The Holland Center and Desert Foothills Land Trust will host a public presentation on javelinas as part of the Foothills Speaker Series. The event is scheduled for January 6, 2026, at 6:00 PM at the Holland Center in Scottsdale. Admission is free, but registration is required due to limited seating.
Jeff Meyers, a wildlife biologist with the Arizona Game and Fish Department, will lead the presentation titled “Javelina.” He aims to address misconceptions about these animals. “Who are you calling a pig?” Meyers asks. He explains that while javelinas are often mistaken for pigs because of their appearance, they are actually Collared Peccaries and not pigs.
Javelinas are common throughout Arizona and are known for being visible in both urban and rural areas. However, many people do not fully understand their behavior or ecological role. The session will cover their history, social structure, adaptations to desert life, and advice on how residents can coexist with them.
The Foothills Speaker Series is an educational initiative organized by Desert Foothills Land Trust and the Holland Center. It provides free programs that connect community members with information about local ecology, cultural history, and recreation opportunities in the Sonoran Desert.
According to the press release, “The Holland Center enriches the Desert Foothills community by celebrating arts and culture, treasuring our desert environment, assisting those in need, and encouraging lifelong learning. The Center provides support, opportunity, and connection for area residents through diverse programs including intriguing classes, fine arts exhibits, community theatre, and more. Through these offerings, the Holland Center aims to foster a vibrant, engaged community in the Desert Foothills area.”
Desert Foothills Land Trust has conserved nearly 1,100 acres across 29 preserves in communities throughout Arizona’s North Valley region. The organization was re-accredited by the Land Trust Accreditation Commission in 2022.
For more details or to register for this event visit dflt.org/speakerseries.
