in these mountains has noticed their vicinity. Badgers in the Preserve...... 20 quarterly by the McDowell Sonoran Conservancy, a 501(c)3 geologic complexity. There are angular metamorphic rocks The map identifies all the types of rocks in the mountains nonprofit organization and sent to A World of Agaves...... 22 members and donors. of varying colors abutting rounded granite boulders and and where they are located, superimposed on a topographic occasional veins of milky quartz snaking through the rocks. map showing the contours of the land. Producing a geologic Peggy McNamara, editor A Classroom with a View...... 24 McDowell Sonoran Conservacy Yet in spite of its complexity, no comprehensive geologic map requires an experienced geologist to directly observe the master steward survey had been done of the McDowell Mountains before rocks in the field in order to identify accurately what they are Creative design donated by 2006. That was the year Dr. Steve Skotnicki, geologist, began and to observe their relationships to each other. The pattern McDowell Sonoran Conservancy Cover photo: Tectonic collisions created the backbone of the McDowell Mountains about 1.7 billion years ago. The hard, steward Dennis Eckel metamorphic rock it formed is exposed throughout the McDowells. Photo by Dennis Eckel his epic investigation of the mountains. Based on his personal of different types of rocks over extended distances reveals Eckel Advertising & Photography A 3 when and how they were formed and what happened afterwards. These observations are a record of the geologic history of this area extending over more than a billion years! However, the map required conversion into digital form for research and conservation purposes. Skotnicki hand-drew the original map in very large size to show all the details of the complex local geology. But this size made copies of the paper map unwieldy to use in the field. Also, a paper map can’t be zoomed or panned, nor can it show all the background information associated with each mapped rock

unit or data point. A digital map This is a close-up of a complex portion of the map showing the northwest corner of the McDowell Mountains. Some of can, and it can be carried on a small the features shown in this portion are only about 10 meters (33 feet) wide on the ground. Photo by Dan Gruber device like a phone or tablet. It can be easily zoomed and panned, other features like faults—lines across which rock had been and simply clicking on it brings up all the relevant geologic displaced by geologic forces—were reproduced in digital information for any feature. form. His observations were transcribed into electronic form The McDowell Sonoran Conservancy supported the and associated with the correct digital features. costs required to digitize Skotnicki’s field map and sample The work was divided into phases prefaced with detailed collection. The Conservancy also performed the work of instructions and training. The first phase was to trace all the digitizing the map using citizen scientists, aided by Brian polygons that outlined each occurrence of a particular type Gootee, research geologist with the Arizona Geological of rock. Next, we created digital points corresponding to Survey (AZGS), and Conservancy staff. locations where Skotnicki recorded observations. Finally, we The digitizing team consisted of citizen scientists, some labeled all the polygons and other features. After completing of whom were experienced in previous geology projects each phase, quality assurance was done by having team sponsored by the McDowell Sonoran Conservancy Parsons members review each other’s work, after which a final review Field Institute. Gootee and I developed the necessary occurred. digital infrastructure. We made high-resolution images of A team of 10 citizen scientists produced the digital map the hand-drawn maps and georeferenced2 the images to a in 900 hours over a period of six months. The time spent topographical map in the software package the Conservancy included education, training, and quality assurance. Project uses for mapping. Gootee provided software tools for support and supervision from Skotnicki, Gootee, and Melanie geological mapping, which allowed the team to insert Tluczek, former Parsons Field Institute assistant director, specialized geologic symbols into the digital map. totaled more than an additional 100 hours. The digitization process reproduced all the features The completed map is an amazing achievement, a testament of the hand-drawn maps in digital form. The lines drawn to both Skotnicki’s perseverance and the complexity of the by Skotnicki that represented the location, extent, and mountains. It contains the following: The Arizona Geological Survey published this map of the Preserve along with its related information. Steve Skotnicki, Brian Gootee of AZGS, and Conservancy volunteers did the work to produce the map. Photo courtesy of the Arizona Geological Survey boundaries of different rock types were traced digitally. • 87 sections (square miles) are covered entirely or in The points where he recorded observations were replicated part on the map. as digital points with suitable symbols. His indications of • 86 map units (different types of rocks) are described

4 5 individually with associated data and colored based McDowell Sonoran Preserve and vicinity on a standard geologic color palette modified by • Supporting interpretive hikes and field education about discussions with Skotnicki. geology • Approximately 3,200 polygons distinguish the • Aiding in site selection and providing background occurrences of the 86 types of rocks in the map area. information for future ecological research • Approximately 3,000 points display data about rock • Allowing area geology to be related to other features characteristics. that reflect or depend on it, such as soil types and A map legend was produced using map unit descriptions biotic communities and associated data from Skotnicki. The map shows all To our knowledge, this is the largest such project ever the features surveyed by Skotnicki superimposed on a done by a small conservancy. The scale of the effort and topographic map. To help use the map conveniently in the quality of the result demonstrate the ability of volunteers field, other features or layers, such as existing Preserve trails, to perform professional-level work and to handle large, trailheads, and points of interest, are included.3 technically complex projects. After the digitizing work was completed, Gootee 1. The field work required to produce the original map was conducted uploaded the map to an AZGS site from which AZGS staff under permit from the City of Scottsdale. could review the work. Mike Conway, chief of the AZGS 2. Georeferencing is the process of relating a point on an image to Geological Extension Service, reviewed map content, clarity, the equivalent point on a map, so that the image can be accurately and function. The volunteers incorporated his feedback into superimposed onto the underlying map.

