Desert Defenders
Desert Defenders aims to raise public awareness about invasive species, such as buffelgrass, within the City of Phoenix Parks and Preserves. This project includes a citizen science effort to map the location of invasive plants and pulling days at Piestewa Peak to engage and inform volunteers. Our goal is to work with the Central Arizona Conservation Alliance (CAZCA) on their ongoing Piestewa Invasive Species Pilot Project to gather data that helps the City of Phoenix Parks and Recreation make informed decisions on invasive species management. We will also emphasize the role of community engagement and education in monitoring and managing invasive plant species within Phoenix.
Penny Howe Trail
The Penny H. Howe Barrier Free Trail is in the North Mountain District of the Phoenix Mountain Preserve. The park trail loops through the North Mountain Park Picnic Area and is an easy, family-friendly, paved handicapped accessible hike. Named in honor of a dedicated volunteer, who committed much time and effort to the preservation of open space within the City of Phoenix, the trail was established in November 1993 and contains ramadas, grills, playgrounds, and baby stroller, and wheelchair accessible paved walkways is close to restrooms and offers areas for local flora exhibits with interpretive signage on flora and fauna.
The Restoration Project Currently in the planning stages, the restoration project intends to:
- Shore up the walkways using current technologies in drainage-friendly, naturally sustainable materials
- Replace irrigation systems
- Remove existing invasive fauna
- Install new native fauna
- Install new interpretive / informational signage
- Install new accessible benches and shade structure
Adopt a Park: North Mountain Preserve, Phoenix
AZSA works to complete park cleanups and conservation/trail maintenance work throughout the North Mountain Park. It is the most trafficked park in the Phoenix Metropolitan area.
At 2,104 feet, North Mountain, and 2,149 feet, Shaw Butte, are easily recognizable landmarks in the north valley skyline. The mountains offer a wide array of trail options for hikers of all abilities and bolster two of the best summit climbs in Phoenix.
AZSA is currently assisting the City of Phoenix in a large-scale project to clean up the park along 7th Street by the North Mountain Visitor Center to remove invasive species, clean up trash, remove low-hanging branches and overgrown vegetation, and beautify the park entrance to attract more visitors.
