As the cooler weather finds its way back into the Valley of the Sun many of us gravitate to the great outdoors in search of adventure. Desert Foothills Land Trust is a local nonprofit organization founded in 1991 that has protected nearly 750 acres on 25 preserves in the North Valley. Many of the Land Trust preserves are open to the public providing residents and visitors the opportunity to explore these special places in our beautiful Sonoran Desert.
The Land Trust connects people to nature through land acquisition and long-term stewardship, as well as events and activities that allow the community to use and enjoy the lands that have been protected. Future generations will benefit from this incredible legacy of conserved land!
One of the Land Trust’s most important community events will be held on November 17, 2018 at the Jewel of the Creek Preserve in Cave Creek. The public is invited to join the Land Trust to celebrate their seventh annual Desert Discovery Day as well as National Take a Hike Day. The day will include hands-on adventures along the Harry Dalton Trail. Participants will receive a discovery map to guide them on their hike as they learn about our local history, desert plants and native wildlife, meet some live animals, and join in other fun and healthy outdoor activities.
Other participating community organizations include the Arizona Archaeological Society, Cave Creek Museum, Desert Awareness Committee, Desert Foothills Family YMCA, Southwest Wildlife Conservation Center, Spur Cross Ranch Conservation Area and Wild At Heart.
” This event offers a unique outdoor experience for kids, families and people of all ages to learn about the unique Sonoran Desert we call home,” stated Land Trust executive director Vicki Preston. “We love to see the sheer excitement on the faces of the lucky gold panners who find a “nugget”, or the wide eyes of those seeing a great horned owl up close for the first time. Whether seasoned nature seekers or first time explorers, this really is an event that everyone can enjoy.”
As many as 400 people typically attend this free event, so you won’t want to miss the fun! Wear your hiking shoes and come prepared for a fun-filled, desert adventure. Details about the Land Trust and Desert Discovery Day are available at www.dflt.org.
Desert Discovery Day Event Details:
Date: Saturday, November 17, 2018
Time: 10 am – 2 pm
Location: Jewel of the Creek Preserve, Cave Creek, AZ
Cost: FREE!
Directions: The Jewel is located on Spur Cross Road, 4 miles north of Cave Creek Road. Parking is available at Spur Cross Ranch Conservation Area
Registration: None required, but groups of 10+ should contact DFLT to make the most of their visit
More information is available at www.dflt.org.
About Desert Foothills Land Trust:
Desert Foothills Land Trust works with landowners, communities and partners to protect the most special and important natural areas in the Arizona communities of Carefree, Cave Creek, North Scottsdale, North Phoenix, Anthem, Desert Hills and New River. The Land Trust has permanently protected nearly 750 acres on 25 preserves, many of which are open to the public for exploration and passive recreation. In 2010, the Land Trust was awarded accredited status by the national Land Trust Accreditation Commission – a mark of distinction in the land trust community. More information is available at www.dflt.org or 480‐488‐6131.
