The Desert Foothills Land Trust and the Holland Center are hosting a panel discussion titled “Your Community Parks” as part of the Foothills Speaker Series. The event is scheduled for Tuesday, November 4, at 6:00 PM at the Holland Center in Scottsdale. The discussion will feature leaders from major regional park systems, including Sarah Webber, Deputy Director of Arizona State Parks and Trails; Jennifer Waller, Director of Maricopa County Parks; and Claire Miller, Preserve Supervisor of City of Phoenix Parks.
Each leader will present information about their respective park organizations, followed by a collaborative discussion and a question-and-answer session with the audience. The event aims to inform attendees about the variety of parks and recreational opportunities available locally, as well as the distinctions between parks and nature preserves.
Vicki Preston, President and CEO of Desert Foothills Land Trust, stated, “Parks serve as vital community assets that enhance quality of life, promote physical and mental well-being, and preserve our natural heritage. This panel brings together expertise from our local parks systems to help residents better understand and utilize these incredible resources.”
The Foothills Speaker Series is a collaborative initiative between Desert Foothills Land Trust and the Holland Center. It offers free educational programs that connect residents with the natural and cultural heritage of the Sonoran Desert. The series features lectures on local ecology, cultural history, and outdoor recreation to promote lifelong learning and community engagement.
The Holland Center provides a range of programs for area residents, including classes, arts exhibits, and community theater, aiming to foster a vibrant community in the Desert Foothills area. Desert Foothills Land Trust works with partners to conserve sensitive lands and species in the North Valley region. The organization has conserved nearly 1,100 acres across 29 preserves and was re-accredited by the Land Trust Accreditation Commission in 2022.
The event is free and open to the public, but registration is required due to limited seating. More information and registration details are available at dflt.org/speakerseries.