the map, and Phil Pearthree, AZGS director, performed a 3. Some of the data layers shown on the digital map were provided by final review. The map was then released online for interactive the City of Scottsdale GIS staff. 4 digital and mobile access on the AZGS website and in 4. Access the interactive map for mobile access on the AZGS website published form.5 at: http://tinyurl.com/GeoMap-McdowellMtns or http://repository. Through this project, the Parsons Field Institute azgs.az.gov/uri_gin/azgs/dlio/1692. produced a significant document accessible to researchers, 5. Access the published map form: educators, and other interested parties. It added important http://repository.azgs.az.gov/uri_gin/azgs/dlio/1890 information about the McDowell Mountains and raised opportunities for further research. Rocks in the McDowells TOUR DE SCOTTSDALE are exposed horizontally in a sequence spanning hundreds of millions of years, an expanse not seen elsewhere in the region. Some of the rocks are complexly layered in a manner not seen nearby. Skotnicki currently is working with Arizona State University faculty to date rock samples collected in the mountains. This could provide the most comprehensive timeline yet for the geohistory of this entire area. The availability of the digital map will enrich users’ experiences and researchers’ work in the Preserve by: • Allowing users to understand The fifteenth annual Tour de Scottsdale rides again! The event takes place on Sunday, October 7, 2018, and features the geology of what is seen Veins of white milky quartz running through rocks are a common feature in the McDowell Mountains. Research work sponsored by the Conservancy and staffed by citizen scientists indicates that these quartz deposits were 30- and 70-mile bicycle rides through beautiful Scottsdale. For more information about the tour, registration, and sign on or from the trails in the created by repeated episodes of hydrothermal activity spanning hundreds of millions of years. Photo by Dan Gruber in, visit the Tour de Scottsdale website at www.tourdescottsdale.net.

6 7 you can use to understand and serve. The one day orientation is fun. It includes a fast-paced introduction, By Janice Holden, McDowell Sonoran Conservancy lead steward and similar to “speed dating,” to all 11 Susan Mitchell, McDowell Sonoran Conservancy steward programs. You will meet the program leaders during this activity. “I thought I’d find NSO long, drawn out and dry; but I was pleasantly surprised and totally engaged the Volunteer in Scottsdale's McDowell Sonoran Preserve whole time. It was an amazing day and Sometimes the hardest thing about Preserve through education, research, complete and submit two applications ‘speed dating’ was a great way to learn volunteering is getting started. But advocacy, partnerships, and safe, on the Conservancy website and more about the programs,” one recent it doesn’t have to be. respectful access. pay an orientation fee of $60. Once steward-in-training told us. Conservancy stewards are the accepted, two things will happen to The stewards who prepare and More than 70 steward training classes have prepared volunteers over the past 20 years to work in the Preserve volunteers who carry out this mission ease your introduction to stewardship. present the material make learning it and at the Conservancy. Classes are kept small to enhance the learning experience. Photo by Lynne Russell through 11 programs that offer a wide First, you will be invited to attend fun. This group of very talented teachers f you have ever spent time enjoying range of volunteer opportunities. a New Steward Orientation (NSO) excel at keeping the class fresh and the peaceful beauty of Scottsdale’s Whether you want to be outdoors class given on the second Saturday of entertaining every month. online exercise to become familiar with stewards within six to eight weeks. McDowell Sonoran Preserve, you leading guided hikes, hosting each month from September through After NSO, you are required to our website content before achieving To make sure the experience may wonder what you can do to help trailheads, patrolling or maintaining March. Second, you will be assigned participate in five activities in at least stewardship. Mentors will help you is not overwhelming, mentors and protect this urban gem. If so, you are trails; or you want to help with a mentor who will guide you and help four different programs of your choice, meet those requirements. On average, program representatives provide a like the hundreds of people who have scientific research, special events, or you on your pathway to stewardship. and complete a simple, open book, most stewards-in-training become support system as does the website chosen to become stewards with the other nonfield opportunities, such as NSO is the first step in learning that includes resources for stewards- McDowell Sonoran Conservancy. working in our office, the Conservancy what you need to know to become a in-training such as, a calendar The Conservancy is a nonprofit needs your skills. You can learn more steward. The NSO class is an introduction identifying specific activities that count organization whose mission is to about these activities and programs on to the Preserve, the Conservancy, to attaining stewardship, and a list of champion the sustainability of the our Conservancy website at: what it means to be a steward, and the volunteer opportunities open in each Preserve for the benefit of this and www.mcdowellsonoran.org meaningful ways in which stewards program. future generations. As stewards, How do you get started? To can get involved. You’ll learn about The process of becoming a full- weI connect the community to the become a steward, you need to expectations, requirements, and tools fledged steward is upbeat and uplifting. You will leave NSO motivated, inspired, and ready to earn your steward badge. You will feel that you’ve joined a great organization serving a great cause, and you will be on your way toward volunteering with others like you. Upon completing NSO, you will understand how to contribute, do good, have fun, make new friends, and help ensure an ecological treasure will prevail for generations to come.

