June 2021
The Land Connection
news from Desert Foothills Land Trust
Greetings!

Yep, I am going to say it, the most overstated phrase of the last year (no, it’s not “you’re on mute”) – 2020 was a rough year. The past year challenged us in so many ways and forced us to reinvent how to live, thrive and find happiness. We had to find new ways to stay connected to family and friends despite lockdowns, map a course to navigate working from home and online school schedules, show support for our community while facing so much of our own personal struggles, and if lucky, find a reprieve in nature as an escape from it all.

Mother Nature has always been there for us, but we as of late, had neglected her until we were forced to rekindle our connection due to the pandemic. Though challenging at times, the dramatic influx of visitors to our preserves, trails and open spaces was a most welcome sight. This is why we do what we do – why we work to protect the landscape we all love – to ensure it will be there for us today, for future generations, and all the times in between when we need it most. And despite the craziness that ensued the past year, we were able to remain steadfast and focused on our mission, and successfully acquired an additional 235 acres of our beautiful Sonoran Desert.

If this past year showed us anything, it proved how much “good” is possible when we work together, and care for and support each other. I am deeply grateful to, and inspired by you - our volunteers, champions, and friends who continue to tirelessly support the Land Trust. We truly miss you all! Here in the office, we look forward to a busy summer of planning exciting hikes, events, presentations and many more opportunities for you to find your connection to nature this fall.

With thanks,
Vicki Preston
Executive Director
Path to Connect
connecting people to nature
Opportunities to connect coming soon!
Stay tuned. The guided tour schedule to the Cave of Cave Creek, Jewel of the Creek Preserve, "Boothill" Cemetery and more will be released early this September.

Mark your calendar. Desert Discovery Day has been scheduled for Saturday, November 13, 10 am - 2 pm at the Jewel of the Creek Preserve. Details coming soon!
Leave No Trace - Appreciate AZ
"The beauty of nature will only last as long as we care to protect it."
Arizona Office of Tourism promotes appreciation for our natural lands.
Spending time in nature has undeniable benefits for our overall physical and mental well being, but what impact does our presence have on nature? Recently trail and land managers throughout Arizona have been challenged with an unprecedented influx of use on our trails and recreational sites. Which poses the question - is this heavy use sustainable? Hopefully the answer is "yes", if we're able to promote a clear message on how to enjoy a connection with nature by becoming a partner in its protection.

The Arizona Office of Tourism in partnership with the Leave No Trace Center for Outdoor Ethics has taken a step toward sustainable use by developing seven principles of appreciation for visitors to follow while enjoying Arizona's iconic natural features and destinations. These principles are being promoted by organizations, like the Land Trust, all across the state to help educate and guide visitors and residents on how to recreate in nature responsibly. By getting the public to embrace the "leave no trace" message we are one step closer to ensuring that the outdoor experiences that we enjoy today will still be appreciated for generations to come.

Summertime Fun
Looking for fun things to do this summer? Come out to the west side of Cave Creek on the first Saturday of each month for a family-friendly block party. Eat, drink and play all while supporting local businesses and nonprofits.
Look for Desert Foothills Land Trust at Local Jonny's on August 7.

We hope to see you there!
Our Force for Nature
directors, docents, stewards and volunteers
Meet Land Trust Volunteer and Champion, Ash Adams
Ash Adams is a Certified Pilates Instructor, owner of Just Breathe Pilates in Carefree, and a founding champion of the Land Trust's Prescription for Nature program. Personally and professionally, she believes that time spent in nature and mindful movement makes for a stronger and healthier you. Specializing in spine corrective/therapeutic programs, she designs highly individualized sessions for each client to create proper body and muscle alignment, helping them obtain their fitness goals, and enjoy an active lifestyle. She explains that Pilates is about restoring and maintaining the health of your body through the enjoyment of movement, keeping you free from pain and active so you can keep doing what you love. For Ash, her love is simply spending time outdoors, but she particularly likes hiking, camping, traveling, sailing, parachuting and anything that has to do with flying. Like Pilates, she believes that nature has a positive effect on your overall well-being, one of the many reasons that she became involved with Desert Foothills Land Trust.

Read more . . .
Pictured above: Ash Adams and a colleague demonstrate Pilates movements at the Jewel of the Creek preserve.
Fundamentals
the trail head to sustainability
The Land Trust wanted to take a moment to say “thank you” to all of YOU – our dedicated supporters, board members, volunteers, community leaders and businesses!

To say the last 15 months have been “odd” is definitely an understatement! Stores closed, and schools moved online. We relied on online shopping for our essentials and Zoom for our business meetings and doctor appointments. 

Yet, during this time of change, YOU remained dedicated to the Land Trust. Your support kept the Land Trust open throughout the pandemic. Your generosity continued to safeguard our beautiful Sonoran Desert foothills by expanding our preserved lands by an additional 235 acres. Thank you!
2020 Sonoran Guardians
The Land Trust is especially grateful for our amazing Sonoran Guardians, a dedicated group of supporters who are committed to conserving important natural areas of the Sonoran Desert for future generations. These donors have made a generous annual contribution of $1,500.00 or more during 2020. Click here to view the Sonoran Guardian list.

If you would like to learn more about becoming a Sonoran Guardian, Legacy Circle Member, or a sustaining supporter please call 480-488-6131 ext. 202 or email Becky with any questions.
Tribute Gifts - The Perfect Way to Celebrate Graduations and Birthdays
Celebrate that special person in your life and make a lasting impact for our fragile Sonoran Desert with a tribute gift! You can honor milestones like birthdays, anniversaries, bar or bat mitzvahs, weddings, and graduations, or just simply show someone that you are thinking about them. You can also pay tribute to a group of people or to an organization.

To make your tribute gift, visit our donation page. In the Additional Information section, choose “I would like to dedicate this donation to someone”. Simply provide your loved one’s name and how to notify your honoree or their family. We will send a card announcing your thoughtful tribute. Feel free to add a specific message to your loved one in the “Notes” section.

Celebrate the important people in your life and make a lasting impact for our fragile Sonoran Desert.