The city of Scottsdale marked significant progress in 2025 across the Scottsdale McDowell Sonoran Preserve and Pinnacle Peak Park, advancing Park and Preserve Tax priorities focused on wildfire mitigation, invasive species management, habitat restoration and enhanced visitor experiences.

Together, the Preserve and Pinnacle Peak Park welcome more than 1.5 million visitors each year.

“Continued investment in these protected desert spaces is critical to preserving the Sonoran Desert while ensuring safe and meaningful access for the community,” Preserve Director Jenna Kohl said.

Wildfire mitigation and fuel reduction

As part of ongoing wildfire mitigation efforts, the city reduced fire risk across key areas of the Preserve through mechanical thinning and vegetation treatments. Using $176,500 in Healthy Forest Initiative funding, crews mechanically thinned 38 acres, with an additional 11.6 acres treated using Proposition 490 funds. Notable work occurred near the Tom’s Thumb Trailhead, improving safety and resilience for both visitors and wildlife.

The city also expanded its fuel-break system to slow potential wildfire spread. In April, Scottsdale City Council approved the Invasive Fine Fuel Breaks Phase I grant. By November, more than 67 acres in the Preserve’s Northern and Central regions were treated with pre-emergent herbicide to create strategic fuel breaks that increase spacing between vegetation.

Invasive species management and habitat restoration

In partnership with the McDowell Sonoran Conservancy, the city completed critical multi-year efforts to control invasive grasses and restore native habitat. In May, the city and Conservancy finished the Protect Our Desert Phase II grant project.

From 2023 through 2025, a total of 734.2 acres of invasive Pennisetum grasses were treated under the city’s five-year Pennisetum Management Plan, launched in 2022. Work included helicopter-assisted water hauls, supported by Conservancy volunteers, allowing crews to reach remote areas of the Preserve.

Restoration efforts also continued in areas impacted by the Diamond Fire. The city and Conservancy restored more than 63 acres of damaged land, planting more than 400 native Sonoran Desert plants, establishing restoration islands, and distributing native seeds and seed balls to support natural recovery.

Visitor education, safety and community engagement

Efforts to improve visitor education and safety continued in 2025. The Bajada Trail received updated interpretive signage reflecting current environmental data, including changes in seasonal temperature ranges since the original signs were installed.

At Pinnacle Peak Park, the city expanded community programming and celebrated long-standing traditions. Two new special events were introduced, drawing more than 1,000 participants who connected with park staff and learned about the Sonoran Desert ecosystem. The park also hosted what is believed to be its 18th annual Jingle Hike this month, continuing a popular community tradition.

Science-based conservation

The McDowell Sonoran Conservancy completed biodiversity monitoring for arthropods, bats, birds, butterflies and tortoises, providing data that supports long-term conservation planning and adaptive management across the Preserve.

Scottsdale officials thanked the McDowell Sonoran Conservancy, volunteers, partner organizations and community members for their continued support of these irreplaceable natural resources.

For more information about the Scottsdale McDowell Sonoran Preserve or Pinnacle Peak Park,  visit ScottsdaleAZ.gov.