McDowell Sonoran Conservancy
| Formation | 1991 |
|---|---|
| Type | Conservation organization |
| 86-0674350 | |
| Legal status | 501(c)(3) |
| Headquarters | 25941 N 77th St, Ste 2, Scottsdale, Arizona |
| Location | |
Region served | McDowell Sonoran Preserve |
Board Chair | Melinda Xanthos (Acting) |
Chief Executive Officer | Angy Shearer, Mike Roberts (Interim) |
| Margie Traylor; Karen Churchard; Mike Savastio; Benjamin L. Tate; Melinda Xanthos; Mike D'Andrea; Bill Hahn; Pete Hathaway; Mike Roberts; Amrita Sahasrabudhe; Scott Weiss; John Zikias | |
| Volunteers | 650 |
| Website | https://www.mcdowellsonoran.org/ |
The McDowell Sonoran Conservancy (The Conservancy) is an independent non-profit 501(c)(3) conservation organization. Its published mission is to “lead conservation in the McDowell Sonoran Preserve and enhance community well-being through stewardship, science, and education.” 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.