We always welcome volunteers to get involved with our projects. Please contact Ed Weigand for more information and to volunteer for surveys or projects. Telephone (480) 423-6731 or email: edward.weigand@sccmail.maricopa.edu
 |
BIODIVERSITY SITES: We are monitoring which plants and animals are inhabiting the campus of Scottsdale Community College and 6 other sites throughout the Valley. At these selected “biodiversity sites” we observe and document what species we see, and any nests or young. If possible, we photograph the species (not always easy with birds and insects because they move pretty fast!). Thus we are creating baseline data for future generations to compare past and present biodiversity (for example, we are interested in trends like declining populations, or increase in number of species, or the arrival of new invasive species). If you are a regular hiker and like to take a note-book and camera with you on nature walks, you can help us collect this data! |
 |
BURROWING OWL SURVEYS: SCC Campus is home to several pairs of Burrowing Owls who nest and breed here. Burrowing Owls are experts at finding homes in culverts, drainage pipes and other animal burrows rather than creating their own. Burrowing Owl nests have been identified on campus and have been surveyed for the past several years. SCC students survey each nest updating its status on a weekly basis to usage and possible breeding for each one. We are currently in need of student volunteers to help with the surveys. What a great way to spend an hour a week enjoying the natural beauty and animal life on campus while getting a little exercise along the way. |
 |
MCDOWELL SONORAN PRESERVE SURVEYS: The surveys will include flora and fauna baseline studies over a three year period. Flora studies are currently under way for year 1 and 2 followed by Fauna studies year 2 and 3. The data will provide a road map for the City of Scottsdale “future management plans” to ensure conservation of the preserve. The study provides a great opportunity for student field experience. |
 |
HEDGEHOG CACTUS RESTORATION PROJECT: We will be soon be growing hundreds of Hedgehog Cactus in our outdoor plant propagation yard. These will eventually be transplanted to a restoration site where land was previously cleared. Filling in empty desert space with native plants like cactus (which are drought tolerant) conserves water, helps prevent soil erosion, mud slides, and flooding, and provides a food source for native animals and pollinators. |