MARCH 5, 2014

Take a Hike! And boost your knowledge of the Sonoran Desert

Space is limited for the four-week session
Bookmark and Share

NORTHVALLEY – The lure of the Sonoran Desert is strong, and so is the desire to protect this singularly beautiful place. Desert Foothills Land Trust (DFLT) is pleased to unveil a newly designed program called “Focus on the Foothills” to share the natural history of this special place with our community.

The interactive four-week course begins in March and presents a wealth of natural, cultural and historical knowledge which, if participants choose, prepares them for ongoing volunteer opportunities with DFLT.

Led by conservation director Vicki Preston, each session will include both classroom and trail time on DFLT preserves. Informative and entertaining subject matter experts for each course include local authors, archaeologists and geologists.

Preston explains, “This is a wonderful opportunity for those interested in learning more about the beautiful foothills that we call home. Upon completion of the course, participants may elect to become volunteer Preserve Stewards for the Land Trust, including the opportunity to continue to experience the rich natural history of these lands.”

Residents and fans of North Scottsdale, North Phoenix, Anthem, New River, Carefree and Cave Creek are invited to join like-minded neighbors to learn more about the rich heritage in our backyard. Sessions will be held on consecutive Saturdays from 9 a.m. – noon to allow working professionals to participate.

For session details visit www.dflt.org, click on the Activities tab, then Event Calendar.

March 8
Topic: Plant adaptations, mining history, desert riparian habitats
Preserve: Jewel of the Creek Preserve

March 15
Topic: History of homesteading, wildflowers
Preserve: P.A. Seitts Preserve

March 22
Topic: Geology
Preserve: Lone Mountain Preserve

March 29
Topic: Archaeology, history
Preserve: Preserve at the Cave

April 5 (optional Volunteer Preserve Steward training)
Topic: How to lead hikes and how to collect field data
Preserve: Carefree Galloway Wash Preserve

The $35 cost covers all course materials and includes a Desert Foothills Land Trust t-shirt upon completion. Participants aged 16 or older are welcome but space is limited to 15. To register, please visit www.dflt.org or call 480-488-6131.