The class for training new stewards takes place in the Preserve among beautiful Students and instructors get to know each other over lunch at New Student Students learn about the important role of the Conservancy’s website and gain knowledge about the surroundings at the Gateway Trailhead meeting room. Photo by Lynne Russell Orientation. Photo by Lynne Russell programs, activities, volunteer opportunities, and other valuable resources. Photo by Lynne Russell

8 9 some herpetologists, the answer often lies in overturning rocks to assess which reptiles are found where in a designated area. For some ornithologists, the answer may lie in walking transects while listening intently for birdsong. However, for mammologists, the answer is not so simple. Mammals can be surprisingly difficult to pin down, and many present dangers when directly confronted. Further, live trapping can be a difficult process, especially for larger animals, and may present high and undue stress. For many wildlife biologists, the answer for how to study mammals, especially in changing landscapes, is found in camera traps. Camera traps were originally created for game hunters in the form of game trail cameras. Many biologists have repurposed game trail cameras for research, using them to

passively detect wildlife in their natural This young coyote has traits that will help him live a long coyote life. Coyotes are very adaptable, eat a wide variety of animals, and live in diverse urban and natural landscapes. They appear in many stories (and car- This mule deer buck lives in the Preserve where he finds enough vegetation to hide in and eat. Deer are most active in the early morning and evening during the warmer habitat. Camera traps function by toons) as being the clever and resourceful animals they are. Photo courtesy of McDowell Sonoran Conservancy months. Photo courtesy of McDowell Sonoran Conservancy detecting both movement passing by the camera as well as differences in temperature between what is moving across the Preserve, wildlife biologists can unique challenges for wildlife. To better in the foreground and background. By understand how species differentially use understand the impacts of urbaniza- placing cameras in a grid or transect and occupy the landscape. tion on Sonoran Desert wildlife, we are Like many other investigating mammalian biodiversity landscapes of the throughout the Preserve with camera world, the Preserve traps. Our results will be used to help By Katherine Weiss, faces threats from inform management and mitigation Arizona State University School of Life Sciences PhD candidate urban expansion. efforts throughout the Preserve as Specifically, housing well as to understand how corridors development around function in urbanized landscapes. the Gooseneck Saycottsdale’s Cheese! McDowell Sonoran Using small, Camera flighty lizards that Trapspassersby to asAssess suddenly, the deer or jackrabbit Corridor (the narrow The Camera Trapping Preserve houses a great diversity of only see as flashes in their peripheries. bolts away into the brush. Left with connection between Process nativeWildlife Sonoran Desert in wildlife. the On any McDowell These scenes unfold inSonoran the distance Preservenothing but a memory and a smile, we, the southern and given day, coyotes travel in groups or as we hike the many trails of the too, eventually continue on our way, northern parts of the Camera trapping is an interactive alone in search of elusive cottontail Preserve. Sometimes, we come across enjoying the space we share. Preserve) and the process. It first requires surveying rabbits; bobcat mothers cajole their a mule deer or jackrabbit, each of us But how do we take inventory of a projected expansion maps of the study region and then kittens, often in vain, to stay together equally frozen in surprise at seeing shared space, especially when trying to of Rio Verde Drive identifying ideal locations for camera as they bounce around rocky outcrop- one another in the otherwise quiet, understand how to manage landscapes A bobcat and her kitten roam their territory in the Preserve. Bobcats hunt into a four-lane traps based on the statistical needs mostly rabbits and hares, which are plentiful in the Preserve. Photo courtesy of pings; and roadrunners stop to eat the picturesque landscape. And then, just used by both people and wildlife? For McDowell Sonoran Conservancy highway present of the analysis. However, landscapes 10 S 11 collecting in groups of up to five individuals, javelina rolling around in the dirt to cool off, and bobcats showing off their predatory abilities. These and future data will help us to understand how aspects of the urban environment, especially surrounding the Gooseneck Corridor, might impact species diversity, gene flow, and the lives of wildlife in the Preserve.

Next Steps

After collecting preliminary data, we now have the opportunity to ask more complex questions about which characteristics of urban landscapes and city life impact how species occupy the Preserve. These data, too, will help inform management decisions The large ears on the jackrabbit are used primarily for dissipating heat. Despite the name, the jackrabbit is as housing and road developments really a hare. It is larger than a rabbit and prefers to eat bark and twigs instead of the softer plants preferred by rabbits. Photo courtesy of McDowell Sonoran Conservancy around the Preserve increase, as well as how we may improve the utility of the Gooseneck Corridor for wildlife. Which Species are species found in each region of the With the help of the Conservancy’s Mountain lions are shy and tend to avoid encounters with people. They are more interested in deer and maintain a sustainable deer population through hunting them. Preserve was very different, indicating Photo courtesy of McDowell Sonoran Conservancy Found in McDowell many stewards and researchers, we Sonoran Preserve? that perhaps certain aspects of the recently moved six cameras in the environment in the north, Gooseneck south of the Preserve to the northern Corridor, and south facilitate or limit region, and we added two additional are often not so forgiving as to allow the Conservancy’s very experienced months before a crew of stewards Although the study is ongoing and certain species to occupy and coexist. cameras in the north plus two cameras ideal placement. Moreover, animals do and knowledgeable stewards leading and researchers hiked back to each results may change as data collection Our cameras also identified some on a neighboring golf course near not see their habitat in terms of where the way and Dr. Jan Schipper, field camera to swap out the SD cards that continues, some interesting results interesting behavior, such as coyotes abundant water. By improving the we as researchers would like to place conservation research director at stored the photographs and to change have been found thus far. Nineteen number of cameras and the length our cameras; they, instead, experience the Phoenix Zoo - Arizona Center for the batteries. Conservancy stewards different taxa were found during the of time cameras are present on the the land as we do our own homes, Nature Conservation, providing key then sorted each picture by species on first year of data collection, including landscape, we can increase the rate of finding places to sleep and eat based methodological insight, we were able to the computer and into a series of file cottontail rabbit, quail, jackrabbit, detection for and better identify how on a combination of needs, preferences, identify 18 sites to place cameras over folders—a process that takes dedication, coyote, mule deer, bobcat, gray fox, wildlife use the land we share. availability, origin, and mere chance. The the first year of our study. The cameras patience, and a keen eye. These pictures javelina, roadrunner, Harris’s antelope For any questions regarding ideal does not always map with reality. were evenly distributed in the north, the then go through a statistical analysis squirrel, American badger, three the Corridor Viability Project at We therefore first identify preferred Gooseneck Corridor, and the south parts program that provides a long array of species of skunk, rock squirrel, moun- the Preserve, please feel free to locations to fulfill our statistical require- of the Preserve to best represent each information, revealing which species tain lion, raccoon, and desert tortoise. contact Ralph Lipfert at corridor@ ments and then survey these places in region. All cameras were placed on trees are found where and to what degree. The northern, Gooseneck Corridor, mcdowellsonoran.org or Kate Weiss at person for signs of wildlife—scouring or posts along washes and captured Researchers at Arizona State University and southern extents of the Preserve [email protected]. the ground with heads down for fresh animals living their day-to-day lives—a then use these data to conduct greater all held a similar number of species,

