October 7, 2019
Hello Hikers!
Today was our mid-time change so we are still opening at 5:45a, but closing is now 6:45p!
Our next upcoming Eagle Scout, Mateo is planning to do a gabion project at marker 29 on October 5th. YAY, the gabions are finally going to be installed to use up all of that rock there! I do wonder how many snakes have taken up residence in the rock pile though! Yikes! We thrive on these Eagle Scout projects, and really enjoy working with the young men who show initiative and have dedicated there childhood of Boy Scouts to this goal! During these projects the trail may be someone pinched in the area where the project is. So, the best thing to do when you are having to slow down or hike single file, is to give them a big ‘ol “THANK YOU!” If you are not aware, we have a plaque on the northwest side of the ramada, with every Eagle Scout who has accomplished their Eagle with the staff here at PPP! Take a look next time you visit! It is impressive!
And, speaking of snakes, it was a busy rattlesnake day this morning! The attached photo is it, a young one (there was only the 1 button on the tail that they are born with indicating that it was young enough that is has not yet ever shed) who was very camouflaged curled up into a footprint on the downslope side at marker 12! We were out there protecting the snake for a good 45 minutes, when it then decided to move into higher and safer ground! During the same time frame we had a sighting at #44 and #48 too!
The 2020 PPP calendars will be delivered the week of 9/20! This is a project that is funded by the Friends of Pinnacle Peak Park, and a fund raiser. We will begin selling them when they arrive at the same price as last year, 1 for $12/2 for $20. This year we ordered 550, which last year that same quantity was gone by the end of December! Don’t delay in purchasing yours!
The Jingle Hike at the park will be on December 7th! This is the program where Santa is at Grandview and children hike up to visit with him. The Friends have taken over the program which means that there are a few changes. It is now a free program, but registration is still required! We will be taking all of the reservations at the park over the phone or as a drop in, the same way that we do for astronomy and moonlight walks. There will be 3 different time slots, 9:00 am, 9:30 am and 10:00 am. There is an 8 family members limit per registration. However, the registration information that went out was incorrect. It states that registration will begin on Monday, October 8th, but that Monday is the 7th. SO, we will begin taking registration on Monday, October 7th.
The programs and presentations will be starting up again on the October 19th with the Phoenix Herpetological kicking off the season. They will be in the ramada from 10:00 am until noon that day. All of these programs are funded by the Friends of Pinnacle Peak.
We are still accepting volunteer applications through the end of the month!
NOW a little BAD NEWS . . . our dear, sweet Marilyn is planning to retire, with the 22nd being her last shift! Heartbreaking! Now that she has a new baby, (her puppy) Poppy, sheis leaving to be “stay at home mom”! Lucky Poppy!
Please let me know if you have any questions or concerns! Thank you! Have a great day!
Yvonne R. Massman
ymassman@scottsdaleaz.gov
Natural Resources Coordinator
Pinnacle Peak Park
McDowell Sonoran Preserve Central Area
Direct line) 480-312-7901
Office main line) 480-312-0990
To learn more about the Pinnacle Peak Park and the McDowell Sonoran Preserve,
log onto: www.scottsdaleaz.gov use the search box
“Sunset at Pinnacle Peak Grill” by Kimberly Coleman, 2018 Beautiful Skies Contest
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