Desert Foothills Land Trust set for annual meeting

STAFF REPORT~ 1/18/2012

The Desert Foothills Land Trust will host its annual meeting at 5:30 p.m., Jan. 25 at the Spirit in the Desert Retreat Center.
Grace Schoonover, with the Desert Foothills Chapter of the Arizona Archaeological Society will speak about the types of archaeological resources found in the area, as well as ways the Society and Land Trust are working to protect them. Representatives from the Land Trust will also share information about their activities in 2011 and goals for 2012, as well as elect new board members. 
Other upcoming events include a volunteer orientation session on Feb. 2.  Land Trust representatives will share information about the organization and volunteer opportunities, including assistance with special events and office activities, as well as workdays on preserved lands.  The orientation session is a review for current volunteers and an overview for those considering volunteering. Registration for the session is requested by Jan. 31. 
Additionally, for those particularly interested in land stewardship and management activities, the Land Trust is offering six in-depth Steward and Docent Training classes, which will cover natural history, geology, invasive species and other topics related to preserve management and outreach activities. Stewards and Docents must complete all six courses, plus the volunteer orientation session. Upon completion of the training, Stewards and Docents have the opportunity to "adopt" a preserve to assist the Land Trust with monitoring and management activities, lead guided hikes and provide preserve visitors with information. These sessions take place Thursday mornings from February 16 to March 22. Space is limited and reservations are required.
The Land Trust is also continuing their winter and spring hike series with guided hikes scheduled almost every weekend through late April. Many of these hikes visit preserves that are privately owned and are only able to be visited by the public with one of the Land Trust’s representatives. Experienced docents and hike leaders can provide information on local natural history and the Land Trust’s activities.  Hikes are free, but space is limited and registration is required.  
To view a list of upcoming hikes go to dflt.org/hikes.php for the latest information. Registration for guided hikes is required. Please e-mail the Land Trust at hikes@dflt.org at least one day before the hike with the number of people who would like to attend. This allows the Land Trust to share the meeting location, directions, special instructions or cancelations with you.
The annual meeting takes place at 7415 E. Elbow Bend Road in Carefree. The volunteer orientation sessions are at the Desert Foothills Land Trust office at 7518 E. Elbow Bend Road in Carefree. Those interested in attending are asked to RSVP at 480-488-6131 or mwarren@dflt.org by Tuesday.