McDowell Sonoran Conservancy Field Institute – Student Volunteer Opportunities

McDowell Sonoran Conservancy Field Institute

1.) Restoring Native Vegetation on closed trails – an experimental approach: 

Description:

Trails that are closed often leave visible scars on the landscape, which can be mitigated using a variety of restoration techniques. However, very little is known about the effectiveness of the various techniques, especially in the Sonoran Desert. The purpose of this study is to test various restoration techniques on trails that are being closed, in order to develop best practives and methods for restoring closed trails to natural condition in Scottsdale’s McDowell Sonoran Preserve. This project requires hiking roughly 6-8 miles per day over moderately hilly terrain. Please contact Melanie at [email protected] to sign up for training. Training: February 18th (Saturday) 10AM – 11AM at Scottsdale Community College, SL 116. Field Dates: 8:00AM – 2:00PM on: February 21, 23, 25, 28, March 4. TRAINING REQUIRED.

2.) Raptor/Prairie Falcon Training

Description:

Tom’s Thumb, a favorite hiking and climbing destination spot in Scottsdale’s McDowell Sonoran Preserve, provides critical nesting habitat for several falcon species. Each year the Field Institute monitors nest occupancy and success, along with user compliance with temporary area closures. Great for building wildlife observation skills! This project requires a steep, 2.5 mile hike to the observation point. Please contact Melanie at [email protected] to sign up for training. Training: Falcon behavior and natural history – January 12, 6-8PM @ Scottsdale Community College, Science Lecture Building Room 116; Monitoring falcon nest success – January 19, 3-5PM @ McDowell Sonoran Preserve Gateway Trailhead. Fieldwork: Flexible, will be conducted 1-2 times per week during peak times between February – June 2017. Volunteers will need to sign up for field dates on a monthly basis via doodle poll. TRAINING REQUIRED.

3.) Fountain grass and buffelgrass removal experiment:

Description:

Fountain grass and buffelgrass are two recently introduced and highly prolific plants that are shown to have a negative effect on native plant biodiversity as well as Sonoran Desert tortoise habitat. In the spring of 2017, we will initiate several large-scale, experimental removals of the two grass species in an attempt to determine the most efficient and effective removal techniques, while having the least impact on native vegetation. This project involves hiking ranging from moderate to difficult. Please contact Melanie at [email protected] to sign up for training. Training: Training for non-native grass field studies – February 9, 1:00-2:30PM @ Scottsdale Community College, Natural Science Building Room 205; Bunchgrass Workshop – February 9, 10:00-11:30AM @ Scottsdale Community College, Natural Science Building Room 205. Fieldwork: Fieldwork will start in late February and continue through the end of March on both weekends and Saturdays. TRAINING REQUIRED.

4.) Plant lifecycle (Phenology) study in-the-field training

Description:

Phenology is nature;s calendar – when saguaros bloom, white-winged doves build nests and young leaves appear on a velvet mesquite. This study will help assess the effects of global environmental change, such as long term drought and urban nutrient deposition, on the life cycle of Sonoran Desert Plants.

Training: (no prior training necessary)

January 16 & February 13, 9-10:30AM @ McDowell Sonoran Preserve’s Brown’s Ranch Trailhead

January 18 & February 15, 9-10:30AM @ McDowell Sonoran Preserve’s Gateway Trailhead

January 20 & February 16, 9-10:30AM @ McDowell Sonoran Preserve’s Lost Dog Trailhead