The city of Scottsdale reported notable progress in 2025 on several initiatives within the Scottsdale McDowell Sonoran Preserve and Pinnacle Peak Park. These efforts focused on wildfire mitigation, invasive species management, habitat restoration, and improvements to visitor experiences.
According to city officials, more than 1.5 million people visit the Preserve and Pinnacle Peak Park 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,” said Preserve Director Jenna Kohl.
Wildfire mitigation was a priority this year. The city used $176,500 from Healthy Forest Initiative funding to mechanically thin 38 acres of vegetation, with another 11.6 acres treated using Proposition 490 funds. This work included areas near Tom’s Thumb Trailhead to improve safety for visitors and wildlife. In April, the City Council approved a grant for invasive fine fuel breaks. By November, over 67 acres in the Northern and Central regions of the Preserve were treated with pre-emergent herbicide to create fuel breaks that help slow wildfires.
Invasive species management also advanced through collaboration with the McDowell Sonoran Conservancy. The city completed a multi-year project under the Protect Our Desert Phase II grant. Since launching its five-year Pennisetum Management Plan in 2022, crews have treated over 734 acres of invasive grasses between 2023 and 2025. Some remote areas were accessed using helicopter-assisted water hauls supported by volunteers.
Restoration activities continued in areas affected by the Diamond Fire, where more than 63 acres were restored with over 400 native plants planted and native seeds distributed.
Visitor education saw updates as well. The Bajada Trail received new interpretive signs reflecting current environmental data such as changes in seasonal temperatures since previous signage was installed.
At Pinnacle Peak Park, two new special events drew more than 1,000 participants who engaged with staff about the Sonoran Desert ecosystem. The park also hosted what is believed to be its eighteenth annual Jingle Hike event this month.
Science-based conservation efforts included biodiversity monitoring for arthropods, bats, birds, butterflies and tortoises by the McDowell Sonoran Conservancy to support long-term planning across the Preserve.
City officials expressed gratitude toward partners including volunteers and organizations supporting these natural resources.
Scottsdale has a history of fostering cultural activities alongside recreation spaces like parks as shown on its official history page. Its government operates under a council-manager structure responsible for legislative authority and appointments (source). The city covers about 185 square miles after expanding northward into desert lands (history page), serving residents since incorporation in June 1951 (history page). Scottsdale is located in Arizona’s Salt River Valley (history page) and has been recognized among America’s safest large cities (recognition page).
For additional information about these parks or ongoing projects visit ScottsdaleAZ.gov.