scat, looking for the well-traveled series of snapshots that represent the statistical analyses and to understand and all mammal species, except skunk The badger is a carnivorous, solitary mammal. And, game trails coyotes and mountain lions heartbeat of mammalian desert life. how and in what ways species occupy and raccoon, were found in each yes, badgers live in the desert! Read the Mountain Lines article about them on page 20 of this issue. traverse, or finding animal tracks. With Each camera was left for two to three McDowell Sonoran Preserve. region. However, the abundance of Photo courtesy of McDowell Sonoran Conservancy

12 13

By Doug Jabour, McDowell Sonoran Conservancy master steward

Hiking the Windgate and Bell Passes Loop

The view of the Superstition Mountains in the background is just one of the many beautiful panoramas visible from the Sunrise Trail. Photo by Dennis Eckel.

Photo by Dennis Eckel

14 15 can be found in many of the washes Trail until you reach the Windgate view, you can return via the same route in the Preserve crowding out native Pass Trail. or continue on to the junction where plants. The Parsons Field Institute of The trail now becomes steeper as Windgate Pass Trail meets Bell Pass the McDowell Sonoran Conservancy you climb up to Inspiration Viewpoint, Trail. The hike to this junction includes is studying fountain grass and removal which offers great views towards the a gradual drop of about 500 feet. techniques to determine the best northwest. Inspiration Viewpoint is After turning onto Bell Pass Trail, eradication method. a great spot to stop for a drink and you have a little more than one mile perhaps a snack on a bench shaded by and a climb of 600 feet until you reach Let’s Go Hiking! a palo verde. Bell Pass at 3,204 feet, the highest Continue another mile past point on this hike. The descent from The Gateway Trailhead, which Inspiration Viewpoint to Windgate Pass. Bell Pass is very steep and slippery opened in 2009, is the starting point This will be one of the steepest climbs in spots, especially at the beginning. for this hike. After leaving the trailhead, on this hike. If you look at more than Hiking poles are recommended. The take the Saguaro Trail over the bridge just the trail underfoot, you may see Bell Pass Trail flattens out after about to arrive at the junction of the Bajada deer that frequent this area. When you two more miles when you rejoin the Nature Trail. Continue past the nature reach the saddle, you will have climbed Gateway Loop Trail. Take this trail back trail for 0.3 miles until you arrive at the around 1,500 feet and will have great to the Gateway ramada. Gateway Loop Trail. Turn left at this views of the Superstition Mountains junction and take the Gateway Loop and Four Peaks. After enjoying the

Mature stands of saguaro cactus along with a variety of desert flora populate the hillsides. Depending on seasonal rainfall, these hills often show a variety of colorful blooms. Photo by Dennis Eckel

sufficient rain during the fall and winter orange poppy and only grows in these seasons, the hillsides will be yellow higher elevations. he most popular hike in the from wildflowers, such as poppies, There are also areas of fountain southern portion of Scottsdale’s and shrubs, such as brittlebush. In grass, an ornamental grass that has McDowell Sonoran Preserve is the late spring, you may see the desert spread from urban landscapes to the 4.5-mile Gateway Loop Trail. However, Mariposa lily, which looks like a dark desert. It is a nonnative grass and if you are looking for a longer and more difficult hike with great scenery, then you should consider hiking the Windgate and Bell Pass loop. This hike is 9.6 miles, has an elevation gain of nearly 2,000 feet, and can take four to five hours for the experienced hiker. The area between Windgate Pass and Bell Pass feels very remote, and it containsT more varied vegetation than most other Preserve locations. In the higher elevations around Windgate Pass, you will see shrubs and grass- land. Wolfberry shrubs bloom in the early spring and produce fruit that look and taste like tiny tomatoes. Yes, the berries are edible, but leave them for The beautiful desert Mariposa lily grows in the area of Windgate and Bell Passes in the Preserve. Its brilliant A group of hikers enjoy a vigorous workout and extraordinary views on one of the Conservancy's wellness hikes along Bell Pass Trail. Photo by Dennis Eckel the Preserve’s fauna! If there has been three-petalled flower is one to two inches wide. Photo by Marianne S. Jensen

