Scottsdale's McDowell Sonoran Preserve Celebrates its 25th Anniversary

Published 2023-06-12

On Oct. 3, 1994, the Scottsdale City Council took a historic step when it passed Resolution No. 4103, formally establishing the McDowell Sonoran Preserve. The “Day One” preserve was 4.5 square miles, or 2,860 acres, consisting of three parcels of city land.

Since then, Scottsdale voters have provided the financial backing to grow the McDowell Sonoran Preserve into a permanently protected Sonoran Desert habitat encompassing nearly 48 square miles (30,500 acres) with direct connections to the Tonto National Forest and Maricopa County’s McDowell Mountain Regional Park.

This is a video tribute to the Preserve Pioneers who helped lead the community in this historic achievement.

Learn the full history of Scottsdale's McDowell Sonoran Preserve here:
https://www.scottsdaleaz.gov/preserve/preserve-history

McDowell Sonoran Conservancy:
https://www.mcdowellsonoran.org/