McDowell Sonoran Conservancy

McDowell Sonoran Conservancy

Formation	1991; 33 years ago (1991)
Type	Conservation organization
Tax ID no.	86-0674350
Legal status	501(c)(3)
Headquarters	Scottsdale, Arizona
Location	United States
Region served	McDowell Sonoran Preserve
Board Chair	Mark Winkleman
Chief Executive Officer	Amanda Hofmann-Handy
Board of directors	Margie Traylor; Cynthia Bozik; Melissa Barker; Travis Childs; Karen Churchard; Diane Enos; Art Ranz; Jane Rau; Mike Savastio; Peter Schlosser; Benjamin L. Tate; Carrie Ulvestad; Mark Winkleman; Melinda Xanthos; Mike D'Andrea; Melissa Guardaro; Bill Hahn; Pete Hathaway; Eric Leshinskie; Frank Pugh; Mike Roberts; Amrita Sahasrabudhe; Scott Weiss; John Zikias
Volunteers	650
Website	https://www.mcdowellsonoran.org/

The McDowell Sonoran Conservancy (The Conservancy)^[1] is an independent non-profit 501(c)(3) conservation organization. Its published mission is to “champion the sustainability of the McDowell Sonoran Preserve (The Preserve)^[2] for the benefit of this and future generations. As stewards, we connect the community to the Preserve through education, research, advocacy, partnerships and safe, respectful access.” The McDowell Sonoran Preserve is the largest urban preserve in the U.S. (List of urban parks by size), located within the city limits of Scottsdale, Arizona. It encompasses more than 30,580-acre (12,380 ha) of upper Sonoran Desert, including large portions of the McDowell Mountains.

The McDowell Sonoran Conservancy, in partnership with the City of Scottsdale, provides for stewardship of the land within the McDowell Sonoran Preserve. A small paid staff works with volunteers, known as stewards, from the McDowell Sonoran Conservancy to assist the city staff. These services and activities include a volunteer stewardship program (see below), scientific and historical research, advocacy, and other activities that promote the use, protection, and enhancement of the Preserve.