16 17 By Scott Hamilton, City of Scottsdale Preserve planner The Care Behind Trailhead Construction he City of Scottsdale continues tree and fitting them with wood panels stored in a temporary on-site tree Many cacti, due to their shallow root systems and their water storing capabilities, tolerate removal and Professional salvage contractors handle cacti that toat progress Fraesfield on the construction ofand bandedGranite together to form Mountaina box. This nursery, where they are monitored replanting well. Photo by Scott Hamilton are too big for volunteers. Photo by Scott Hamilton the Fraesfield and Granite Mountain process can be a bit of a shock to the and watered regularly. The trees will Trailheads in the northern region tree, so to maximize survivability, they be replanted in the landscaping as of Scottsdale’s McDowell Sonoran are left in the ground with the bottom the trailheads near completion in the barrels, cholla, hedgehogs, pincushions, critical ecosystem functions such as moment to observe and appreciate the Preserve. Construction began over tap root still intact and allowed to rest spring. and small saguaros. These cacti stabilizing soils, increasing fertility, and sensitivity and care given to the sites the summer and is anticipated to be and recover for three weeks. Once Native cacti also were salvaged were moved to a sand planting bed, storing carbon. The salvaged biocrust by Conservancy staff and volunteers, complete in 2019. The new trailheads recovered, the trees are then “bottom from the site. Conservancy stewards, where they will reside until they are will be used in restoration experiments City of Scottsdale staff, and the City’s will be similar in size and amenities to boxed,” which involves cutting the working under direction of City of permanently planted in the finished here in the Preserve, as well as at the design and construction contractors. the Lost Dog Wash and Tom’s Thumb tap root, banding a wood panel to the Scottsdale Preserve staff, dug up and landscaping at the end of the project. Mayberry Native Plant Propagation For up-to-date information on the Trailheads. bottom of the box, and lifting them temporarily relocated a considerable Also salvaged were several large chain Center in southeastern Utah. status of construction of the Fraesfield During the planning process, out of the ground. The trees are then number of cacti, including fishhook fruit cholla. Although not rare, they are The general contractor also and Granite Mountain trailheads, special attention was given to locating an interesting and unique plant. Their salvaged dead trees, branches, cacti please visit the City of Scottsdale theT permanent trailhead improvements large size and prickly personalities skeletons, and surface rocks for website at www.scottsdaleaz.gov. on top of areas that previously had make them difficult to salvage by hand, placement in the finished landscaping You also can contact me directly at been disturbed. Both the Fraesfield and so the City’s professional salvage around the edges of the parking lots and 480-312-7722 or email me at Granite Mountain sites experienced a contractor boxed them as they would trailhead buildings. This material gives [email protected]. I hope lengthy history of motor vehicle use, a desert tree. These plants will make the site a more natural appearance and to see you out on the trail! leaving scars on the land prior to the an excellent aesthetic addition to the creates microhabitats that support native 1. The Guide to Native Plant Ordinance City purchasing it for inclusion in the finished landscape and will provide plants and animals. The contractor also document can be found on the City of Preserve. Focusing the new improve- habitat for a variety of local fauna. salvaged the top two inches of the soil Scottsdale, Arizona website at ments on top of these disturbed Prior to the sites being graded, surface for reuse as top dressing at http://www.scottsdaleaz.gov/. areas minimizes the amount of new Conservancy stewards, City staff, the end of the project. This top layer of disturbance, reduces overall project and researchers from the U.S. soil has a higher organic content and costs, and preserves as much native Geological Survey and Northern contains the seeds of native plants. vegetation and habitat as possible. Arizona University salvaged a When added as top dressing around Prior to the start of construction, significant amount of biological soil the edges of the completed parking the native trees were salvaged in crust from the sites. According to lots and trailhead buildings, it will accordance with the requirements of Dr. Helen Rowe, McDowell Sonoran help native plants to repopulate the the City of Scottsdale’s Guide to Native Conservancy Parsons Field Institute disturbed areas. 1 Plant Ordinance . Professional salvage director, biological soil crusts are When you come out and enjoy McDowell Sonoran Conservancy volunteers, supervised crews first “side boxed” the trees. This Salvaging native trees at a construction site is required by the City of Scottsdale. Prior to construction, an expert consortia of bacteria, cyanobacteria, the completed trailheads in the spring by City of Scottsdale staff, frequently salvage and marks native plants and trees that will be boxed and moved to a nearby location, watered during construction, replant smaller native plants during construction and entails digging trenches around each then replanted on the site after construction is completed. Photo by Scott Hamilton fungi, lichens, and mosses that provide or summer of 2019, please take a renovation projects. Photo by Linda Kalbach

