Staff Writer | Mayor of Scottsdale
Scottsdale advanced key open space priorities in 2025, focusing on wildfire mitigation, invasive species control, habitat restoration and improved visitor experiences across the McDowell Sonoran Preserve and Pinnacle Peak Park.
Combined the Preserve and Pinnacle Peak Park draws more than 1.5 million visitors annually, city officials report.
“Scottsdale’s commitment to protecting our natural resources is unwavering,” Mayor Lisa Borowsky said. “These investments ensure the Sonoran Desert remains a safe, vibrant and accessible treasure for generations to come.”
Championed by Mayor Borowsky, Scottsdale is reducing wildfire risk through mechanical thinning and vegetation treatments, using $176,500 in Healthy Forest Initiative funding to thin 38 acres and Proposition 490 funds for another 11.6 acres near Tom’s Thumb Trailhead, according to a press release.
Scottsdale also expanded its fuel-break system, treating more than 67 acres with pre-emergent herbicide to slow potential wildfire spread, the release states.
In partnership with the McDowell Sonoran Conservancy, from 2023 through 2025, crews treated 734.2 acres of invasive Pennisetum grasses under a five-year management plan launched in 2022. Restoration continued in areas damaged by the Diamond Fire, with more than 63 acres rehabilitated and 400 native plants installed.
Visitor education and engagement also grew.
The Bajada Trail received updated interpretive signage, and Pinnacle Peak Park introduced two new community events, city officials report, drew more than 1,000 participants, while continuing traditions such as its annual Jingle Hike.
Of Note: The McDowell Sonoran Conservancy completed biodiversity monitoring for arthropods, bats, birds, butterflies and tortoises, providing data to guide long-term conservation planning.
