It began with a few passionate activists. They formed the McDowell Sonoran Conservancy and fought to protect the mountains and desert of North Scottsdale, most of which was private land ripe for development. The grassroots effort continued to expand despite overwhelming odds. Political leaders got on board and Scottsdale residents voted not once but twice in favor of a sales tax increase to raise money to purchase land. The result is the largest urban preserve in the United States, a crown jewel of city planning and a reminder that just a few determined people can make a difference.

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