18 19 By Jack McEnroe, McDowell Sonoran Conservancy master steward

hat was that? While Surprise! Claire mentioned that a (former) manager of the Parsons Field Badgershiking on September are 25, 2013, in I saw our Midstcouple of years prior several badgers Institute at the McDowell Sonoran something moving out of the corner were released in McDowell Mountain Conservancy. She confirmed the find. of my eye. Distracting. I was standing Regional Park. I later confirmed this History was made (in a very, very small on Brown’s Ranch Road in Scottsdale’s with the park manager, who also way). A few months later, I was on a McDowell Sonoran Preserve, just south informed me that badgers like the type guided hike coming back from Brown’s of Vaquero Trail, watching two Harris’s of soil found in the Brown’s Ranch area. Ranch when the hike leader yelled hawks soar above me. I turned to look. It is great for digging. Having lived to the group, “There’s a badger!” We I had no idea what I was looking at. in the Midwest, I was familiar with were nearly at the same spot where I The distinct markings on the badger’s face make it easy to identify. It is a squat animal that can grow to nearly three feet in length and weigh up to 25 pounds. Fumbling, I pulled my camera out to references to badgers (and wolverines, first saw the badger. I turned to look, as Photo by Cindy Howland-Hodson get a photograph. The animal was on but that’s another story—a football did 20 plus other guests and stewards. the move in the brush. I snapped off a story). There was the badger! Discovery did not realize what I had found; rather, nearby trail intersections, or the closest Assemble a few reference books. few photos, recorded the time, date, At home, I looked at the reconfirmed. I knew that I did not know. Take a emergency marker. Also mention Attend Conservancy educational Wplace, elevation, and GPS coordinates, photographs. Grainy. Pitiful camera. Badgers are usually nocturnal. photograph. No camera? Use your cell weather (in the Preserve, very warm programs. Build your knowledge over and then completed my hike. Note to self: Get a better camera. I They have been documented phone camera. Record the date, time, or hot and clear usually work). Ask time. Within a short while, you will be At Brown’s Ranch Trailhead, I did make out the animal. It looked throughout the Preserve, preferring and place of your sighting. Cameras someone for assistance in identifying impressing your family and friends with spoke to Preserve staff member Claire like a badger. I did a search, and the open flats with loose soil and lots of may automatically record the date and your find. Stewards, Conservancy your new-found expertise. Miller and described what I saw. Claire images looked like the animal in my prey. Solitary, badgers roam frequently, time. More advanced cameras may staff, and Scottsdale Preserve staff said she occasionally heard hikers photograph. I emailed the photographs excavating holes looking for prey and record GPS coordinates. While it is nice are very helpful. Upload your find into 1. iNaturalist is a popular nature app where members record field observations at mention a badger, but no one had and related information—day and date, to create cover. Badger burrows are to have the GPS coordinates, if you iNaturalist1. Do your own research. It’s http://www.inaturalist.org/. actually documented its existence. time, location—to Melanie Tluczek, relatively large and are generally wider aren’t able to get those, record the trail, a great way to learn. Use the internet. than they are tall—similar to the shape of the animals themselves. Fresh piles of dirt may indicate recent hunting. Badgers sometimes cooperate with coyotes in hunting, using the different hunting styles (above ground for coyotes and below ground for badgers) to increase success. So how do you document the existence of a plant or animal in the Preserve? Be aware of your surround-

Although peaceful looking in this photo, badgers Badgers live in open areas and at the edges of ings. I did not seek out the badger; The badger digs a den to live in, but also digs when hunting underground Using long claws, a female badger may dig a den that goes as deep as 10 feet can be ferocious and might attack other animals, woods. They find the loose soil in parts of the the badger found me. Pay attention to prey. It hunts mostly at night and preys on small rodents, insects, and snakes. below the surface. The den will contain many tunnels and several exits. Her even ones larger than themselves, when Sonoran Desert to be good places to build dens. The American badger ranges from Canada to Northern Mexico. A female’s brood is born sightless and lightly furred. The mother will nurse the young for threatened. Photo by Scott Sprague, Arizona Photo by Kerry Baldwin, Arizona Game and Fish what you are seeing. In most cases, I territory is about one-square mile, and the male’s is slightly larger. several months. The young remain with the mother until they are four to six Game and Fish Department Department Photo by Robert Coonrod months old. Photo by Robert Coonrod

20 21 stems. Others will produce clones on old Gila County, and Grand inflorescences—fruits drop off unfertilized Canyon. None of them, By Steve Jones, and, in their place on the stalk, small including murph, are botanist plantlets called bulbils develop. Bulbil- known in nature; they are producing plants are otherwise sterile and only known as cultivars. can be propagated only by clone. They are all of hybrid In 1994, on a group hike to the origin (agaves hybridize top of Thompson Peak, we stumbled freely) and do not Which Agaves Are in the Preserve? on a cluster of odd agaves, a species reproduce by seed, only gaves are a genus of succu- several to many plants. It’s found in I recognized immediately due to the by pups or bulbils. lent-leaved monocots1 usually found in two areas of Scottsdale’s McDowell bulbils on its panicled inflorescence. It’s Cultivated agaves hot and arid regions of southwestern Sonoran Preserve. There are scattered a Murphey’s agave (Agave murpheyi), are prepared for eating by North America, although some tropical populations in the upper reaches of a species usually found in association cutting the leaves off the species occur in Central and South the McDowell Mountain range along with Hohokam sites. Another common plant just before it sends America. They have been used by Tom’s Thumb and Lookout Trails, and name for it is Hohokam agave. The up its inflorescence. humans since humans first arrived in on Brown’s Mountain Trail, there is a cluster was much reduced but still alive The remaining stem is the area, providing food, fiber, and even single large colony at the saddle east in 2013, when I last visited it. swollen with polysac- liquor to successive civilizations. of the peak. I recognized it because it’s also charides in preparation The fruits of the Murphey’s agave drop unfertilized soon after flowering and are replaced by bulbils—clones of the parent plant. Photo by Steve Agaves can be divided into two Desert agave (Agave deserti ssp. a popular landscape plant around to feed the fast-growing Jones main groups based on their flower simplex) is found in southwestern the Phoenix Valley. Its prolific bulbil inflorescence. Baking stalks (inflorescences). Some have Arizona, but within the Preserve is only production makes it very easy to the stem breaks down A large population of Toumey’s agave grow where unbranching, spike-like (spicate) inflo- found in the McDowell Mountains Brown’s Mountain Trail crosses the saddle below propagate—just pop off a bulbil and the polysaccharides to ancestor was likely planted there when rescencesA while others have branched widely scattered on both the eastern the peak. Their inflorescences are visible in the plant it. If you see an agave with bulbils monosaccharides—simple sugars. The distance. Photo by Steve Jones the ranch was active. inflorescences called panicles. and western aspects of the range. Its on a branched inflorescence around baked stem is eaten fresh or beaten Toumey’s agave (Agave tall panicles are distinctive and reveal town, chances are it’s a “murph.” into cakes and dried for storage. This is 1. A monocotyledon, often called monocot, has one embryonic leaf (a cotyledon) in its There are several other agave chewed and, being full of tough fibers, toumeyana) is a small, spicate species its presence. seed. During germination, the cotyledon usually occurring in clumps of Agaves are semelparous—an species found only in association with the remaining quid is spat out. An grows into a plant leaf. individual plant archaeological sites in the Verde Valley, oft-inhabited cave found in Cave Creek that flowers once, is chock-full of these archeological then dies. Most quids. reproduce by A similar procedure—cutting off seed, but some leaves and baking—is used to begin also reproduce the process of converting agaves into by clones in one tequila and its cousin mescal. The of two forms. baked stems are crushed, and the liquid Around the base thus extracted is fermented and then of some plants, distilled. you can find One other agave found in the pups—offshoots Preserve was planted in the past. Near from the mother the cistern at the old Ochoa Ranch Desert agaves can be located by their remnant Note the pack rat nest (midden) at the center of the plant arising from panicle inflorescences, which can remain standing site along a climbers’ trail is a single This solitary American agave in Ochoa Canyon may photo. The agave in the foreground is a Murphey’s Toumey’s agave usually grow in tight clusters. All agave leaves end in sharp spines for years after shedding their seed. Photo by Steve be a holdover from ranching days. Photo by Steve agave growing in the Preserve. Photo by Steve Jones American agave (Agave americana). Its to protect them from herbivores. Photo by Steve Jones underground Jones Jones

