Save Our Sonoran Preserve

Mission: to protect the Integrity of the Sonoran Desert Preserve by advancing the goals and work of the Sonoran Desert Master Plan of 1998, advocating at the local and state levels, and educating the public and private interests on the value of the Preserve. .

Fast Facts

ESTABLISHED: 2018
EMPLOYEES: 5
PARTNER: Phoenix Sonoran Preserve

get involved!

  • JOIN the Facebook group to become a member and learn about volunteer opportunities! 

Q & A with Founder Dr. Gary Kirkilas

What does Save Our Sonoran Preserve do to support the Phoenix Sonoran Preserve?
We advocate at the local and state levels to maintain the protective measures already in place for the Preserve. This occurs primarily from rezoning requests from home developers attempting to change or remove the Desert Character Overlay and Edge guidelines zoning ordinances, both of which were developed in the creation of the Preserve. We also have adopted a stretch of road that runs along the Preserve and perform quarterly clean ups.

What makes the Preserve special?
The Sonoran Preserve is an oasis of natural beauty in the rapidly expanding suburban landscape of North Phoenix. The Preserve includes a variety of unique desert microecosystems, from creosote bush flats to large canyon-lined washes to beautiful saguaro-studded hillsides and mountainsides.

Why does the Preserve merit conservation?
As the Phoenix urban sprawl marches further north, it was imperative that the City of Phoenix preserve this land from development. In addition, it was also imperative to effectively manage the area immediately surrounding the Preserve to maintain the natural desert experience for users of the Preserve. 

What challenges are there to the health and future of the Preserve?
Home developers are consistently trying to remove protective zoning ordinances around the Preserve.

explore dixie mountain loop!

explore phoenix sonoran preserve!

more from arizona..

Spur Cross Ranch Conservation Area

Spur Cross Ranch Conservation Area

Spur Cross Ranch is the newest and only designated conservation area in the Maricopa County Parks and Recreation system. Despite its small size, the variety of habitat is host to a myriad wildlife, with expansive recreation opportunities that will make you forget this unit is only 2,154 acres!

Cave Creek Regional Park

Cave Creek Regional Park

What it lacks in acreage (and the creek for which it is named), Cave Creek Regional Park north of Phoenix more than makes up in recreational opportunities, from guided horseback rides to archery lessons, hiking to stargazing (telescope included)!

Lake Pleasant Regional Park

Lake Pleasant Regional Park

The only water-based park administered by Maricopa County is also its most popular – at Lake Pleasant Regional Park northwest of Phoenix, you can fish, water ski, even scuba dive in addition to hiking, camping, and stargazing in the park’s almost 25,000 acres!

Spur Cross Ranch Conservation Area

Spur Cross Ranch Conservation Area

Spur Cross Ranch is the newest and only designated conservation area in the Maricopa County Parks and Recreation system. Despite its small size, the variety of habitat is host to a myriad wildlife, with expansive recreation opportunities that will make you forget this unit is only 2,154 acres!

Cave Creek Regional Park

Cave Creek Regional Park

What it lacks in acreage (and the creek for which it is named), Cave Creek Regional Park north of Phoenix more than makes up in recreational opportunities, from guided horseback rides to archery lessons, hiking to stargazing (telescope included)!

Lake Pleasant Regional Park

Lake Pleasant Regional Park

The only water-based park administered by Maricopa County is also its most popular – at Lake Pleasant Regional Park northwest of Phoenix, you can fish, water ski, even scuba dive in addition to hiking, camping, and stargazing in the park’s almost 25,000 acres!

Red Rock – Secret Mountain Wilderness

Red Rock – Secret Mountain Wilderness

Stunning natural red rock arches, pinnacles, and deep sandstone canyons characterize this easily-accessible designated wilderness right outside Sedona, Arizona.