22 23 The guided discovery hikes involve discovering the desert using all the senses. Hikers stop by a creo- sote bush to smell the pungent odor imparted by its Some Conservancy guided discovery hikes emphasize Sonoran Desert flora and fauna. This expert holds a cholla leaves. Photo by Lynne Russell ball and explains the life cycle of cholla cactus found throughout the Preserve. Photo by Lynne Russell

largest landslide in Arizona. There are the citizens of Scottsdale. The walks September through April and are posted fantastic family hikes that are geared and hikes vary from one to five miles on the calendar on the Conservancy’s toward kids, offering topics like “Tails in length with numerous educational website and in Conservancy publications. on the Trails” or “What Bird is That?” stops using all the senses to learn The hikes are also listed below. It’s all right here in our spectacular about the Preserve. The pace is The more one understands the Preserve for you and your family to leisurely, and the outings last from one outdoors, the more one enjoys and discover for free. to three hours, depending on the topic treasures it. Join us for an adventure The Conservancy has a varied and topography covered. Binoculars and your next hike will be all that more group of local experts who present are needed for bird walks but, other- invigorating with newfound under-

During wildflower season, the Conservancy offers guided discovery hikes with a wildflower expert. Photo by Lynne Russell these topics in the classroom of wise, just show up with good shoes, standing of the world surrounding you. the outdoors where one can touch, sun protection, water, and a thirst And it’s just a great way to get some see, hear, smell, and experience the for learning. The outings begin from exercise and be with energetic, fun wonders that have been preserved by the various Preserve trailheads from people.

Date Description 2018-2019 Time Trailhead Hours Miles Rating Return to Azatlan 11/8/2018 8:00 AM Rio Verde 4.0 4.0 Moderate By Art Ranz, How to Think Like a Citizen Scientist (Family) 11/11/2018 2:00 PM Gateway 2.0 1.5 Easy McDowell Sonoran Conservancy lead steward Guided discovery hikes to the ruins at Brown’s Yoga 11/12/2018 8:00 AM Lost Dog Wash 2.5 2.5 Moderate Ranch are quite popular. The guide, an expert in the history of the area, talks about ranching and Bird Walk 11/18/2018 8:00 AM Granite Mountain 2.0 3.0 Easy what life was like at Brown’s Ranch. Photo by Hike with Natural Resources Coordinator 11/19/2018 8:00 AM Brown’s Ranch 2.0 4.0 Easy Lynne Russell Biomimicry - Inspired by Nature 12/1/2018 9:00 AM Lost Dog Wash 2.5 2.5 Easy Fire in the Desert 12/4/2018 9:00 AM Tom’s Thumb 3.0 4.0 Moderate y wife and I had just Following up on his suggestion, I was the incredibly diverse array of plants, A Classroom with a View Mammoth Hunters to Canal Builders 12/6/2018 9:00 AM Brown’s Ranch 2.5 2.5 Easy moved to Scottsdale a few years back. in a McDowell Conservancy Steward birds, bugs, reptiles, and other animals Lifecycle of the Saguaro 12/9/2018 9:00 AM Granite Mountain 3.0 4.0 Easy We were sitting on a rock along the Orientation Class the next Saturday thrive in the Preserve. Discover the Tails on the Trails: Taking Your Dog on the Trail (Family) 12/9/2018 2:00 PM Lost Dog Wash 2.0 1.5 Easy Gateway Loop Trail in Scottsdale’s and attended my first of dozens of history of early Europeans coming to Hike with Natural Resources Coordinator 12/10/2018 9:00 AM Brown’s Ranch 2.0 4.0 Easy McDowell Sonoran Preserve when discovery hikes. the area as well as recent ranching and Geomorphology Bike Ride 12/16/2018 9:00 AM Brown's Ranch 2.5 12.0 Moderate a man in a blue shirt came up and What are discovery hikes? The the development of Scottsdale and all Mistletoe & Holly 12/19/2018 9:00 AM Brown’s Ranch 2.5 3.0 Easy introduced himself as Don, a steward. I Conservancy offers almost 50 educa- of its interactions with the elements Botany Hike 1/13/2019 9:00 AM Brown’s Ranch 4.0 5.0 Moderate mentioned to Don that I knew nothing tional hikes and walks per season, of nature in our area. Spend time How the Prehistoric Hohokam People Thrived in the about all these rocks and plants around covering a wide array of topics. Learn in the desert doing yoga or Tai Chi, Desert (Family) 1/13/2019 2:00 PM Gateway 1.5 1.5 Easy us. That’s when he gave me a card and how the Ancestral Pueblo people lived hearing poetry from Scottsdale’s poet Stoneman Road 1/19/2019 9:00 AM Brown's Ranch 3.5 4.6 Easy said, “I have just the program for you!” here, how the rocks formed, and how laureate, or learning about the second Bird Walk 1/20/2019 9:00 AM Tom’s Thumb 2.0 3.0 Easy

24 M 25

Three Easy Ways –Edward Abbey, Desert Solitaire to Support the Conservancy

“Wilderness is not a luxury but a necessity of the human spirit.” Shop from the comfort of your home and earn rewards for the cottsdale’s McDowell Sonoran Preserve is the largest urban preserve in North America McDowell Sonoran Conservancy and the fourth largest urban preserve in the world. Building on the legacy of our stewards using AmazonSmile. To link and their success, we press forward to establish ourselves as global leaders in conservation, your Amazon purchases STEM education for youth, and ecological research. to the Conservancy, visit Your Gifts in Action smile.amazon.com and select INTRODUCING THE NEW We hope you are inspired by our history and our vision for the future. “MCDOWELL SONORAN LAND CONSERVANCY” from Conservancy Coalition Joining the Conservancy Coalition directly impacts the following programs: their list of approved charities. 1. Stewardship and best practices in volunteer leadership and management: 2018-2019 • Conservation and trail maintenance • Adult education • User safety with daily patrols and guides Now you can support the S • Guided hike and bike tours with experts Photo by Dennis Eckel. Conservancy when you shop at • Donor recognition Fry’s by joining their Community 2. STEM education for youth and experiential learning: Rewards Program. Join the • Classroom curriculum program by visiting frysfood.com Mountain Lines magazine presents the diverse natural beauty • Field trips to the Preserve and selecting “Fry’s Community of Scottsdale’s McDowell Sonoran Preserve. It showcases the  Leader $5,000+ • Junior Citizens Science Festival Rewards” under “COMMUNITY” Conservancy’s work in research, education and stewardship of  Advocate $2,500–$4,499 at the bottom of the page. the land. Join the Conservancy Coalition! Your support ensures 3. Parsons Field Institute research projects:  Guardian $1,000–$2,499 our legacy and secures our future. • Assessing the impact of urban stressors and climate change on: Select “McDowell Sonoran  Ally $250–$999 ✧✧ Animals Conservancy” from their list of Please make checks payable to: eligible organizations. McDowell Sonoran Conservancy.  Friend $______✧✧ Birds ✧✧ Bats Name:______Facebook Fundraising ✧✧ Plants You can create a Facebook Address:______✧✧ Water fundraiser in support of the Email:______Phone:______• Improving best management practices in ecological restoration including: Conservancy. Just log into ✧✧ Native plants planning and development Credit Card No.______Exp ______/______CVC______Facebook and click “Fund- ✧ ✧ Trail restoration raiser” under “Create” in the ✧  Make my donation anonymous ✧ Invasive plant management left column. Click “Get Started” You can also make your gift online at www.mcdowellsonoran.org. Thank you! • Assessing viability of the Gooseneck Corridor: then choose” McDowell ✧✧ Wildlife connectivity (camera traps) Sonoran Land Conservancy” ✧✧ Acoustic monitoring from the dropdown list under The Circle of Friends has a new name! The “Conservancy Coalition” is our individual giving program. ✧✧ Neighborhood mapping “Nonprofit”. Share your McDowell Sonoran Conservancy is a non-profit 501 C3: TAX ID# 86-0674350 fundraiser with friends and family and let them know why The environment is where we all meet; where all have a mutual interest; you support our mission. it is the one thing we all share. 7729 E Greenway Road, Suite 100 • Scottsdale Arizona 85260 — Lady Bird Johnson Phone: 480-998-7971 • www.mcdowellsonoran.org Thank you for your support!

26 27 7729 East Greenway Road Suite 100 Scottsdale, AZ 85260 Photo by Dennis Eckel

Connect with us: • Know your limitations. Scottsdale’s McDowell Sonoran Preserve contains 215 miles of trails. Learn trail distances and difficulty, major trail intersections, and Preserve access Staypoints. It's Cool a great idea to andgrab a free Follow map, which are available at our trailheads. • Begin hydrating the day prior to your hike/exercise, an hour before your hike, and Theseduring and after. Safety Bring plenty ofTips water. The desert environment is very dry and hot. Don't let yourself become dehydrated. • Wear proper clothing that is lightweight and light color. Protect your head with a hat. Wear appropriate shoes. Many of the mountain area trails are uneven and rocky. • Wear sunblock. The sun is intense. • Take a working cell phone with a fully charged battery. Cell phone access is available in most of the Preserve, though you may have to walk to a higher elevation to get a signal. • Hike with a buddy. • Always tell someone where you are hiking and when you to plan to return. • While in the Preserve, you will see numbered trail markers that can help rescuers find you in an emergency. Pay attention to them as you hike or bike by.

PROTECTING OUR RESOURCES IS ALWAYS JOB ONE.

Northern Trust is proud to support the McDowell Sonoran Conservancy. For more than 125 years, we’ve been meeting our clients’ financial needs while nurturing a culture of caring and a commitment to invest in the communities we serve. Because you can’t grow without conservation.

FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT Doug Diehl, Wealth Strategist 14624 North Scottsdale Road, Suite 250 Scottsdale, AZ 85254 480-365-6708 [email protected] northerntrust.com

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